Niemann leaves with injury

Former Biscuits pitcher Jeff Niemann faced only one batter tonight in Class AAA Durham's game at Indianapolis. Niemann threw just five pitches.

The 6-foot-9 right-hander hasn't missed a start in more than a year. Niemann joined the Biscuits from extended spring training halfway through last season and helped Montgomery to the Southern League championship. (He did leave the Arizona Fall League early due to a family funeral.)

Niemann leads the International League in victories. He's 11-5 with a 3.90 ERA in 115 1/3 innings.

8:10 p.m. UPDATE: The St. Petersburg Times' Marc Topkin is reporting that the Rays say it was "a precaution due to right shoulder fatigue" and that "early reports are fairly positive."