It's not as impressive as Jason Hammel's performance against the major league Cincinnati Reds, but in todays's intrasquad Triple-A game, Niemann did his best in his final shot to impress Andrew Friedman and Joe Maddon.
RHP Jeff Niemann, vying for that fifth starter spot, was impressive in an intrasquad Triple-A game Monday, throwing six scoreless innings, giving up four hits and no walks, while striking out six. He threw 68 pitches.--Heater
Hammel threw five shutout innings on Saturday giving up just two hits and a walk while strikeout out four. A decision on who will be the fifth starter could come as soon as this afternoon.
B.J. Upton went 0-4 with 2K's in the game and played five innings of defense.