Report: Red Sox Division Foe Expected To Recall Exciting Prospect
One of the Boston Red Sox’s American League East competitors will reportedly welcome a dynamic rookie back to the big leagues.
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Tampa Bay Rays are expected to recall outfielder Chandler Simpson before Tuesday’s game against the Kansas City Royals after designating outfielder Kameron Misner for assignment. MiLB Central’s Chase Ford also reported Simpson’s promotion.
Simpson appeared to confirm the news when sharing a clip soundtracked to Hunxho’s “Back Again” on his Instagram story.
The speedster stood out as one of baseball’s most talented prospects by hitting .355 with 104 stolen bases last season. Simpson continued displaying those skills when batting .285 with 19 steals in 35 games for the Rays this season.
To the chagrin of fans and fantasy baseball managers, the Rays sent Simpson back down to Triple-A Durham at the end of May. Despite his off-the-charts contact and speed, the 24-year-old drew only six walks and notched four extra-base hits (all doubles) in 133 plate appearances.
Simpson also struggled defensively, registering minus-5 defensive runs saved in the outfield. As a result, he left Tampa Bay with a minus-0.1 WAR.
Since the demotion, Simpson is batting .366 at Durham. He tallied 22 hits in his last 12 games and walked in four straight contests.
Meanwhile, Misner has cooled down considerably from a hot start. The 27-year-old is batting .148 with 50 strikeouts in his last 40 games after hitting .320/.369/.560 through April.
The Rays currently trail the New York Yankees by 2 1/2 games atop the AL East and possess the first of three AL wild-card spots. They’re 3 1/2 games ahead of the Red Sox, who won two of three games when they met earlier in June.
Boston may witness Simpson in action when facing Tampa Bay before the All-Star break from July 11 to 13.