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
The Left's most fervent, and most wrong, attack dog: NY's Rep. Dan Goldman

NY Rep. Dan Goldman: The Left’s Bold Critic and Controversial Advocate

In his renowned essay, Federalist No. 51, James Madison eloquently argued that…
Brooks Brown with alien costume behind him

ICE protests get weird with inflatable costumes

() Some protesters demonstrating outside Immigration and Customs Enforcement buildings in Portland,…
Ivanka and Jared lead Trump's top team in Israel

Ivanka and Jared Headline Trump’s Key Delegation in Israel

President Donald Trump’s closest inner circle, including Jared and Ivanka Kushner, are…
Teen arrested for murder in shooting of 11-year-old boy in New York: 'An unimaginable tragedy'

Teen arrested for murder in shooting of 11-year-old boy in New York: ‘An unimaginable tragedy’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A 13-year-old boy was…
The Latest: No. 3 Indiana climbs to its highest ever Top 25 ranking

The Latest: No. 3 Indiana climbs to its highest ever Top 25 ranking

Indiana climbed to No. 3 in college football’s AP Top 25 poll,…
Student devastated after mugshot used for viral fake assault story

Student’s Life Turned Upside Down by Viral Hoax Featuring Mugshot

A Texas college student found herself at the center of unwanted attention…
Trump touches down in Israel — as Netanyahu greets commander in chief

Trump Lands in Israel: Netanyahu Extends Warm Welcome to the Commander-in-Chief

President Trump has arrived in Israel, setting the stage for a historic…
Zelenskyy touts ‘productive’ talks with Trump on strengthening Ukrainian air defense, long-range capabilities

Zelenskyy touts ‘productive’ talks with Trump on strengthening Ukrainian air defense, long-range capabilities

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy…