Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez had planned to give shortstop Andrelton Simmons the day off on Sunday but Simmons was pressed into action when third baseman Phil Gosselin left the game after the third inning with a thumb injury.

The Braves said Gosselin sprained his left thumb. Gosselin appeared to suffer the injury while making a diving play on Marlins shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria’s sharp ground ball in the third inning.

The Braves said Gosselin is day-to-day.

Simmons hit for Gosselin in the top of the fourth inning and finished the game at shortstop. Pedro Ciriaco moved from shortstop to third base.

Simmons had started all 36 previous games for the Braves. Gonzalez wanted to give him a break before Monday’s off day, after which the Braves are scheduled to play on 16 consecutive days before their next off day.

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