Alfredo Simon Continues Slide as Reds Lose to Marlins

Aug 9, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Alfredo Simon (31) throws against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

For the most part, the Cincinnati Reds have managed to recover from their post-All-Star Game slide and remain at least on the edges of playoff contention. For starter Alfredo Simon, though, Saturday’s 4-3 loss to the Miami Marlins kept him winless since the break and adds fuel to the idea that maybe the team should have traded him during his stellar first-half.

Before the break, Simon was one of the biggest surprises in baseball after being thrust into the starting rotation by virtue of Mat Latos’ early-season injury. He was selected to the NL squad for the Midsummer Classic in Minneapolis and sported a 12-3 record with 2.70 ERA and 1.05 WHIP heading into the break.

Even at that point, with the Reds streaking toward the top of the standings, Simon looked like a great trade candidate, because his value had never been higher. At 33, this was the first starting success he had found, and he was already right at his previous high-water mark for innings pitched in a season.