Rays starter Niemann left off postseason roster

Right-handed starter Jeff Niemann has been left off Tampa Bay's 25-man playoff roster for their first-round playoff series against Texas. Niemann (11-7, 4.06 ERA) was 0-2 against Texas this season, allowing 12 runs and four homers in 9 2-3 innings while the Rangers hit .357 against him. Manager Joe Maddon opted to go with three catchers and seven relievers. Maddon announced Thursday that September callup Matt Moore will start Friday. The 22-year-old rookie left-hander struck out 11 and walked one in five innings in his only previous major league start Sept. 22 at Yankee Stadium. According to Elias Sports, his one career start is the fewest by a Game 1 postseason starter in major league history.