Simmons was hurt when he came down awkwardly on his glove hand while diving to stop Evan Longoria’s grounder.
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Now, the Angels are also facing time without their starting shortstop – and arguably the best defensive shortstop in the league – in Simmons. He immediately left the game and was replaced at shortstop by Cliff Pennington, who moved over from second base. He is batting just.219 this year with one home run and eight RBIs in 31 games played.
However, there is also a sentiment that Simmons may be done for the year after suffering this injury. He won two Gold Glove awards with the Atlanta Braves before they traded him to Los Angeles in the offseason.
The Angels have acquired shortstop Brendan Ryan from the Nationals for cash considerations or a player to be named later, according to a team announcement. He snapped an 0-for-21 slump Friday, but it appeared like he might have bottomed out after he bounced back with a two-run single on Saturday.
The Angels entered Monday fourth in the AL West at 13-18.
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The team told reporters they’d provide an update on Simmons’ status after the surgery, but it’s hard to imagine he’s not going to miss the season. Other starters, Andrew Heaney and C.J. Wilson, closer Huston Street and left fielder Craig Gentry also remain on the DL.
