Andrelton Simmons scratched from Atlanta Braves lineup on Thursday

Apr 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons (19) attempts to tag out New York Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson (3) as he safely steals second in the sixth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

After his ridiculous defensive wizardry in Atlanta’s 4-3 victory on Wednesday night, it wasn’t exactly common knowledge that Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons was dealing with a jammed right wrist, but apparently, it is enough to have him scratched from the lineup just 90 minutes prior to first pitch against the New York Mets.

The initial lineup (posted in our preview here) had Simmons hitting in the 8th spot, just in front of starting pitcher David Hale, but this late scratch inserts utility man Ramiro Pena into the lineup. The tweet above from the Braves official account is the extent of what is known at this time, but “jammed” is a better word than “strained” or “sprained”, and with any luck, Simmons will return to the lineup on Friday against the Washington Nationals.

As for Pena, the 28-year-old infielder posted a .278/.330/.443 slash line in 107 plate appearances before going down to a season-ending injury in 2013, but more importantly, he is a solid defender. Ramiro Pena is nothing like Andrelton Simmons at shortstop, but he won’t be a disaster, and that is good news for David Hale. Stay tuned.