According to a post by Tampa Bay Times sports writer Marc Topkin, Jeff Niemann will start the season on the Rays' rotation, while fellow pitcher Wade Davis will be sent to the bullpen.
#Rays make it official: Niemann in rotation, Davis in bullpen
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 27, 2012
Both pitchers started games for the Rays last season with Niemann earning an 11-7 with a 4.06 ERA in 23 starts and Davis going 11-10 with a 4.45 ERA in 29 starts.
Part of the reason for this shift was the emergence of pitcher Matt Moore towards the end of last season. After being called up in September and defeating the Texas Rangers in game one of the ALDS he earned a spot on Tampa Bay's rotation. James Shields, David Price and reigning AL rookie of the year Jeremy Hellickson round out the Rays' rotation.
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