Maddon: Rays' Niemann gets no respect

Jeff Niemann will take the mound tonight at Target Field in Minneapolis with the fourth-best ERA (2.72) and the fifth-best winning percentage (.750) in the American League and zero respect, according to Manager Joe Maddon.

"I know they're not going to talk a lot about him, but he should also be considered for this All-Star Team," Maddon said. "He's been that good. Just look at his numbers."

Niemann is 6-2 in 15 starts. He's had one bad outing this season and the Rays rallied to win that game. He was the victim of tough luck his last time out when he found himself the losing pitcher in Edwin Jackson's no-hitter despite allowing one run in 72/3 innings.

"He's been as consistent as anybody on this team, whether it's a pitcher or position player," Maddon said.

The reason for that, Maddon said, is simple.

"Because he throws strikes and his ball's got great movement and he's able to throw other pitches for strikes," Maddon said. "He's just got great command, and he's got more weapons than anybody on our staff."

Niemann can throw five pitches for strikes - fastball, curve, slider, cutter and change-up.

David Price, who leads the AL in wins (11) and ERA (2.44), is being mentioned as the possible starter for the American League team. Evan Longoria will be the starting third baseman, and Carl Crawford is hanging on to the last outfield spot in the fan voting. Closer Rafael Soriano, who converted his first 18 save opportunities, should also represent the Rays at the All-Star Game on July 13 in Anaheim.

Maddon thinks the Rays should have one more representative - Niemann.

"He's good, but nobody talks about him," Maddon said. "And he's so big you would think that people would talk about him."

Oh, the irony of it

B.J. Upton was in Wednesday's lineup but pulled himself because of a right quad injury suffered while running a double into a triple during Tuesday's loss.

Maddon said Upton complained the quad was sore Tuesday night. He tried running on it Wednesday before batting practice, but it was still sore.

Maddon said Upton could be used in the game as a pinch-hitter, but kept him out of the starting lineup for precaution.

C.C. to play through

Crawford said his strained left shoulder didn't feel any worse after making several throws from the outfield Tuesday night.

"It's the same," he said before Wednesday's game. "It's probably going to take a while until it feels better, so I might as well battle through it."

Hello, Target Field

The Rays go from playing in the oldest ballpark in the majors to the newest when they open a four-game series tonight with the Twins.

"Coming up I remember standing there at home plate when they were building (Target Field) so now that it's all done, I'm excited to see how it turned out," Jason Bartlett said.