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
How to enjoy 6 Starbucks drinks without all the calories and fat

Discover Low-Calorie Starbucks Swaps: 6 Guilt-Free Drinks to Savor

The arrival of ‘red cup season’ is a highly anticipated event for…
What will happen to Arrowhead when the Chiefs leave?

The Future of Arrowhead Stadium: What’s Next After the Chiefs’ Departure?

Concerns are mounting that Arrowhead Stadium might become a neglected “white elephant”…
Backlash at 'woke' Stranger Things as 'comically bad' penultimate episode faces barrage of bad reviews

Stranger Things Faces Backlash and Review Bombing Over Alleged ‘Woke’ Agenda

The hit series Stranger Things faced a wave of negative reviews for…
Russia says Ukraine peace talks 'proceeding constructively,' as Kremlin launches deadly strike on Odesa

Zelenskyy Refutes Russian Allegations of Ukrainian Strike on Putin’s Residence

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed accusations from top Kremlin officials on Monday,…
Taylor Swift leaves stadium worker in tears over remarkable generosity

Taylor Swift’s Heartfelt Gesture Moves Stadium Employee to Tears

Taylor Swift has once again demonstrated that her generosity off the stage…
George Clooney becomes a French citizen despite language struggles

George Clooney Embraces French Citizenship: Overcoming Language Barriers for a New Identity

George Clooney has embraced his new status as a French citizen, although…
US strikes 'terrorist boat' lurking in international waters

U.S. Targets Suspected Terrorist Vessel Operating in International Waters

The U.S. military has once again targeted a narco-terrorism vessel in international…
Chicago Public Schools Board approves property tax hike to close budget gap

Chicago Public Schools Boosts Property Taxes: A Critical Move to Bridge Budget Deficit

In a recent decision by Chicago’s partially elected and partially appointed school…