Lost in the commotion of a Braves replay review during Friday’s game was that it was only a close play because shortstop Andrelton Simmons made it so with a superlative effort.
The Braves are so accustomed to great defense by Simmons that his latest great play didn’t resonate at the time.
“I didn’t even congratulate him,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday.
Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp led off the seventh inning Friday with a hit past Braves third baseman Juan Uribe. Simmons sprinted from his position and collected the ball in foul ground after it bounced off of the wall.
As Rupp headed to second base Simmons rifled a throw to Jace Peterson, who put the tag on Rupp’s left foot at the bag. Umpire Adrian Johnson called Rupp safe but Gonzalez asked for a replay review and the call was overturned.
Gonzalez called it the “play of the game” the next day but didn’t appreciate it in the moment because of the anticlimactic nature of the replay review.
“On the way home last night I thought, ‘Man, that’s a hell of a play,” Gonzalez said. “You just take it for granted. The play is never over for (Simmons), which is a hell of a trait. Great instincts.”
Simmons doesn’t have the kind of offensive numbers that typically lead to All-Star selections. However, the two-time Gold Glove winner continues to rate highly in advanced defensive metrics and regularly makes difficult plays.
Gonzalez lobbied for Simmons to get All-Star consideration from Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who will pick the reserves and lead the NL team for the July 14 game in Cincinnati.
“He can play anywhere in the infield,” Gonzalez said. “Just don’t pitch him.”
