San Diego, CA (SportsNetwork.com) – The Detroit Tigers wasted little time in
replacing Rick Porcello, as they acquired right-hander Alfredo Simon from the
Cincinnati Reds for infielder Eugenio Suarez and a minor league pitcher.
Earlier on Thursday, the Tigers agreed to send Porcello to the Boston Red Sox
for Cuban slugger Yoenis Cespedes.
Simon, meanwhile, had a breakout season a year ago for the Reds, going 15-10
with a 3.44 ERA over a career-high 32 starts.
The 33-year-old had primarily been a reliever over the course of his first six
seasons and the extra work load may have taken its toll, as he appeared to
wear down in the second half. Teams hit .282 against him after the break
opposed to the .219 clip they hit him at in the first half. His ERA was also
nearly two runs higher in the second half of the year.
Simon has posted a 32-28 mark to go along with a 3.86 ERA and 19 saves in 209
games (51 starts) for the Baltimore Orioles and Reds.
Suarez appeared in 85 games for the Red Sox last season and hit .242 with four
home runs and 23 RBI.
Righty Jonathon Crawford will also go to Cincinnati in the deal.
