Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons has decided to opt out of the remainder of the MLB season.
Neither side specified a reason in written statements Tuesday, but sources told ESPN that a major motivation stemmed from concerns about COVID-19 and how it might impact more vulnerable members of his family, particularly with American League teams that are still not mathematically eliminated required to quarantine for potential postseason games beginning Tuesday.
The Angels, who remain mathematically in the race for the second wild card and second place in the AL West following Tuesday night's 4-2 win over the San Diego Padres, are included in that, even though their chances of making the playoffs are slim.