Rookie Chandler Simpson has been a difference maker for Rays during winning streak

Some Rays fans were upset when Chandler Simpson's name didn't appear on the Opening Day roster, but the truth is this roster was too deep at the beginning of the season for a 24-year old Double-A player to crack the roster from the outset. However, after injuries to key outfield contributors like Josh Lowe, Jonny DeLuca, and Richie Palacios, Simpson was the next man up and we're very glad he was.

Prior to receiving his MLB call-up, the elite speed threat was hitting a respectable .301 with eight stolen bases in 17 games. Also, even more impressive, Simpson had only struck out seven times, giving him more stolen bases than strikeouts. The only other Rays player that is currently executing the same statistical anomaly is former minor league batting champion Jake Mangum.

In his eight big leagues contests, Chandler Simpson has one more strikeout than stolen base, but based on his upward trend in offensive output, we'll could see him finish his rookie season in a similar position. Jose Reyes of the New York Mets most recently came close to performing this feat when he stole 78 bases and struck out an equal 78 times. You have to go all the way back to 1988 to find the last player to steal more bases than his strikeouts as the late Rickey Henderson accomplished it eight times in his staggering career.

Therefore, not only is Simpson helping the Rays on this great win streak, but he's also has the potential to make history with his combination of fantastic speed and contact abilities. If we focus on how he's aiding the Rays now, we can instantly recognize that he's been a game-changer in this lineup. Since Simpson's call-up, Tampa Bay is 6-2 against the Yankees, Diamondbacks, and Padres. It's hard to know if this club would be performing at this potential if it wasn't for his services.

As we continue the road to a hopeful 2025 playoff berth, Kevin Cash and the front office will need to make some difficult decisions when certain players return from injury. The rookies that arrived on the scene don't appear ready to return to minor league life anytime soon.