Shae

Simmons

Simmons has tallied seven strikeouts in three innings at Triple-A Gwinnett since he was activated off the disabled list and optioned on May 16. The right-hander is on his way back from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery. He could quickly move into a high-leverage role in the patchwork Atlanta bullpen.

Simmons felt good after going through a simulated game on Monday and is now ready to face live hitters again in a meaningful setting. He had to halt a rehab assignment in May after experiencing shoulder soreness. The 25-year-old right-hander missed the entire 2015 season following Tommy John surgery and he hasn’t thrown a pitch at the major league level in 2016.

Simmons needed just nine pitches to get through the frame. Most of them were mid-90s fastballs. Back from Tommy John surgery and a couple of setbacks, he could prove to be the Braves’ best reliever this month, setting him up as a sleeper candidate for saves in 2017.

The good news is he’s already feeling better and hopes to resume throwing next week. Simmons has completed a rehab from Tommy John surgery and should join the Braves’ bullpen before long if he’s healthy.

Simmons felt soreness in his right triceps late last month, but he recently threw a pair of scoreless innings with Triple-A Gwinnett. He’ll be re-evaluated by doctors before the next step is decided. Simmons underwent Tommy John surgery in February of 2015.

Simmons suffered the injury while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. His MRI showed no structural damage but Simmons will be shut down for at least 7-10 days. Before his setback, Simmons hadn’t allowed an earned run in five rehab appearances for Low-A Rome and Triple-A Gwinnett.

Simmons showed some promise in 2014 before undergoing Tommy John surgery, but he’s finally ready to make his return to the majors. The 25-year-old posted a 1.50 ERA with 14 strikeouts over 12 innings in Triple-A, but he also issued nine walks.

Simmons was sidelined by a lat injury, but after a few hiccups, he completed his rehab assignment in successful fashion. With Gwinnett, he will serve as organizational depth. He underwent Tommy John surgery last February and it has been a long road back, but he could see time with the big league club once rosters expand in September, if not before then.

Simmons has made steady progress in his recovery from a strained lat, though there’s still no timetable for his return. One can surmise that if Simmons feels good enough to pitch a simulated game, a rehab assignment can’t be too far behind. The 25-year-old missed all of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

The injury isn’t considered serious but with a week left in the regular season, the team isn’t going to push him. Simmons holds an impressive 1.35 ERA in seven relief outings since his call-up earlier this month.