SATURDAY: Ryan has cleared waivers, and the Angels have outrighted him to Triple-A Salt Lake, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register tweets.
WEDNESDAY: The Angels have activated shortstop Andrelton Simmons after a long layoff for a thumb injury, as MLB.com’s Alden Gonzalez reports on Twitter. To create a roster spot, the club designated infielder Brendan Ryan for assignment.
[RELATED: Updated Los Angeles Angels Depth Chart]
Simmons had been out since early May after tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb, which required surgery. It’s certainly positive news that he was able to return earlier than had been expected.
The Halos need Simmons’s glove at short, but even more than that will need him to pick up the pace at the plate upon his return. Over his 118 plate appearances earlier in the year, Simmons posted a weak .219/.246/.281 batting line and managed only a single long ball.
As for Ryan, this is his second trip through DFA limbo with Los Angeles this year. He was added as depth with Simmons and then Cliff Pennington injured. The 34-year-old managed only one hit in 14 plate appearances, though he’ll continue to have a niche role in this or another organization due to his well-respected glove.
Um, that’s pretty much Simmons’ line at the plate.
I would redo that trade with the Angels in a second though
Really? Assuming you’re a braves fan, it looked like a steal for Atlanta at the time, and still does. Simmons is a beast defensively, but he’s got to be one of the most overrated players in the game
you just said two things that are diametrically opposed. Simmons ‘ defense alone wins games. If you win games you are not overrated.
How many games were the Braves winning with him?
More than they win without him…. Nice try
As many as 7 with him as opposed to without him. Try harder.
Concur.
Who thought it was a steal? Ayber was coming off a down year and on the wrong side of 30. Simmons produced the better OPS, is much younger and on a team friendly contract and with obviously much more upside. From where I sat at the start of the season, the Braves could have done better.
I am a Braves fan, I don’t care if he is a 220 hitter, look how many games is he going to win by all the plays he makes. I live 5 hours away from Atlanta, I love to watch him, his preparation, hustle, and when he gets the ball and fires the cannon over to first base. I still watch them but am not planning on going over there this year. Andrelton is worth the price of admission, you see him everywhere on the field. He is the reason I went. Saying that I am a high school coach, not in the college or pro and that may be why, but to me I miss Simbad
But you got Aybar who is a gem all by himself *snickers*
I hope Aybar gets his walking papers, soon
As a Braves fan i would gladly take Simmons back. Too early to judge the deal just like its too early to judge Simmon’s bat. Remember how bad Brandon Crawford used to be at hitting. Give me the athlete that leads the world in defense
That’s actually a good point about Crawford.
Speed and defense show up everyday and give teams confidence when they have trouble scoring. Simmons is fun to watch as a fan.
Simmons was on pace for a 6 dWAR at BR when he went down…