Andrelton Simmons was out of the Braves lineup Friday – because of a tooth and not an ankle.
The shortstop had a dentist appointment for an abscessed tooth late Friday afternoon. The Braves posted a lineup with Phil Gosselin playing shortstop and batting second while they awaited Simmons’ arrival at Turner Field and to get an update on his condition. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez planned to insert Simmons in the lineup if he was able. Gosselin made the start.
Gonzalez said he put Gosselin in the lineup for his bat as opposed to other options such as Emilio Bonifacio or Ramiro Pena. Either Bonifacio or Pena could be used in a late-game defensive switch if necessary.
Simmons returned to the lineup Wednesday after missing six games with a left ankle sprain. He was 3-for-8 with three RBIs in his first two games back before being sidelined by his tooth.
