The Braves began this season with rookie Tyler Pastornicky at shortstop. That didn't work out, as Pastornicky couldn't hit (.248/.281/.324). So the Braves sent Pastornicky back to the minors, and gave the job to yet another top shortstop prospect, Andrelton Simmons.

This was working a lot better for Atlanta. Simmons was hitting .296/.336/.452 in 33 games and playing good defense. Unfortunately, he suffered a fractured finger Sunday, and will be out for a while. Chris Vivlamore:

An examination by team Associate Physician Dr. Gary Lourie Monday confirmed Simmons has a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metacarpal (pinky finger). He will be in a cast for four weeks and re-evaluated after it is removed. No further timetable for Simmons’ return was announced.

According to the team, a corresponding roster move will not be announced until at least Thursday, the day before the Braves return from the All-Star break and open a home series against the Mets.

This will probably mean Pastornicky's return; he'll get another shot to prove he belongs in the major leagues. It'll be an interesting dilemma if he's improved; usually, a player doesn't lose his job because of injury, but the job was Pastornicky's before it belonged to Simmons. That could be a good problem for the Braves to have.