One of MLB’s stolen bases leaders is heading to the minors.
Fellow outfielder Jake Mangum was reinstated from the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move.
Simpson, 24, is third in the American League with 19 steals despite playing less than leaders Luis Robert (21 steals in 51 games) and Bobby Witt Jr (20 steals in 57 games).
The rookie Simpson, who was the Rays’ No. 7 prospect per MLB Pipeline, is batting .285 with a .315 on-base percentage. He has 11 RBIs but is still waiting on his first career big-league home run.
Mangum, a switch-hitting rookie, was batting .338 in 21 games before landing on the IL with a groin strain.
The Rays continue a four-game road series against the Houston Astros on Friday.