Rays remain confident in Chandler Simpson; he appreciates their faith
As Chandler Simpson's extended struggles continued - .184 average with a .236 on-base percentage and no steals over his last 30 games - the Rays stuck with their speedy second-year outfielder.
And that meant a lot.
"Definitely very appreciative that they still have trust in me, and that they see that I can impact the game in multiple ways," Simpson said before Saturday's loss to the Nationals. "And just the fact that I have as much value to the team as they think I do. So I appreciate it."
Afterward, there seemed to be some payback, as Simpson had two hits (his first multi-hit game since May 29), knocked in a run (his second game with an RBI since May 16) and, most notably, stole a base (his first since May 11).
"Happy for Chandler right there," manager Kevin Cash said. "We've got to get him going, among many guys, so very pleased with Chandler. I know he's been going through it, but he did come up with a big RBI."
Simpson started the season well, hitting .308 through his first 40 games with a .333 on-base percentage, .686 OPS and 14 steals in 18 chances.
He left that 40th game, on May 11 in Toronto, with what the team said was cramping in his left hamstring, sat out the next one and hadn't seemed the same since.
Over the ensuing 30 games, he hit .184 with a .469 OPS and was 0-for-4 in steals, without even an attempt since May 25.
(He could have ended that streak in the sixth inning Friday night when he broke for second and Taylor Walls pulled back on a bunt, but Cedric Mullins was picked off at third so it was scored that Simpson advanced on the throw to third.)
Cash said before the game that the Rays were not worried.
"I think Chandler's fine," he said. "Every player goes through stretches like this. ... He'll outwork anybody on our roster just with his preparation, how he comes out, shagging (fly balls), takes BP, his cage routine.
"He's going to get going for us. But I think the best thing that we can do is continue to reinforce the positive things that he's doing and continue to support him."
Simpson, 25, said he is focusing on doing what he can to contribute, taking a day-by-day approach and maintaining a positive attitude.
"I continue to hone in on defense, just getting on base any way possible, on the base paths just knowing my presence out there just makes a difference, and then tracking down balls or anything like that, any way I can help the team," he said.
Father's Day fun
• Nick Martinez has an unusual notation to his season. He started for the Rays on Mother's Day, working 5 2/3 innings to beat the Red Sox in Boston, and now on Father's Day will face the Nationals.
"That's kind of cool," he said.
Martinez said it will "be a lot of fun" to have his three daughters at the game. But, in a smart nod to his wife, Kimberly, Martinez said Father's Day is not that big a deal.
"It's not as special as Mother's Day," he said. "We kind of just bear the brunt of it all. A lot of times we're the family punching bag. We've just got to go about our business. So just another day for me, but hopefully the kids can enjoy it."
• Also on the holiday, Simpson's father, Ralph, is in town for the weekend. Chandler has a surprise for him Sunday, and said there "are no words" to describe the impact his father had.
"I wouldn't be nowhere near the place I am today without my Pops," Simpson said. "He's been a great influence on me, not only as a baseball player, as a man."
Miscellany
The Rays' last four losses have all been by one run. ... The Rays had a moment of silence for victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, and a first pitch for the Pride Day game thrown by survivorAmanda Grau. ... Outfielder Jake Fraley, sidelined since mid-May with a hernia that required surgery, took batting practice for the first time Saturday and did well. … Outfield prospect Jacob Melton, acquired in an offseason trade from Houston with high expectations, is nearing a return to Triple-A Durham from the left ankle sprain that sidelined him since late April. ... RaysVision XPression operator Shanna DiNoble is the Rays' winner of the MLB Home Run Service Award and will throw out the first pitch Monday.
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This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 4:37 PM.