{"id":67144,"date":"2025-05-30T21:20:13","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T21:20:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/67144\/"},"modified":"2025-05-30T21:20:13","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T21:20:13","slug":"rays-option-chandler-simpson-activate-jake-mangum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/67144\/","title":{"rendered":"Rays Option Chandler Simpson, Activate Jake Mangum"},"content":{"rendered":"

Well, that was a little bit of a buzzkill. The Tampa Bay Rays optioned Chandler Simpson<\/a> to Triple-A Durham and also reinstated outfielder Jake Mangum from the 10-day IL after a five-week absence due to a left groin strain. Simpson became a household name because of the speed he displayed on numerous occasions in the last month. He performed well in a small sample, but as a player with options, the club was poised to send him back down once the roster got healthier.<\/p>\n

#Rays<\/a> news:<\/p>\n

OF Jake Mangum (left groin strain) reinstated from 10-day IL and OF Chandler Simpson optioned to Triple-A Durham.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) May 30, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Rays Send Down Chandler Simpson, Activate Jake Mangum
\nThis Move Felt Inevitable<\/p>\n

Simpson\u2019s initial appearance with the Rays was largely a result of the outfield becoming a medical unit. Jake Mangum started off on a heater but succumbed to injury. Mangum almost singularly carried the offense in that first month of the season, hitting .338\/.384\/.397 in 21 games. Mangum will now re-assume his customary spot in left field while the elite defender Kameron Misner will continue patrolling center field on a near-regular basis. Christopher Morel is still on hand as a right-handed hitting outfielder, but his offense needs to improve. Jonny DeLuca suffered a right shoulder strain and may be hitting a more significant setback during his rehab.\u00a0 Josh Lowe<\/a> is playing great and seems firmly entrenched in right field.<\/p>\n

Simpson Made A Decent Impression<\/p>\n

Simpson posted a .285\/.315\/.317 in 35 games. While that\u2019s only six weeks, Simpson\u2019s time with the Rays played out exactly as everyone could have expected. He didn\u2019t hit a home run, played poor defense, stole plenty of bases, and produced a few highlight plays of his own. In fact, his legs directly contributed to a run scored for the Rays in Houston. This move won\u2019t sink the Rays, who are playing well behind a solid pitching staff and powerful lineup. Having said that, it feels like we have not seen the last of the Georgia native.<\/p>\n

#Rays<\/a> news:<\/p>\n

OF Jake Mangum (left groin strain) reinstated from 10-day IL and OF Chandler Simpson optioned to Triple-A Durham.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) May 30, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Simpson currently leads MLB in stolen bases since his initial call-up on April 19. He is third in baseball with 19 thefts this season, marginally behind Luis Robert Jr. and Bobby Witt Jr.<\/p>\n

Simpson still posted a decent batting average and his hit tool seems real. He may not be able to slam the ball when he makes contact, but he doesn\u2019t strike out and puts the ball in play. His strikeout rate is top 4% in MLB. The Rays can use those skills from every member of their roster as they continue to string solid baseball together.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Photo Credit: \u00a9 Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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