ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Jeff Niemann has left his start early due to back tightness.
Niemann was pulled after four innings of Wednesday night’s game against Toronto as a precaution. He gave up three runs and six hits during a 62-pitch outing.
Since returning from a strained right shoulder last August, Niemann has allowed 56 earned runs over 63 2-3 innings in 13 starts.
Andy Sonnanstine replaced Niemann to start the fifth.