But before batting practice prior to the Braves' matchup with the Red Sox on Wednesday, manager Fredi Gonzalez said he expected his Gold Glove shortstop to be back in the starting lineup on Thursday.
"Talking to Simmons today, he wanted to be in the lineup," Gonzalez said. "But we decided to hold him out one more day, take some ground balls, take some BP. I'm sure he'll be available [to pinch-hit] today and I'm sure he'll be in the lineup tomorrow."
Simmons told reporters that his hand was feeling better and that he's "ready to go whenever.