Amid 'tough' roster move, Rays face Astros again

In a nod to their outfield depth -- amid their series against the Houston Astros -- the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday optioned rookie speedster Chandler Simpson to Triple-A Durham to make room for the returning Jake Mangum.

Over the 35 games since his big league debut on April 19, Simpson validated his reputation as a runner by stealing 19 bases in 22 attempts. He swiped three bags in the Rays' series-opening win on Thursday and went 1-for-4 with a walk and a run.

After the Astros responded with a 2-1 win on Friday, the teams will play the third contest of their four-game series on Saturday afternoon in Houston.

Simpson, 24, posted a modest batting line of .285/.315/.317, but his speed benefited the Rays and made the decision to option him difficult.

"They're all tough decisions, and certainly this one was right at the top of the list," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "Respect the heck out of what Chandler did. I do think there is probably a benefit to get down there and get some regular reps.

"He's been up here now, he's experienced, he's helped us win games. Go down there and fine-tune some of his skill set, but lot to be excited about with Chandler Simpson."

Mangum, who is returning from a groin injury, is batting .324 in 22 games this season, with no homers and seven RBIs.

On the mound, right-hander Zack Littell (4-5, 3.97 ERA) will start for the Rays on Saturday.

Littell allowed one run on three hits over 6 1/3 innings in a 7-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Monday, his fourth consecutive winning decision and fourth quality start in his last five outings. Littell is 4-0 with a 2.95 ERA in his previous six starts, with the Rays winning each game.

Littell is 2-0 with a 2.61 ERA over four career starts against the Astros. He did not factor into the decision of the Rays' 3-2 win over Houston on May 20 after allowing two runs on seven hits with six strikeouts over five innings.

Rookie left-hander Colton Gordon (0-0, 5.52 ERA) will make his fourth career start for the Astros.

Gordon allowed three runs on seven hits with four strikeouts over five innings against the Seattle Mariners on May 25 but did not factor into the decision of a 5-3 home win. Gordon has allowed three earned runs in each of his starts this seasson but hasn't issued a walk in his last two outings.

Gordon allowed three runs on five hits with seven strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings against the Rays on May 19 but did not factor into the decision of a 4-3 road victory. The Astros are 3-0 when Gordon starts.

Houston slugger Yordan Alvarez faced live pitching before the Astros' win on Friday, marking a significant step toward his return from the injured list. Alvarez has been sidelined with right hand inflammation since May 3 and missed his 26th game on Friday.

Alvarez was off to a slow start before his injury, batting .210 with three home runs and 18 RBIs in 29 games. But given his pedigree, the Astros remain eager for his return.

"I thought (Friday) went really well," manager Joe Espada said. "Hit some balls out of the ballpark, hit a ball the other way. He said he felt good. So we'll see where this takes us, but I think this is a step in the right direction.

"I told him just take it one step at a time."