Simpson went 3-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base, an RBI and two runs in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Padres.
Though he's produced just one extra-base hit (a double) through his first 33 big-league plate appearances, Simpson has provided a major spark for the Rays since his promotion from Triple-A Durham thanks to his speed, contact skills and ability to get on base. He's now hit safely in each of his first eight MLB games, slashing .400/.455/.433 with five runs, three RBI and three steals. The Tampa Bay outfield will eventually get more crowded when the likes of Jonny DeLuca (shoulder), Josh Lowe (oblique), Jake Mangum (groin) and Richie Palacios (knee) return from the injured list, but if Simpson continues to thrive against big-league pitching, manager Kevin Cash will have a tough time keeping him out of the lineup.
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Rays' Chandler Simpson: Not starting against lefty
Rotowire
Simpson isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Simpson has logged a base hit in all three games he's played in the majors so far while also tacking on two stolen bases. He'll get a chance to catch his breath Wednesday, opening a spot in left field for Christopher Morel to start and bat fourth against southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez.
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Rays' Chandler Simpson: Sparks rally in debut
Rotowire
Simpson went 1-for-5 with an RBI double and a run scored in Saturday's 10-8 extra-inning win over the Yankees.
Simpson drove in a run with a ground-rule double off Devin Williams, igniting a four-run rally in the ninth to force extra innings. He batted leadoff and should get a fair shot at regular playing time moving forward. While the 24-year-old had just one extra-base hit through 78 plate appearances at Triple-A Durham this season, he swiped eight bases and boasts true 80-grade speed.
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Rays' Chandler Simpson: Not in Friday's lineup
Rotowire
The Rays selected Simpson's contract from Triple-A Durham on Friday.
While Simpson is now officially on the Rays' active roster, he is still traveling and will not arrive in time for the start of Friday's game against the Yankees, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Thus, he is not in the lineup but could conceivably appear off the bench. Manager Kevin Cash indicated earlier Friday that Simpson will play regularly while with the big club.
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Rays' Chandler Simpson: Not considered for promotion
Rotowire
The Rays did not consider promoting Simpson from Triple-A Durham to take the roster spot of the injured Jonny DeLuca (shoulder), Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
The Rays are down both DeLuca and Josh Lowe (oblique) for at least the next couple weeks, but Simpson evidently wasn't under real consideration when Coco Montes was recalled to take DeLuca's spot Tuesday. Simpson has a chance to be a fantasy difference maker when he does arrive due to his prolific base-stealing ability, but he will have to wait a bit longer. The 24-year-old is hitting .297/.325/.351 with five stolen bases in his first eight games with Triple-A Durham this season.
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Rays' Chandler Simpson: Grabbing attention in spring
Rotowire
Simpson made two strong defensive plays in center field in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Simpson has elite speed and recorded 104 total stolen bases between High-A and Double-A in 2024. Despite that, Simpson's defensive ability has surprisingly been questionable, though he made two diving plays in center field during Saturday's game. He also has three hits in his first four at-bats while also swiping a bag.
