Alfredo Simon will open the 2014 season as the Reds' fifth starter.

Simon posted an outstanding 2.87 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 87 2/3 innings last season out of the Reds' bullpen. He hasn't started a game since 2011, so it's hard to recommend adding him outside of NL-only fantasy leagues.

Reds manager Bryan Price said Tuesday that he still hasn't decided whether Alfredo Simon will begin the year in the rotation or the bullpen.

It was assumed that Simon would fill a rotation spot until Mat Latos (knee) is ready, but Price believes that he could be more useful out of the bullpen. If the Reds don't go with Simon in the rotation, they'll likely use right-hander Brett Marshall or left-hander Jeff Francis.

Alfredo Simon surrendered four runs (three earned) in five innings during Monday's start against the Indians.

Simon struck out two, walked one and allowed six hits including home runs to Lonnie Chisenhall and Ryan Raburn. Simon, who has been stretched out as a starter throughout the spring, is expected to fill in as a starter while Mat Latos works his way back from knee surgery.

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.

Alfredo Simon requested $1.05 million and was offered $750,000 from the Reds when arbitration figures were exchanged Friday.

The 31-year-old is arbitration eligible for the first time, and coming off a strong bounce-back season in which he posted a 2.66 ERA and 52/22 K/BB ratio in 61 innings. With Aroldis Chapman shifting to the rotation, it's conceivable that Simon could find his way into a setup role in front of Jonathan Broxton in 2013.

Alfredo Simon recorded his first save for the Reds after allowing one run in 1 1/3 innings against the Cubs on Thursday.

The Orioles used Simon as both a closer and a starter with generally poor results. In Cincinnati, he's done fine work as a middle reliever and mop-up man, allowing just one homer in 58 innings this season. This marks just the second time all year that he's been asked to protect a late lead. He entered the day with just one hold and no blown saves.

Reds claimed RHP Alfredo Simon off waivers from the Orioles.

It's a good fit for the Reds, who are lefty-heavy in their bullpen now that Ryan Madson (Tommy John surgery) is out for the season and Nick Masset is dealing with shoulder soreness. The hard-throwing right-hander pitched primarily as a starter with the O's last season, but posted a 4.93 ERA, 17 saves and a 37/22 K/BB ratio as a reliever in 2010.

Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports that the Brewers and Astros are among the teams who have expressed interest in Alfredo Simon.

Simon was placed on waivers last Friday and is very unlikely to make it through unclaimed. Kubatko writes that the 30-year-old right-hander has attracted a "decent amount of interest," as teams are intrigued by his power arm and his experience as a starter or reliever. Simon expects that there could be some resolution on Tuesday.

According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, Alfredo Simon is generating "lots of buzz" on the waiver wire.

The Orioles placed Simon on waivers this past weekend after watching him post an ugly 7.00 ERA in nine Grapefruit League innings. The 30-year-old right-hander has a legitimate power arm and will likely land with a new organization in the next couple of days.

MASN's Roch Kubatko has confirmed Alfredo Simon has been placed on waivers.

Out of options, Simon will become a free agent if he goes unclaimed and refuses a minor-league assignment. His stuff makes it unlikely he clears waivers, but his numbers should ensure interest is not too robust. He's been rocked for a 7.00 ERA across nine Grapefruit League innings this spring.

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette told Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com via text message that Alfredo Simon "is on the roster."

Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reported earlier that Simon was placed on waivers (or possibly designated for assignment), but Ghiroli is hearing otherwise. Of course, the 30-year-old right-hander is out of options this spring and looks to be on the bubble after giving up six runs over two innings Wednesday in his return from a recent groin issue. There could be a move in the works.