Despite getting torched for eight earned runs in 2.2 innings Sunday against the Cubs, Simon is not an immediate candidate for demotion, Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Simon has surrendered at least one earned run in every appearance this season, but many thought Sunday's meltdown might be the last straw for Big Pasta. That won't be the case, according to manager Bryan Price, who affirmed following the game that he expects Simon to make his next start. It's unclear exactly what's at fault for the sudden loss of effectiveness for Simon, but his command and home run susceptibility seem like good places to start, as he entered Sunday with a 6.75 BB/9 rate and 25 percent HR/FB ratio. Simon will get at least one more chance to recapture the magic from his previous stint in Cincinnati, but with another outing like Sunday's, even the Reds won't be able to afford to keep him in the big league roster much longer.

Simon (shoulder) has been cleared to start Sunday's game against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

The Reds' bullpen has carried a heavy load in their series against the Cubs that began on Thursday, so the Reds really could use Simon to go deep into the game.

Simon remains on schedule to start Sunday against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Simon's throwing session Thursday went smoothly. He has one role this season - eat innings until the Reds' young prospects are ready. He didn't do that job very well against the Cubs last time, failing to get out of the first inning.

Simon (shoulder) was scheduled for a throw day before Thursday's game, but reportedly was feeling better than he was Tuesday when he was scratched from his start, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "From where he was the other day when he actually let the team know he was having some shoulder discomfort, he's come a long way," manager Bryan Price said.

EDGE Analysis

The Reds were waiting for the results from the throwing session before deciding whether to put Simon on the DL, or instead have him make Sunday's start against the Cubs.

Simon has been scratched from Tuesday's scheduled start against Colorado due to right biceps tendinitis.

EDGE Analysis

Robert Stephenson will be recalled from Triple-A Louisville to start Tuesday's game in place of Simon, who is expected to be ready for his next scheduled outing Sunday against the Cubs. Despite the team's initial optimism regarding Simon's Sunday availability, the right-hander is no sure thing to make the start. He's been terrible through three appearances (two starts), giving up nine earned runs on 12 hits and five walks in just 6.2 innings.

Simon pitched in relief Friday because he threw so few pitches Wednesday, and to save the bullpen. He will start again Monday at home against the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Simon will have a pretty long leash for at least a couple of months for the Reds, who are trying to keep Robert Stephenson and Cody Reed down in the minors for a while.

Simon (0-1) got only two outs in Wednesday's start against the Cubs while being tagged for five runs on four hits and three walks.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran righty is coming off a bad year in Detroit, but a seven-strikeout season opener against Pittsburgh may have given fantasy owners false hope of a resurgence back with the Reds. Although Simon has had good results at times in the past, it's hard to imagine him recapturing his surprisingly solid 2014 form. It's more likely that he'll pitch to something resembling his 4.52 career FIP.

Simon is slated to start April 8 against the Pirates, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Reds will hold Simon out to start the series opener against Pittsburgh, rather than deploy him in the finale against Philadelphia. With Anthony DeSclafani (oblique) and Jon Moscot (intercostal) both unavailable for the first turn in the rotation, the team may be forced to turn to Tim Melville to start the final game of the Phillies series.

Simon went 4.2 innings Sunday against the Dodgers, allowing one run on two hits and one walk, striking out two. "He looks sharp, he looks terrific," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He had his whole repertoire down, including the eephus pitch at his disposal ... early in his camp. That was pretty good to see. That was real good to see. He got a bunt down."

EDGE Analysis

With all of the uncertainty in the Reds' rotation, Simon suddenly looks rock solid. Of course, that's more of a reflection of the Reds than Simon, but he has job security right now if you're a thrill-seeker.

Simon has reached agreement on a major league contract to rejoin the Reds, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Simon was with the Reds from 2012 to 2014, most notably posting a 15-10 record, 3.44 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in his final season with the team. He then struggled to the tune of a 5.05 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 2015 for the Tigers, saying afterward that his poor performance was partially the result of a chronic knee condition that's commonly known as jumper's knee. The 34-year-old Simon may still have time to compete for a rotation spot at the start of the season.