Alfredo Simon Will Start To Open Cactus League on Wednesday

The games start on Wednesday.

The Indians will be the home team against the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark.

Alfredo Simon will be the Reds' starter.  Johnny Cueto will pitch Thursday.  Homer Bailey will pitch Friday, also against the Indians.  Tony Cingrani will get his first spring start on Saturday. Mike Leake will start on Sunday.

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Mat Latos is a little behind the rest because he had elbow surgery in October and arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on February 14.

The Reds are thinking about stretching Simon out to start in case Latos has a setback and is not ready for the season.

"Simon has a starter's background. His arm is very, very durable," manager Bryan Price said. "Simon throws strikes.  We are going to stretch him out.  We know he can work out of the bullpen. We will back him off later in camp, if we don't need him to start."

Simon hasn't started a game in two years but would like a chance to start.

Simon was 3-8 as a starter with Baltimore. He had a 4.96 ERA over 94 1/3 innings. Simon made seven quality starts. Baltimore scored three or fewer runs in eight of his starts.

"I'm ready to go," Simon said. "It know it has been two years that I have started a game, but if I get the opportunity, I'm going to show Bryan Price that I can be a starter."

The Reds signed Jeff Francis and Chien-Ming Wang to add depth to the starting rotation.  Cincinnati traded for David Holmberg for the same reason but Simon would fill in temporarily without forcing a major roster move.

The pride of McKenzie, Tennessee, Drew Hayes is schedule to work on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Reds will face Trevor Bauer and old friend Aaron Harang on Wednesday.