The Pittsburgh Pirates have added a new piece to their roster, claiming infielder/outfielder Ronny Simon off waivers from the Miami Marlins and optioning him to Triple-A Indianapolis. Simon, a 25-year-old versatile player, was designated for assignment by Miami just a few days prior, making this a quick turnaround for the young athlete.
During his brief stint with the Marlins this season, Simon appeared in 19 games, where he hit .234 with a .604 OPS, managing two doubles and five RBIs. It’s worth noting that this marked Simon’s first taste of Major League action, showcasing his potential amid struggles that many young players face when adapting to the big leagues.
Before his call-up, Simon was tearing it up in Triple-A with Jacksonville, where he showcased his offensive prowess over 15 games, slashing an impressive .354/.441/.521. In that span, he notched a double, two triples, a home run, and drove in nine runs. His minor league journey across seven seasons, playing for the Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Chicago Cubs, highlights a solid career batting line of .266/.341/.446. In 558 games, he has accumulated 116 doubles, 27 triples, 66 home runs, 293 RBIs, and a notable 127 stolen bases.
Defensively, Simon’s versatility stands out. He has played at second base, shortstop, and left field, in addition to spending some time as a designated hitter. His adaptability could be key for the Pirates as they look to enhance their roster depth.
In a corresponding move, to clear space for Simon on the 40-man roster, the Pirates designated right-handed reliever Tanner Rainey for assignment. Rainey, who signed a minor-league deal in the offseason, had been called up to the big leagues on May 3 and made 11 relief appearances. However, his performance was shaky, amassing a total of 7.2 innings where he surrendered nine runs on seven hits, coupled with six walks and nine strikeouts. Most recently, he faced challenges in a game against the Padres, taking the loss after giving up four runs and recording only one out.
With the Pirates’ 40-man roster currently at full capacity, the addition of Simon is a strategic move that speaks to the Pirates’ commitment to infusing youth and talent into their lineup as they navigate the season. Fans will be eager to see how Simon develops and contributes to the team’s success moving forward.
