Braves' Simmons to miss 2015 season after having Tommy John surgery

The Atlanta Braves reported on their team website Thursday that relief pitcher Shae Simmons will miss the 2015 season after having Tommy John surgery earlier in the day.

Dr. James Andrews performed the elbow ligament-replacement surgery on the 24-year-old Simmons, who previously had starred at Scott City High School and Southeast Missouri State.

Simmons reportedly felt discomfort in his right arm during a bullpen session last week.

Simmons, who was taken in the 22nd round by the Braves in 2012 amateur draft and made his major league debut May 31, 2014, was entering spring training as a possible setup man for closer Craig Kimbrel this season.

Simmons posted a 0.96 ERA and allowed a .239 on-base percentage through his first 20 games last season before shoulder discomfort limited his effectiveness and ultimately ended his rookie season.

He was placed on the disabled list July 29, and later made an unsuccessful comeback attempt while on a rehabilitation assignment a month later. The shoulder problem plagued him into the offseason.

Simmons finished the 2014 season with a 1-2 record, with one save and a 2.91 ERA in 26 appearances. He struck out 23 batters, walked 11 and yielded 15 hits over 21 2/3 innings.

-- From staff reports