Andrelton Simmons is still experiencing irritation in his ailing right shoulder and the Cubs are taking a step back in his rehab process.

The veteran shortstop has been working out at the Cubs’ complex in Arizona after initially dealing with the shoulder injury in Spring Training. He signed with the Cubs shortly after the MLB lockout ended and made an appearance in a single Cactus League game as a DH.

Simmons had built up to throwing and was taking live at-bats in Extended Spring Training games but the team will ease off his rehab for now.

“Just a little bit of irritation as he was coming back,” David Ross told Taylor McGregor prior to Tuesday’s Cubs game. “Halted that down, try to calm it down, get a little bit of treatment with the training staff.

“I don’t think it will be a big setback. Just trying to calm that thing down. He’s continuing to have the at-bats, he’s able to do the infield work, take ground balls. Just the throwing — when we got out to some length there, just a little bit of irritation in the shoulder still.”

Simmons, 32, has 4 Gold Gloves in his 10-year career and ranks as one of the best defensive shortstops in the game.

He would provide a big boost to the Cubs depth chart when he returns to health.

Nico Hoerner has started almost every game at shortstop for the team so far in 2022 and has played well. Jonathan Villar has served as the backup and has 4 errors so far this season, including 2 in 2 games at shortstop.

The Cubs are hoping Simmons is able to make his Cubs debut as soon as possible but they’re also trying to be smart with the pesky shoulder issue.

“Just trying to progress it along as fast as we can and listen to his body,” Ross said. “When he has moments, let’s calm it down, let’s make sure we’re protecting him so when he does feel 100%, we can keep him that way.”