Ronny Simon: Everything you need to know

Simon (shoulder) has reached base six times and stolen a base in his first two games with Triple-A Indianapolis. Simon was slow-played during spring training after having left shoulder surgery last October, but he avoided the minor-league injured list. Slated to turn 26 in April, Simon is not on the 40-man roster but could get a look at some point if the Pirates are in need of a utility player.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Monday that Simon (shoulder) is projected to return to game competition in late March or early April, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. According to Tomczyk, Simon is "doing very well" four-plus months after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder. The 25-year-old has been taking swings in the batting cage without restrictions so far in camp, and he's set to take another step forward next week, when he's scheduled to face live pitching in batting practice. However, because Simon won't be game-ready until late March, he would appear to be firmly out of the mix for a spot on the Pirates' Opening Day roster.

Simon (shoulder) signed a minor-league deal with the Pirates on Thursday. Simon was non-tendered by the Pirates in late November, but he's back with the organization. He presumably has an invitation to spring training, though that wasn't specified in the contract details. Simon is recovering from labrum surgery but is expected to be cleared to return in March.