CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds have scratched right-hander Alfredo Simon from his scheduled start against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night because of biceps tendinitis.

Cincinnati planned to call up rookie Robert Stephenson from Triple-A Louisville to start in Simon’s place. The Reds’ top pick in the June 2011 amateur draft made his major league debut and beat the Phillies in the third game of the season and was sent back to Louisville.

To make room for Stephenson, the Reds optioned Jumbo Diaz to Louisville.

The Reds signed Simon as a free agent during spring training to help their injury-depleted rotation. He retired only two of the nine batters he faced — the shortest start of his career — during a 9-2 loss to the Cubs on Wednesday. He also pitched in relief on Friday during a 14-3 loss in St. Louis.