Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons opted out of the final week of the season, the team announced Tuesday.
“Earlier today, Andrelton Simmons informed the Club that he has chosen to opt out of the remainder of the season,” the team in a statement. “This year has presented unique challenges for many and the Angels respect Andrelton’s decision.”
The Los Angeles Times said he opted out of concerns over COVID-19.
“Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association developed an environment and system that empowered players and provided us the opportunity to decide on whether to play or opt out of the season,” Simmons said in a statement provided to The Times. “At this moment, I feel this is the best decision for me and for my family.”
Simmons, 31, may have played his final game for the Angels. His contract expires after the season.
“We don’t know what the future holds, but we would like to sincerely thank the Angels organization and Angels fans for welcoming and making us feel at home,” his statement continued.
Limited by an ankle injury, Simmons played in 30 games this season, batting .297 with seven doubles and 10 RBIs.
A four-time Gold Glove winner, Simmons played for the Atlanta Braves from 2012-15 before being traded to the Angels in late 2015. He is a career .269 hitter with 406 RBIs in 1,060 games.
He signed a seven-year $58 million contract with the Braves before the 2014 season.
The Angels will finish out of the postseason for the sixth straight year. They conclude the abbreviated 2020 campaign with two games in San Diego against the Padres, then head north up the freeway to meet the Dodgers for three games in Los Angeles.
–Field Level Media
