TAMPA — Rays officials — just like fans and media — were impressed with how well Chandler Simpson played and how his speed impacted games during his first six weeks in the majors, especially given his limited Triple-A experience.

But they want him to be better — specifically in getting on base more (.315 on-base percentage) and playing better defense in the outfield.

So in deciding fellow rookie outfielder Jake Mangum deserved to reclaim a starting role when coming off the injured list Friday (and that rookie Kameron Misner was their best centerfield option with Jonny DeLuca still hurt), the Rays felt it was better for Simpson — and for them — to be playing regularly at Durham than sparingly as a spot starter and pinch-runner in the majors. Simpson was said to have taken the news of hi

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