PLAYING TIME: Looking at AL East fifth-starter battles

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Niemann pulling ahead of Wade Davis?

With phenom Matt Moore (LHP, TAM) presumed to have a rotation spot locked up, one slot remains for relative veterans Jeff Niemann (RHP, TAM) or Wade Davis (RHP, TAM). While Davis made clear earlier this spring that he would not exactly welcome being moved to the bullpen, he didn't help his cause with a sub-par outing March 10 (2 2/3 IP, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 H, 4 BB, 2 K). How do these two pitchers' larger body of work stack up?

2011     xERA    G/L/F   Ctl  Dom  Cmd  HR/9  BPV  DOM/DIS
=======  ====  ========  ===  ===  ===  ===   ===  =======
Davis	 4.67  36/21/43  3.1  5.1  1.7  1.1    23   38/21
Niemann  3.61  46/20/34  2.5  7.0  2.8  1.2    83   61/30

Davis' protestations and...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Today

Carlos Cortes (pictured) is among the players that will likely get a PT boost as a result of Tyler Soderstrom's injury. Plus Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Dansby Swanson head to the IL.
Aug 17 2026 8:26am
Byron Buxton was activated off the IL; Colt Emerson heads to the same; Joshua Báez finally gets the call, and more.
Aug 15 2026 9:15am
Corey Julks was recalled from Triple-A upon Riley Greene's injury. Plus Kyle Karros heads to concussion IL; Mikolas let go in Washington, and more.
Aug 13 2026 9:24am
All the roster implications of a couple IL returnees—Blake Snell, Nick Lodolo—as well as Kyle Stowers to the IL and Zac Veen callup lead our PT coverage.
Aug 12 2026 9:47am
With Devin Williams headed to the IL with a shoulder strain, Kodai Senga could be part of the committee to replace him. Plus playing time ripples from news on Gelof, Soroka, Eovaldi and more.
Aug 11 2026 9:35am

Tools