Andrelton Simmons Injury: Updates on Braves Star's Thumb and Return

Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons suffered a sprained thumb in Saturday's 12-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies after attempting to make a diving catch in shallow left field, but he is not expected to miss much time.

Continue for updates.

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Gonzalez, Simmons Comment Recovery and Return

Wednesday, Aug. 5

"[Simmons] was able to get some pregame work in, throwing and fielding ground balls," reported Matthew Bain of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, who provided a statement from Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez:

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“(Trainer Jeff Porter) says if you see a bat in his hands, hit him over the head with it,” manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "But he’s getting better."

Simmons and Gonzalez could give no specifics for the shortstop’s return, but Gonzalez hinted it could be by the end of the week.

“We’ll see,” he said. “I think so, for (trainers) to let him do all that stuff (today).” 

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Following the injury, Gonzalez initially said, "There is no timetable. ... We'll get him some ice and treatment and see how quickly we can get him back on the field," per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. 

Simmons was showing signs of progress though, per Bain: 

“Well, not as big, but still a little bit of improvement,” Simmons said. “It does feel a little better but it’s still not ready to get another blow at it. So, I feel like it could stand it but it’s not worth it. Any little impact might set it back, so not worth the risk.”

Simmons is hitting just .254 with three home runs, 30 RBI and 48 runs scored, though the two-time Gold Glove winner remains one of the best fielding shortstops in all of baseball. Per Baseball-Reference.com, he finished first in defensive wins above replacement in 2013 and 2014 and was leading all shortstops in the category this year as well. 

His absence will certainly be a blow for the Braves from a defensive perspective, though his replacement, Daniel Castro, is considered a strong defensive shortstop, per Bowman. Still, in an already rough season for the Braves, the possibility of losing Simmons for an extended period is another tough break.