Chandler Simpson returns to Rays' lineup, Taylor Walls does not

Outfielder Chandler Simpson was back in the Rays' lineup on Tuesday after having his lower lip cut by his batting helmet while running the bases during Monday's game against the Tigers and needing stitches.

Shortstop Taylor Walls was not, and though his left hamstring was said to be feeling better than when he left Monday's game, Walls could sit out Wednesday's series finale in advance of Thursday's off day.

Manager Kevin Cash said the Rays were glad Simpson felt good enough to play after the fourth-inning incident where his helmet popped off as he slid headfirst into second base and struck him in the mouth.

"Happy he's OK," Cash said. "That was pretty scary. I saw the highlight after the game, the helmet popped up and got him pretty good, busted his lip. But he was pretty adamant saying that he was good to go (Tuesday)."

Simpson, moved back to the leadoff spot, was 0-for-4, though the he did make a diving catch in leftfield. He was not available for comment.

Cash said he took Walls out in the third inning Monday because the Rays were down 6-0 and he wanted to get him off his feet as he missed two games and most of a third last week due to tightness in his left hamstring.

Walls said after the game the hamstring was feeling "maybe a tick worse" than on Sunday.

Cash said Tuesday Walls was "good to go," but the manager wanted to play it safe and said he could give Walls Wednesday off as well, providing additional extra rest before the Rays play Friday night in Miami, with the potential to start there.

"I was going to give him (Wednesday) off when the series started to double up off days there," Cash said. "So, I'll check with him (Tuesday) after the game and see. He could be off again or just come in (to the game) late the next two days, we'll see. But he's better (Tuesday) than he was (Monday), so that's encouraging."

Walls also said Monday the hamstring was something Walls would "probably deal with for the next few weeks or so."

Praise for Vilade

Ryan Vilade spent only a small amount of time with the Tigers, playing in 17 games over three stints during the 2024 season.

But he clearly made a big impact on Detroit manager A.J. Hinch and the players, many of whom were excited to see him this week even an as opponent with the Rays.

"I love Ryan Vilade, because he's willing to do anything to help you," Hinch said. "And that's what he's doing (with the Rays); he's playing all these positions, he's coming off the bench, he's starting, he's hitting at the top of the order, he's hitting at the bottom of the order. He's a very useful player."

Hinch noted how Vilade ingratiated himself with his Tigers teammates and how much they liked having him on the team, though they didn't have the space to keep him on their roster going into the 2024-25 offseason.

Vilade signed with St. Louis, then got claimed off waivers by Cincinnati, spending most of 2025 at Triple A. The Rays acquired him in a cash deal as their first move of the offseason.

He has played a key role for the Rays, hitting .277 over 35 games with three homers, 20 RBIs (fourth most on the team) and an .805 OPS.

"The reason he gets these opportunities is because the skill set really does fit that role. If you have that role available, he can help you win," Hinch said. "We were on the front end of that, and now the Rays are getting great benefit out of him.

"Passionate player, easy guy to root for, and can impact the ball. Doesn't probably get enough credit for how he impacts the ball until he's gotten the opportunity that he's gotten here. I like Ryan Vilade. He plays with his hair on fire a little bit."

Miscellany

After using four relievers plus infielder Ben Williamson to cover 7 1/3 innings Tuesday, the Rays are likely to add a fresh arm Wednesday. ... Lefty Cam Booser made an impressive Rays debut, retiring six of seven batters over two innings. ... Jon Heasley, who was designated for assignment and outrighted back to Triple A Saturday, was returned to the major-league roster and placed on the 15-day injury list (right elbow stress reaction). That means he was hurt while with the Rays. ... Pitcher Andrew Wantz, also called up and then designated for assignment after one outing, cleared waivers and opted for free agency.

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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 5:42 PM.