Braves' Simmons to Miss a Month with Broken Finger

Atlanta Braves' rookie shortstop Andrelton Simmons will miss at least a month with a broken pinkie finger, reports David O'Brian of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Braves’ dynamic rookie shortstop Andrelton Simmons fractured the fifth metacarpal on his right hand Sunday against the Phillies making a head-first slide into second base.

The 22-year-old Simmons will be re-examined by hand specialist Dr. Gary Lourie in Atlanta today to determine the best treatment for his finger. Recovery time for a fractured metacarpal---the finger bone closest to the hand---is typically four to six weeks but can take longer if surgery is required.

Promoted at the beginning of June after fellow rookie Tyler Pastornicky struggled at the plate, Simmons has provided a huge spark to the Braves' offense in the last month and a half. The NL Rookie of the Month for June is hitting .296/.336/.452 with seven doubles and three home runs in 33 games.

Pastornicky will likely be called back up to replace the injured Simmons, though O'Brien speculates that the Braves may also look to acquiring a shortstop via trade.

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Should the Braves call up Pastornicky or trade for an established SS?

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