Rays call up speed demon Chandler Simpson
Share and Follow

One of the fastest players in baseball is headed to the major leagues.

The Rays promoted outfielder Chandler Simpson from Triple-A Durham on Friday ahead of their 1-0 loss to the Yankees.

Simpson received the call-up after utility player Richie Palacios went on the injured list with a right knee sprain.

The 24-year-old stole 104 bases across Tampa Bay’s High-A and Double-A affiliates last season.

He also led all of the minor leagues with a .355 batting average.

Simpson was drafted by the Rays in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft and has since risen to the team’s No. 7-ranked prospect on MLB Pipeline.

During his tenure in the minor leagues, Simpson has stolen 224 bases in 250 games, for an 86.5 percent success rate.

People in Major League Baseball have recognized Simpson’s distinctive way of playing because his quickness and ability to make contact with the ball are similar to those of players from the past.

Former MLB outfielder Marquis Grissom created the nickname “Little Tony Gwynn” for Simpson, saying that the Georgia native’s play style is similar to the Hall of Fame.

“I would buy a ticket to watch him play,” Rays outfield and baserunning coordinator Jared Sandberg told The Athletic. “I just wouldn’t miss the first four pitches because he might already be in the dugout with a run on the scoreboard.”

Prior to being called up to the big leagues, Simpson was hitting .301 with eight stolen bases in 17 games with Durham.

He really turned eyes when he got an infield single after hitting a ball directly to the first baseman earlier in April.

“I think, in theory, that he adds an element to any lineup with how fast he is, his contact ability,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said Friday afternoon, per MLB.com.

“I think he’s going to get an opportunity here, a little bit of a runway. We’ll see. I don’t know if it’ll be a short stint, long stint.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Thief who stole fire engine clipped 14 cars evades arrest in Washington state

A Thief in Washington State Steals Fire Engine, Damages 14 Cars, and Avoids Arrest

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
Morgan Wallen calls out 'side chicks' in audience after Coldplay chaos

Morgan Wallen Addresses ‘Side Chicks’ Amid Coldplay Concert Confusion

Morgan Wallen playfully mocked audience members who had “side chicks” during his…
JD Vance's secret trip to Rupert Murdoch's Montana ranch

Inside JD Vance’s Unpublicized Visit to Rupert Murdoch’s Montana Estate

JD Vance undertook a discreet visit to Rupert Murdoch’s Montana ranch prior…
Millionaires' twisted baby factory in California mansion exposed

Wealthy Individuals’ Secretive Adoption Scandal Uncovered in California Mansion

From the outside, the imposing castle-like design and gated exterior made the…
Bad Bunny has given Puerto Rico a 'new influence' on the world stage, proud fans say

According to proud fans, Bad Bunny has positioned Puerto Rico prominently on the global stage.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — During the first week of Bad Bunny’s…
National Urban League declares 'state of emergency' for Black America

National Urban League Sounds Alarm on ‘Crisis Situation’ for Black America

() The National Urban League has declared a “state of emergency” over…
Tsunami warning issued after two large quakes rock Russia’s Pacific coast

Tsunami alert announced following two major earthquakes off Russia’s Pacific coast

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has announced a warning for Russia’s Kamchatka…
Man gored by bison at Yellowstone National Park

Animals Stay Put: No Migration Patterns Changing in Yellowstone National Park

() Wildlife at Yellowstone National Park is not migrating from the land…