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TAMPA — Chandler Simpson made a fast impression on his Rays bosses with his game-changing speed throughout the minors.
Now, he’ll get to show what he can do in the majors.
The Rays called up Simpson Friday when Richie Palacios, who was just activated Thursday, had to go back on the injured list due to a right knee injury.
Simpson, 24, garnered major attention last season when he stole 104 bases between High Class A Bowling Green and Double-A Montgomery.
He showed off that speed, both in centerfield and on the basepaths, during spring training. He was off to a good start in his first Triple A action, hitting .301 and stealing eight bases in his first 17 games.
Simpson has little power but makes contact often and uses his speed to his advantage. He has a career .324 average over parts of four minor-league seasons.
The Rays did not have a timetable for how long Palacios — who was activated off the IL to make his season debut on Thursday — will be out. The injury is said to be similar to the one that sidelined him for nearly two months last season.
Last year, he got into 110 minor-league games and swiped 104 bags in 121 attempts. He is 8 for 11 so far in 2025.
• • •
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Now, he’ll get to show what he can do in the majors.
The Rays called up Simpson Friday when Richie Palacios, who was just activated Thursday, had to go back on the injured list due to a right knee injury.
Simpson, 24, garnered major attention last season when he stole 104 bases between High Class A Bowling Green and Double-A Montgomery.
He showed off that speed, both in centerfield and on the basepaths, during spring training. He was off to a good start in his first Triple A action, hitting .301 and stealing eight bases in his first 17 games.
Simpson has little power but makes contact often and uses his speed to his advantage. He has a career .324 average over parts of four minor-league seasons.
The Rays did not have a timetable for how long Palacios — who was activated off the IL to make his season debut on Thursday — will be out. The injury is said to be similar to the one that sidelined him for nearly two months last season.
Last year, he got into 110 minor-league games and swiped 104 bags in 121 attempts. He is 8 for 11 so far in 2025.
• • •
Sign up for the Sports Today newsletter to get daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida.
Never miss out on the latest with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Follow our coverage on Instagram, X and Facebook.
Continue reading...
