The Chicago Cubs restored infielder Andreaton Simmons from the injured list on Saturday, then assign him. Simmons has not played since July 10 due to a strained right shoulder. The Cubs will now have seven days to make him a waiver or release him.
Simmons, 32, signed a one-year deal worth $4 million in March to provide the Cubs with veteran infield depth. However, shoulder inflammation caused him to miss the start of the season and he was largely ineffective upon his return. In fact, in 34 games, he hit 0.173/.244/.187 (24 OPS+) in 85 innings. He did see his first major action in action outside of shortstop, appearing in 18 games as second baseman. He also made his pitching debut, pitching one inning in a 20-5 loss to the Cincinnati Reds in late May.
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Simmons has never been known for his offensive prowess, but his bat has hit a new low since last season. In 165 games, he posted .216/.277/.261 slashes and 52 OPS+. During that time, his average speed has slipped to the lows of the 80s, suggesting he can no longer hit the ball with authority — or, at least, relative to his past standards. Hit the ball with authority.
Simmons, the second veteran infielder signed by the Cubs over the winter, will be released in recent weeks to join Jonathan Villar. He is the third notable veteran to be fired since the MLB trade deadline passed on Tuesday: Earlier this week, the Boston Red Sox released outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. The Man team did the same with shortstop Didi Gregorius.
For their part, the Cubs will continue to use the starting midfields of shortstop Nico Hoerner and second baseman Nick Madrigal. The Cubs have also shown a willingness to burn standout rookie Christopher Morrell at both positions.
