Angels’ Simmons opts out of rest of season

Shortstop, who will become a free agent this fall, cites COVID-19 concerns for decision.

ANGELS 4, SAN DIEGO 2

SAN DIEGO — If the Angels manage to make the postseason, they will be doing so without the Gold Glove shortstop who has spent five years in Anaheim dazzling with acrobatic plays. Andrelton Simmons informed the team Monday evening he has opted out of the remainder of the season because of COVID-19 concerns, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

Manager Joe Maddon said after the Angels’ 4-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday that he was able to reach Simmons via a “very warm” text message, but he didn’t offer any clarity on the decision, which effectively brought Simmons’ career in an Angels uniform to a close. Simmons’ seven-year, $58-million contract expires this fall.

Maddon was surprised when he received the news of Simmons’ departure while driving from Angel Stadium to his Long Beach home after Monday’s victory over the Texas Rangers. Simmons hadn’t seemed disenchanted with the Angels.

“No [hint], not at all,” Maddon said. “Name in the lineup, ready to go, bumps fists before the game, smiles easily, talks easily, is always willing to converse when we go out to the mound. When I go out to take out pitchers, he’ll be asking questions about different things.”

In a statement provided to The

Times, Simmons thanked the Angels for their hospitality. He also said, “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. At this moment, I feel this is the best decision for me and for my family.”

It is uncertain whether the Angels will attempt to retain Simmons, who last week was noncommittal about his chances of returning.

“I can’t pay myself to play here,” he said in a videoconference, “so it’s not my decision.”

Simmons, who was replaced on the 40-man roster by 31-year-old rookie Elliot Soto, is making the prorated portion of $15 million this season. With $116 million in 2021 payroll committed to Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, Justin Upton and Albert Pujols, it seems unlikely the Angels would sign Simmons to a long-term deal. They probably will direct most of their budget to landing front-line pitching.

The Angels trail the Houston Astros by 3½ games for second place in the American League West. Even if they were to beat San Diego again Wednesday and sweep the seasonending series with the Dodgers, the Angels would need the teams ahead of them in the standings to stumble in order to clinch a playoff berth. Barring a miracle finish, the Angels will miss the playoffs for a sixth consecutive year.

Maddon lamented the exit of Simmons, who missed 22 games because of a left ankle sprain but batted .297 with seven doubles and 10 RBIs in 30 games.

“It’s just unfortunate,” Maddon said. “He’s really a big part of what we’re doing right now.”

Simmons’ opt-out opens the door for utility man David Fletcher to prove once more he’s capable of handling shortstop on a regular basis.