Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson departed during the third inning of Friday’s road matchup with the Miami Marlins due to what team officials described as left thumb discomfort.
This marked the second occasion this week that Simpson had to exit a game prematurely. Earlier on Monday during Tampa Bay’s contest with the Detroit Tigers, Simpson suffered an unusual injury while attempting to steal second base with a headfirst slide. His batting helmet came loose during the play, bounced off the ground and struck him in the face.
The impact caused Simpson’s lower lip to split open, requiring a trip to the hospital where he received stitches. Despite the injury, he returned to action the following day and participated in all remaining games of the Detroit series.
During Friday’s game, Simpson managed no hits in two at-bats before Victor Mesa Jr. took his place in the lineup. The performance continued Simpson’s recent offensive struggles, as he has collected just one hit in his last 21 at-bats across six games.
The 25-year-old Simpson is currently hitting .276 through 59 games this season. Known for his speed on the basepaths, he has successfully stolen 14 bases this year after recording 44 steals during his rookie campaign last season. His four triples lead all American League players.
Simpson wasn’t the only Rays player dealing with injury issues this week. Shortstop Taylor Walls also departed Monday’s game due to hamstring tightness. After missing the remainder of the Tigers series, Walls returned to Tampa Bay’s starting lineup on Friday.
