Andrelton Simmons’ return to the Chicago Cubs couldn’t have come at a greater time.
Simmons endured a irritating rehab from proper shoulder soreness, one thing he by no means had skilled in his 11-year big-league profession earlier than it sidelined him throughout spring coaching.
But with second baseman Nick Madrigal already on the injured listing, shortstop Nico Hoerner’s transfer to the IL on Sunday struck an enormous blow to the Cubs’ center infield depth whereas costing them considered one of their finest defensive gamers.
The Cubs activated Simmons from the IL because the corresponding transfer Sunday, and he entered as a defensive substitute at shortstop within the ninth inning and recorded the ultimate out in opposition to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Simmons — who began at quick in Monday’s collection opener in opposition to the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field — indicated his shoulder feels fairly good however nonetheless has room to enhance.
He didn’t want to attend lengthy to gather his first hit as a Cub. With the bases loaded within the first inning, Simmons hit a tender curler down the third-base line that slowed to a cease midway to the bottom and not using a play being made. The two-out RBI infield single was a part of an eight-run first in opposition to the Pirates.
Hoerner’s stellar play at shortstop allowed Simmons to take the correct time to construct up his shoulder and never really feel pressured to hitch the Cubs earlier than he was absolutely prepared.
“He was holding (it down), so I’m like, all right, I’ve got some room to improve,” Simmons stated. “Do I soar again in or do I attempt to preserve getting higher, pretty much as good as I can, so I’m near my finest?
“(The trainers) had my back the whole time. They made extra time for me and all that. So they want me out there. They’re doing everything to keep me on the field.”
Simmons was a little bit discouraged by how lengthy the shoulder soreness lingered, however he’s comfortable to lastly be round his teammates. All of his 1,190 major-league video games within the subject have come at shortstop, although he’s keen to play second base if wanted.
Simmons doubtless will obtain the majority of enjoying time at shortstop for nevertheless lengthy Hoerner is sidelined.
“I mean, I want to help the team any way I can,” Simmons stated. “I know short is always going to be my forte, but Nico has been playing pretty good. So whatever they need, I’m here to help.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com