Chandler Simpson leads the way as Rays beat Blue Jays in 3rd straight game

Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay Times on Jul 22, 2026

Published in Baseball

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

TORONTO — Yandy Diaz, Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero are the well-known names swinging the big bats in the Tampa Bay Rays lineup, but Chandler Simpson is often the one that makes the offense go.

That has been the case during much of their success this season and was again Wednesday, as the speedy outfielder had a hand in both rallies as the Rays beat the Blue Jays for the third straight night, this time 4-2.

“When Chandler’s going, the havoc he’s creating — he got two hits (Tuesday) night, traditional hits, and then two hits with a routine ground ball to short and a tweener — not many guys in baseball can get hits like that, but he can,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said before the game.

“We’ve watched it all season long. He creates, like, a panic on defensive players, and really good ones. ... Chandler hits it on the ground, and everybody’s having to move a lot faster than what they usually do.”

A strong bounce-back start by Griffin Jax, who allowed one run over six innings, and solid bullpen work by Cam Booser, Kevin Kelly and All-Star Bryan Baker, who converted his 26th save in 29 chances, were also key.

Simpson scored one run and knocked in another, while Victor Mesa Jr. had two RBIs and Ben Williamson the other, on a bases-loaded walk.

The Rays improved their American League-leading record to 59-42 and expanded their East Division lead to 2 1/2 games over the Yankees, who split a doubleheader.

The Blue Jays grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first when star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — who has only six home runs for the season and one at home — doubled in Nathan Lukes, who drew a one-out walk.

The Rays came right back to get even, with Simpson leading the way. Simpson drew a one-out walk, stole second and scored on a single by Mesa.

The scored stayed 1-1 until the sixth, when the Rays rallied for three runs.

Diaz, playing in his 1,001st career game, got them started, lining a ball that center fielder Daulton Varsho misplayed into a two-base error.

Caminero, extending his Rogers Centre hitting streak to his 15th career game there, singled Diaz to third. After Cedric Mullins was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Simpson delivered a sacrifice fly that scored Diaz. Mesa followed with an RBI single that made the score 3-1 and ended Jeff Hoffman’s relief stint.

Taylor Walls greeted lefty reliever Mason Fluharty with a bunt hit that loaded the bases, then pinch-hitter Ben Williamson drew a four-pitch walk that extended the lead to 4-1.

____