It has been a long road back from injury for reliever Shae Simmons but hopefully this time there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
The AJC’s David O’Brien reports that Simmons is set to begin another rehab assignment on Saturday in the Gulf Coast League and the Braves are hoping he will be ready to return to the majors sometime in late August.
Simmons hasn’t pitched in the majors since undergoing Tommy John surgery in February of 2015. He had his rehab cut short earlier this summer when he developed tendinitis in his throwing shoulder and had to be shut down.
Per the report, Simmons is expected to make several appearances in the Gulf Coast League before advancing through the system. The Braves won’t rush Simmons back but if he could get back by the time the rosters expand in September, it would give the team an opportunity to gauge his value going forward.
Simmons made his Major League debut in 2014 appearing in 26 games while going 1-2 with a 2.91 ERA. He struck out 23 batters in 21 2/3 innings.