Atlanta Braves rookie shortstop Andrelton Simmons was doing a fine job, hitting .296/.336/.452 in 33 games, when he suffered a fractured pinky finger just before the All-Star break. At the time, the team hoped he’d be out just four weeks.

Four weeks turned into eight. With the minor-league seasons over, Simmons got a bit of playing time in the Carolina League playoffs, hitting .320 (8-for-25) with two doubles, two home runs and six RBIs in six games for Lynchburg.

And, he will be active for Monday’s Braves game in Milwaukee:

ESPN MLB – Braves activate rookie SS Andrelton Simmons (.296 BA in 115 at-bats) from DL, in lineup Monday

— Ceese Carcieri (@CESPN1) September 10, 2012

The Braves are in the driver’s seat for a wild-card berth, and as they trail the Nationals by just 5½ games in the NL East, they still have a shot at winning the division, so they’ll welcome Simmons’ bat back in the lineup.

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