No timetable announced for Simmons' ankle sprain

SEATTLE -- Donning a soft cast and tape around his left ankle, Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons gingerly limped around the Safeco Field visitors' clubhouse Wednesday morning. Crutches leaned against his locker.

Simmons was forced to exit in the fourth inning of Tuesday's 4-2 loss on an odd play that began when Mariners first baseman Logan Morrison grounded an RBI single into left field. As Justin Upton's throw sailed high over home plate, Simmons looped around the infield and caught his foot covering third base, then crumpled to the ground. After being examined by a trainer and manager Fredi Gonzalez, he was replaced by Ramiro Pena.

Shortly after, the club announced that Simmons sprained his ankle.

"I was really mad I had to come out of the game," Simmons said. "You have no idea. I wish it was a play where I was running and sliding -- something productive."

Simmons maintained that the ankle was feeling better Wednesday than it did the night before, but he added he had no idea if the sprain might require a stint on the disabled list. He is considered day to day.

"I'm just going to get treatment, see how it develops, see how it keeps feeling," Simmons said. "As soon as I can run a little bit, I'll be ready to go."

The 24-year-old Curacao native posted a .249/.297/.340 slash line in 107 games this season. Before the injury, he was 7-for-43 (.163) over the last 14 games.

The Braves have an off-day Thursday before they begin a critical 10-game homestand against three teams -- the Nationals, Dodgers and Athletics -- that are currently in first place in their division.

Simmons was out of the lineup Wednesday, as the Braves, who had lost seven straight entering the finale, wrapped up a two-game series with the Mariners. He remained hopeful that he could return sooner rather than later.

"It's definitely better," Simmons said. "I can walk a little with less pain, and that's progress for me."