Rays' Chandler Simpson Ties Franchise Rookie Record With 13-Game Hitting Streak

Since his return from Triple-A Durham, Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Chandler Simpson has been an offensive force to be reckoned with. Now, he's on the cusp of breaking records.

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson (14) celebrates after he hits a single in the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Tampa Bay Rays rookie Chandler Simpson isn't just dominating on the base paths; he's starting to take over the batter's box, too.

In Tampa Bay's 7-3 win over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night, Simpson singled twice to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 13 games, which ties with Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. for the third-longest active streak in the majors behind Washington Nationals right fielder Daylen Lile (14 games) and New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (14).

Simpson also ties Rocco Baldelli (March 31-April 16, 2003) and Delmon Young (June 15-28, 2007) for the longest streak by a rookie in Rays franchise history. Both Lile and Athletics' shortstop Jacob Wilson (15 games) are the only rookies who possess longer hitting streaks this season. During the streak, the 24-year-old is batting .404 (19-for-47).

Simpson's plate discipline has also been a bright spot. Before Tuesday, Simpson went 45 plate appearances without a strikeout, which is the second-longest streak in Rays history behind Randy Winn's streak of 59 plate appearances from July 16 to Aug. 4, 1998.

Simpson also continues to impose his will and keep defenses nervous on the base paths. On Wednesday, he recorded his 25th stolen base of the season, putting him in second place in the American League behind teammate José Caballero (31). Simpson is now just two stolen bases shy of the Rays' Rookie record for a full season, which Baldelli set in 2003 with 27.

Simpson will have a chance to continue his hitting streak as Tampa Bay (50-43) begins a four-game road stint against the Boston Red Sox (48-45) on Thursday at 7:10 p.m. ET.

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