Randall

Simon

Simon will play for Nashville again today and come off the DL on Monday.

Simon pinch-hit last night, and could do the same tonight.

Simon went 1-for-4. Since the Pirates face a left-hander today, Simon probably won’t start.

Simon started yesterday and hit a homer. “It was pinching the back of my shoulder,” Simon said. “It’s feeling good now. The pain’s not there anymore. I didn’t have to worry about feeling any pain.”

He will be re-evaluated today.

This looks like somebody’s idea of a bad joke, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see it happen. If the Pirates have to block Craig Wilson again -- it’s what they do best -- signing Travis Lee would be the lesser evil.

It’s almost certain that the Pirates will add a veteran first baseman or right fielder, but they’re still trying to figure out which player would be the best value. That they’re even considering Simon after he was awful for them last year is baffling.

Simon hopes to begin a rehab assignment, possibly at Double-A Altoona. ''I haven’t been feeling any soreness or pain. I think I’m very close,’' he said.

It will be interesting to see Lloyd McClendon’s lineup with everyone (including Jason Bay) healthy. At this point, it seems unlikely he’d take at-bats away from Craig Wilson.

Manager Lloyd McClendon doesn’t plan on playing Simon until Monday at the earliest.