Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons isn’t in the lineup tonight against the Dodgers but is available off the bench for the first time since spraining his left ankle, manager Fredi Gonzalez said.
Simmons hasn’t played since suffering the injury on Aug. 5 in Seattle. Simmons said he was ready to play Monday after fielding groundballs and taking batting practice but Gonzalez said he needs more time.
“’Bubba’ (trainer Jeff Porter) checked him today and he’s a lot better than he was yesterday,” Gonzalez said. “He’s a little sore. He’s going to do some more stuff today. He’s available during the course of the game but our medical team wanted to give him another day.”
Simmons, one of the best defensive shortstops in the majors, is batting .249 with a .297 on-base percentage this season.
Emilio Bonifacio is starting his third game at shortstop tonight. He and Ramiro Pena have split time there since Simmons was injured.
