Simmons is batting .254 with 15 doubles and 30 RBIs. And while his offense is important on the weak-hitting Atlanta team, his biggest asset comes on defense. Simmons is considered one of the game’s top defenders. Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves aren’t certain how long they will be without shortstop Andrelton Simmons, one of the team’s cornerstone players.
Simmons missed his second straight game on Monday because of a sprained right thumb he suffered on Saturday night. The injury occurred when Simmons was diving for a ball in shallow center field in the seventh inning of a 12-2 loss to Philadelphia.
Simmons did not return for the eighth inning. After the game, Simmons had a partial wrap on the thumb. An x-ray revealed no fracture.
Simmons had an MRI on Monday and the Braves are referring to the injury as a bone bruise.
“His wrist was better today,” Atlanta manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “The good thing is he’s better today than he was yesterday.”
Simmons is batting .254 with 15 doubles and 30 RBIs. And while his offense is important on the weak-hitting Atlanta team, his biggest asset comes on defense. Simmons is considered one of the game’s top defenders.
Simmons has been involved in a major league-leading 81 double plays and has the best fielding percentage in the National League (.994) among shortstops. He has fielded 157 consecutive chances without making an error.
Gonzalez was prepared to allow Simmons to pinch run, if needed, in extra innings on Monday, but he could not have played in the field. Simmons is listed as day-to-day.
