Alfredo

Simon

The next hearing, regarding the manslaughter charges filed against Simon in the New Year’s Eve shooting death of Michel Esteban Castillo, is scheduled for November 8. Simon still hasn’t been formally cleared.

The Orioles will have to make space on the 40-man roster for Nick Johnson and Ronny Paulino, so Simon appears to be the odd man out. The 30-year-old right-hander was recently sidelined due to a groin injury and gave up six runs over two innings in his return Wednesday. Connolly notes that it’s possible that he was simply designated for assignment, but either way, he’s unlikely to be on the Opening Day roster at this point.

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.

He’s still feeling his groin injury but is expected to throw in a day or two. Barring a setback, he should have enough time to be ready for Opening Day.

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.

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.

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.

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’ll clear 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.

As a reliever, Simon only needs a handful of Grapefruit League appearances to get sufficiently tuned up for the regular season. He should be fine for Opening Day.

Simon still believes he’ll make his next start. As a reliever, he only needs a handful of Grapefruit League appearances to get properly tuned up for the regular season. We expect him to be fine on Opening Day.