Braves shortstop Simmons returns to lineup

Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons returned to the lineup on Tuesday after missing two games with a sore knee.

Simmons said he lobbied team officials to get back on the field.

“A little bit but they kind of know me,” he said. “I feel good enough to play. I’m healthy.”

Simmons suffered the injury while sliding into third base in the sixth inning against the Cubs on Saturday. He finished the game.

“I felt a little bit but nothing to stop me from playing,” he said. “Once I sat down and everything cooled off, it kind of stiffened up on me. That was a little concerning at first but found out everything is good.”

Simmons missed six games from Aug. 2-7 with a strained oblique and had started 10 of 11 games before injuring his knee. Entering Tuesday, Simmons was batting .259 with a .324 on-base percentage and a .333 slugging percentage.