Atlanta Braves Shortstop Andrelton Simmons Hit With Pitch, How Bad Is It?

UPDATED: Andrelton Simmons is not in the lineup for Tuesday’s game versus the Redsox.  Pedro Ciriaco will be playing shortstop and batting 7th.

On Monday night, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Boston Redsox 4-2 at Fenway Park.  The Braves now sit with a record of 31-33 for the 2015 season.  For a game recap of Monday nights game, check out this link.

In the 7th inning with one out and runners on first and third, Andrelton Simmons tried to lay down a bunt to help his team, but instead got hit with the pitch. Boston’s starting pitcher, Rick Porcello‘s fastball got away from him and hit Simmons right on the fingers.

When you look at the video closely, you’ll see that Simmons has his three fingers gripping the bat when he’s attempting the bunt.  This is a huge “no-no” when trying to bunt…particularly because it can lead to this.

After getting hit by the pitch, Simmons toughened it out and stayed in the game…over the past few years we’ve come to realize he isn’t coming out of a game because of an injury.

Simmons came to the plate in the 9th inning and grounded into a double play ending the Braves offensive night.  He didn’t show obvious signs of any pain, but I’m sure his fingers weren’t feeling the best…could have even been numb.

Braves reporters asked manager Fredi Gonzalez after the game about this situation.

“I am and I’m still considered.  More so grabbing the bat then throwing, but we will get him some treatment today and see about it tomorrow.”

“We feel like we dodged a bullet because it got him between the fingers in the fatty part.  You can see the laces right there on his fingers.  I’m sure Bubba (Braves trainer Jeff Porter) will figure out if he needs X-Rays or just treatment and we will go from there.”

When asked about the throw in the 9th inning and if it was related to the hit by pitch or just the conditions…

“No question because he said he was fine.  For the first time in a very long time he kind of panicked a little bit and I think he just thought Mike Napoli was down the line quicker and he rushed the throw a little bit.  I don’t think it was because the hit batter.”

Here is the error in the 9th inning…

It’s great news that Gonzalez doesn’t think this is a major issue, but X-Rays are still possible at this point.  Simmons is probably day-to-day and they will do treatments tonight and reevaluate him tomorrow.