Chandler Simpson Proves Speed Equals Power For Tampa Bay Rays

That effort came on the heels of his first multi-steal game of his young career. Simpson is raising plenty of eyebrows so far, even getting praise from players like Yankees superstar Aaron Judge. 

“He can change a game with one play like that,” Judge said after Sunday's game, according to The Associated Press. “Definitely going to get excited when I see him come up to the plate or on the bases.”

Simpson keeps early-season play in perspective

Simpson has a pretty even-keeled attitude about his impressive speed. He said that he is between 3.3 and 3.4 seconds when going from home plate to first base.

“Just a God-given ability and all the work that I put in on my speed and recovery and making sure I’m ready to go,” Simpson said.

He was hitting .301 at the Rays' Triple-A team in Durham, N.C., before getting called up. In 54 at-bats, Simpson is hitting .296 with four RBI. All of this put together leaves Rays manager Kevin Cash wanting more from this youngster.

“He’s seeing the best pitching that he’s ever seen in his life and he’s doing more than holding his own,” Cash said. “It feels like he’s got an approach, he knows who he is as a hitter, and he’s able to go up there and repeat it multiple times.” 

Simpson and the Rays (16-18) look to get back to the .500 mark as they open a home series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.