by ARLINGTON, Texas -- Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Jeff Niemann will have shoulder surgery this week that could end his season.
After visiting Texas Rangers team physician Keith Meister on Monday for a second opinion, Niemann opted for surgery to repair his labrum and rotator cuff over resting his right shoulder.
Rays trainer Ron Porterfield says Niemann's surgery will likely be scheduled for Wednesday. He said the surgery will "more than likely" end the pitcher's season, according to the Tampa Tribune.
"He feels he can't compete at this level without [the surgery]," Porterfield said, according to the newspaper. "He feels like right now it's bothering him too much that he just doesn't have his confidence that he can do what he needs to do."
Niemann went 2-3 with a 3.08 ERA in eight starts in 2012. He broke his right leg last May and returned Sept. 1, only to leave that game with shoulder problems.
The 30-year-old Niemann was moved to the bullpen in spring training. Tampa Bay placed Niemann on the disabled list on Friday with right shoulder soreness.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
After visiting Texas Rangers team physician Keith Meister on Monday for a second opinion, Niemann opted for surgery to repair his labrum and rotator cuff over resting his right shoulder.
Rays trainer Ron Porterfield says Niemann's surgery will likely be scheduled for Wednesday. He said the surgery will "more than likely" end the pitcher's season, according to the Tampa Tribune.
"He feels he can't compete at this level without [the surgery]," Porterfield said, according to the newspaper. "He feels like right now it's bothering him too much that he just doesn't have his confidence that he can do what he needs to do."
Niemann went 2-3 with a 3.08 ERA in eight starts in 2012. He broke his right leg last May and returned Sept. 1, only to leave that game with shoulder problems.
The 30-year-old Niemann was moved to the bullpen in spring training. Tampa Bay placed Niemann on the disabled list on Friday with right shoulder soreness.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
