The Atlanta Braves could be really close to getting their starting shortstop back in the lineup. Andrelton Simmons took batting practice on Friday for the first time since suffering a thumb injury last weekend and could return to action as soon as this weekend according to a report by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's David O'Brien.
"I (asked Simmons), ‘How does it feel? When can you play?" Gonzalez said. "He goes, ‘Whenever you put me in.'"
Simmons suffered the injury on a diving attempt in last Saturday's loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. He underwent an MRI exam on Monday that revealed a bone bruise, but no ligament damage.
Simmons has appeared in 101 games for the Braves this season and is hitting .254 with three home runs and 30 RBIs. Daniel Castro has started each of the last five games at shortstop in Simmons' absence and has played well both offensively and defensively.