Ronny

Simon

Simon is up with Oneil Cruz on the concussion injured list. The 25-year-old was claimed off waivers from the Marlins in August, and will likely work in a reserve role while with Pittsburgh.

Simon gained recognition earlier this year for his visible showing of emotions during a three-error inning for the Marlins. He was unfortunately designated for assignment shortly after; however, the Pirates claimed him off waivers and moved him to the outfield, where he has taken off. In 47 games at Triple-A for the Pirates, Simon is hitting .299/.390/.460 with seven home runs, 30 RBI, 31 runs, and 23 steals. Yes, 23 steals in 47 games. The Pirates don’t really have room since they shockingly didn’t trade Tommy Pham at the deadline, but Simon is only 25 years old, so maybe he gets a look next season.

The Pirates already have three middle infielders at Indianapolis and on the 40-man (Tsung-Che Cheng, Nick Yorke and Liover Peguero) that they don’t currently rate as good enough to help them even with Nick Gonzales and Enmanuel Valdez out, but let’s make it four. Simon, 25, was DFA’d by the Marlins after hitting .234/.327/.277 in 56 PA in his major league debut. He’s hit a solid .288/.367/.436 in 177 career games in Triple-A, but he just doesn’t have much of a ceiling beyond being a decent 26th man.

It’s unfortunate that this comes so soon after the three-error inning, but Simon wasn’t long for the majors regardless. It’s just a little surprising that he’s being DFA’d in favor of Jack Winkler instead of simply being sent down once Xavier Edwards returns. Simon, 25, hit .234/.327/.277 in 56 plate appearances for the Marlins.

Both players have options remaining, but it looks like they’re being subtracted from the 40-man anyway. Heriberto Hernandez will probably be taking Mervis’s spot. Simon seemed to be the likely candidate to go when Xavier Edwards was activated from the IL, though it’s not clear if Edwards, who is making the move to second base, is ready just yet.

Hill has missed the last three weeks with a sprained wrist, but he could be activated this weekend. Ronny Simon and Graham Pauley are the candidates to be demoted to make room for him.

No word on the reason for the move, but it’s worth noting that Sánchez also sat out Friday’s series opener. It’ll be Kyle Stowers moving over to right field with rookie Ronny Simon entering the lineup in left field.

Ramírez is catching and batting sixth, and Simon, who was called up Sunday, is DHing and batting ninth versus Nick Lodolo. Both players might play primarily against left-handers for now.

Simon was a notable prospect a couple years ago in Tampa Bay’s system, which probably explains why former Rays executive turned Miami front office architect Peter Bendix brought him in a couple months ago on a minor league deal. He’ll replace an injured Griffin Conine (shoulder) on the Marlins active roster.

Simon, 24, will join Miami from the Tampa Bay organization. In 2024, the 24-year-old hit .283/.356/.429 with 20 stolen bases for Triple-A Durham. There’s not a ton of pop in his bat, but he can slash the baseball and run while also being able to play multiple positions. It’s not crazy to think he could make the Marlins with a strong showing in Jupiter.