On Wednesday Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon said RHP Alex Cobb probably has three starts left. The team historically is cautious with young pitchers and Cobb is nearing his maximum workload for the year. Today the Rays announced Chris Archer will join the team Friday.
Archer will likely begin in the bullpen and then be used as a spot starter later in the season when Cobb is shut down.
Jeff Niemann was originally in the Rays’ plans for September pitching, but left his start on September 1st with rotator cuff information.
Niemann got good news on his shoulder Wednesday after an examination by Dr. James Andrews. Niemann is expected to resume throwing in a couple of weeks and could return this season.
