(AP) -- Although his place in the rotation was once considered temporary, Alfredo Simon has made a convincing case to stay long-term by continuing to string together outstanding performances.

The right-hander can match his victory total as a starter from his previous six seasons Wednesday night, seeking his third win in four starts as the Cincinnati Reds visit the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Simon (2-1, 0.86 ERA) made 99 relief appearances without a big-league start over the past two years and won just three of his 19 starts in his first four seasons. However, he earned a spot as the fifth starter heading into 2014 with Mat Latos recovering from elbow and knee injuries.