Braves shortstop Simmons (hand) still out of lineup

Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons missed his second start Wednesday because of a right hand injury but is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday.

Simmons was hit in the hand by a pitch while trying to bunt at Boston on Monday. The hand still appeared swollen on Wednesday but Simmons said it “felt good swinging, felt OK throwing.”

Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Simmons wanted to return to the lineup against the Red Sox on Wednesday at Turner Field but the team decided to give him another day of rest.

“I’m sure he will be available (off the bench) today and I’m sure he will be in the lineup tomorrow,” Gonzalez said.

Simmons finished the game in Boston after getting hit in the seventh inning. He had played in all 64 games before sitting out Tuesday as Pedro Ciriaco took his place.

“I’m ready to go whenever,” Simmons said. “You tell me to play, I want to play. (But) that’s fine. Ciriaco is playing good, anyway.”

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