MLB star Simmons could be headed to DL after dugout mishap
You have to feel for Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons.
For years, Simmons, a three-time Gold-Glover, has been considered not just the best defensive shortstop in baseball, but one of the best defenders period.
The 28-year-old has accounted for more than 23 wins above replacement over his seven-year career. He was well on his way to another Gold Glove in 2018, having accumulated 1.1 dWAR already this season.
But aside from his normally excellent defense, Simmons, a career .269 hitter, was having a great year at the plate.
He’s hitting .330 on the season, with four home runs and 34 runs batted in, as well as an impressive .399 on-base percentage. Aside from center fielder Mike Trout, Simmons has probably been the Angels’ best hitter this year.
Unfortunately for Simmons and the Angels, his season hit a speed bump on Tuesday night, though it had nothing to do with what happened on the field.
Prior to the Angels game against the Royals, Simmons slipped on the dugout steps and twisted his right ankle. He was able to get up, and even played the first few innings of the game, but eventually, the injury forced him to depart.
So, apparently, this is how Andrelton Simmons hurt his ankle tonight. pic.twitter.com/6Iw3TBtR0E
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) June 6, 2018
After the Angels’ 1-0 win, Simmons was seen using crutches in the team clubhouse.
“Nothing is broke, but I sprained it pretty decent,” Simmons told reporters, per ESPN. “I tried to stay in the game, but they just thought it was smarter not to let me stay out there and have a chance of making it worse.”
Simmons barely even remembered how the injury happened. However, he couldn’t ignore the pain.
“I don’t even remember exactly how it happened, but I know I was coming in,” he said. “It’s simple and stupid, but it happens every once in a while, I guess.”
“I could play; I just wasn’t moving at my best. I could have stayed out there, but I guess it wasn’t the best solution. It is what it is. We’ll see how it responds,” he added.
Simmons said he hopes to be back on the field within the next couple of days, but admitted he might have to go on the 10-day disabled list.
Andrelton Simmons is walking around on crutches right now. He said he’s hoping he’ll only have to miss a couple games, but he acknowledged that the DL is a possibility.
— Maria I. Guardado (@mi_guardado) June 6, 2018
“I don’t know,” he responded when asked about the possibility of a DL stint. “It’s sore, but we’ll see how it responds tomorrow and how it feels in the next couple of days.”
If Simmons does hit the DL, third baseman Zach Cozart would likely move to shortstop until he returns. It would work, but the Angels would certainly miss Simmons’ bat in their lineup.
“I just want to be back as soon as possible,” Simmons said, per MLB.com. “Not concerned. I know I’m going to be OK, it’s just a matter of when am I going to be ready to play. That’s the only question I have. I know tomorrow is going to be a little tough again. I sprained my ankle before, so after that, it’s going to take one, two days. After that, I can move around pretty decent normally, so that’s what I’m hoping for.”
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