If Brad Bergesen's brilliant debut weren't proof enough, Wednesday's news solidifies the rookie's rotation slot long-term.
Right-hander Alfredo Simon will undergo ligament transplant surgery on his pitching elbow, ending his season. The minor league journeyman won a rotation spot in spring training, but he was pulled from his second start with elbow discomfort. Not part of the club's long-term plans, it's likely Simon's career will resume elsewhere. "To be honest with you, it's tough for us, but I'm more disappointed for the kid," Orioles president Andy MacPhail told The Sun. "You think about what the kid had at stake. He had an opportunity here. He pitched well in the spring, but as is the nature of this game, it can evaporate in a hurry."
Simon, 27, will have the procedure done in the near future by noted orthopedic surgeon James Andrews.
With Simon out of the picture, veterans Mark Hendrickson and Adam Eaton will have to perform well to keep their rotation spots, as lefty Rich Hill nears a return from arm fatigue. The club has more prospects following in Bergesen's footsteps, but they're unlikely to join the team until later this summer.
WHITE SOX 8, ORIOLES 1: Chicago LHP John Danks continued his torrid start, tossing seven innings of one-run ball. Jeremy Guthrie allowed eight hits and five runs in six innings for his first loss of the year.
