Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez gave a State of the Simmonses address of sorts before Sunday’s game against the Nationals.
Both Andrelton Simmons and Shae Simmons are looking to bounce back into the Braves lineup in the coming weeks, with Gonzalez eager to get Andrelton back at shortstop no later than Tuesday if possible.
Should Andrelton, who sprained his left ankle last Tuesday in Seattle, not get the OK from trainer Jeff Porter by Tuesday’s game against the Dodgers, Gonzalez will have no choice but to put him on the disabled list. Tuesday is the last day the Braves could put Andrelton on the disabled list retroactively.
“Last night when we left Bubba (Porter) said that he did treatment the whole day and he’s gotten better,” Gonzalez said. “We’re heading in the right direction. I’m sure the next step is for him to run around a little bit.”
Gonzalez promised Porter to give Andrelton Wednesday off should he get the OK to start him on Tuesday. Should that happen, Gonzalez said Andrelton and his ankle would be fine after that Wednesday off.
“That’s the key,” Gonzalez said. “If he tells me, ‘I’m not sure’ then I think we’ll DL him.”
Right-handed pitcher Shae Simmons was placed on the 15-day disabled list July 29, retroactive to July 27, after injuring his pitching shoulder. Gonzalez said he’d like to get Shae a pitching appearance out of the bullpen some time during the Braves’ home stand, which lasts through Aug. 17.
Shae has been playing some catch in the meantime.
“I’m sure he’ll get on the mound two or three times before we send him to rehab assignment,” Gonzalez said.
That rehab assignment will likely come once the Braves hit the road for Pittsburgh.
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