Andrelton Simmons has been sidelined since July 8 due to a fractured right pinkie finger, but it looks like he’ll be able to rejoin the Braves for the stretch run.
According to Carroll Rogers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Simmons was cleared by hand specialist Dr. Gary Lourie to begin all baseball activities and could begin a minor league rehab assignment as soon as Tuesday. Triple-A Gwinnett’s season ends on Monday, so the Braves will likely send him to either High-A Lynchburg or Low-A Rome, who are both headed for the playoffs. Barring any setbacks, the rookie shortstop could be activated by the middle of this month.
Simmons, 22, was batting .296/.336/.452 with three home runs, 15 RBI and a .788 OPS over his first 33 games in the majors prior to the injury. Jack Wilson was released yesterday, which is a sign that the Braves intend to rely on Paul Janish and Simmons at shortstop the rest of the way.