LA Angels Andrelton Simmons injury not thought to be serious

The LA Angels received a scare on Thursday as Gold Glove shortstop Andrelton Simmons stayed down on the ground after diving for a Marcus Seimen grounder and landing hard on his left shoulder.

Simmons, who injured his thumb during his first season for the LA Angels in 2016, was taken out of the game.  Later Simmons had an MRI of his shoulder and it was determined to be a strained left shoulder, and he is listed as day-to-day.

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The Angels were very thankful as they have dodged a bullet with Simmons.  Simmons had a career year in 2017 hitting .278 with 14 homers and 69 runs batted in scoring 77 runs while stealing 19 bases.  His run, stolen base, and RBI totals were all career-highs for Simmons. In addition Simmons won his third Gold Glove award, his first in the American League for the Angels.

This year the Angels have Zack Cozart who is a natural shortstop playing third base.  If Simmons is not able to play at any time the Angels could move Cozart to short and have Luis Valbuena or Jefry Marte play third base.

Angels general manager Billy Eppler has done an outstanding job retooling the team this off-season filling multiple holes with players like Cozart who can play multiple positions give the Angels more roster flexibility than they had last season.  Not that the Angels would like to have a guy like Simmons on the shelf for any extended time, but it is nice to have insurance if that does happen.

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Ian Kinsler can play both second and first base as well as left field if needed.  Justin Upton can play centerfield or left field if needed and the Angels have Chris Young signed to a one-year deal to back-up the corner outfield spots.  In Addition the Angels signed back-up catcher Rene Rivera to help share the load behind the plate with Gold Glove catcher Martin Maldonado.

Thee Angels bullpen will potentially be filled by pitchers who can start or be in the bullpen.

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With all this said, the Angels are glad that Simmons will not be out for long and their new infield with Kinsler and Cozart is still intact for opening day.