Reds manager Bryan Price said Friday that Alfredo Simon is likely to begin the season in the rotation. He'll fill in for Mat Latos, who isn't quite ready as he works his way back from knee surgery. All 99 of Simon's appearances the last two seasons with the Reds came in relief, but he's made 19 starts at the big league level in his career. Latos is due back fairly soon, so Simon's stay in the rotation could be short. However, Homer Bailey (groin) and Johnny Cueto (shoulder) are also nursing ailments, so you never know.

Alfredo Simon was effective in Thursday's start against the Dodgers, allowing one run over 4 1/3 innings. Simon allowed only five hits and struck out three in the effort. The right-hander is being stretched out to provide rotation depth but should be expected to contribute mainly as a reliever in the middle innings, which means his fantasy value is rather low.

Alfredo Simon had a rough outing in Saturday's loss to the Cubs in Cactus League play, surrendering five runs on five hits in his four innings of work. Simon walked a pair and struck out one in the game. The Cubs jumped all over him early on, with Nate Schierholtz blasting a two-run homer in the first inning. The 32-year-old hurler is being stretched out as a starter this spring, but is probably best utilized out of the bullpen.

Alfredo Simon allowed only a walk in three innings of work against the Mariners on Monday. Simon struck out four and did not allow a hit. He is being stretched out into a starter to give the Reds some additional rotation depth. He has been solid in two seasons as a reliever with the Reds. He hasn't started since 2011 with the Orioles.

Alfredo Simon will be stretched out this spring in Reds camp for a possible starting role. The Reds want a backup option for their season-opening starting rotation in case Mat Latos can't make a quick enough recovery from knee surgery. Simon is doubtful to hold any fantasy relevance during the 2014 season, no matter what role he's ultimately assigned.

Reds avoided arbitration with RHP Alfredo Simon by agreeing to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. Simon was arbitration-eligible for the second time. The Reds reliever has been great out of their bullpen the last two seasons, putting up a nice 2.78 ERA across 99 appearances.

Alfredo Simon earned a three-inning save -- his first of the season -- in Sunday's win over the Brewers. Simon struck out six batters and issued no walks over his three scoreless frames. The right-hander has a cool 2.87 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 34/10 K/BB ratio in 37 2/3 total innings of relief this season.

Alfredo Simon fanned all six Braves he faced after coming out of the pen in Monday's game. Simon was making his first appearance in nine days, not that it seemed to bother him. The six strikeouts were a career high for him as a reliever. He's fanned as many as nine batters in a start.

Alfredo Simon is not expected to make the Reds' Opening Day roster. Simon has barely pitched in spring training and made only one three-inning appearance for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. The 31-year-old long reliever is out of options, so he'll have to clear waivers to remain with the Reds. "Most cases, the WBC doesn't hurt guys," manager Dusty Baker said. "In that part, I think it hurt his progress some by not pitching,"

Reds and RHP Alfredo Simon avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract. Simon asked for $1.05 million and was offered $750,000 by the Reds when arbitration figures were exchanged earlier this month. The 31-year-old right-hander posted an impressive 2.66 ERA in 61 innings last season.