The Tampa Bay Rays have some extra time to get ready for their first MLB playoff games of 2026. The Rays won the AL East and finished with the top record in the American League, giving them a bye into the AL Division Series.

With the extra time between the end of the season and the start of their playoff run, multiple players have a chance to get healthy, including Chandler Simpson. Simpson is getting a positive update, according to MLB.com.

“Fouled a ball off the top of his right foot on Sept. 25. Remained in the game for half an inning, then exited. Sat out the last two regular-season games but will be ready for the ALDS,” the update read.

Simpson played on Friday before hitting the foul ball off his foot, and sat the last two games against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies were able to snag a win in the last game of the series to secure a playoff spot for themselves as well. Meanwhile, the Rays already had their playoff seeding decided.

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Simson has been a major part of the winning ways for the Rays this year. He has played in 151 games, hitting .306 on the season, the fourt best betting average in the majors. He has had 38 RBIS while scoring 66 times this season.

His 2.5 WAR this year for the Rays was fourth on the team, only behind Junior Caminero, Taylor Walls, and Victor Mesa Jr.

The Rays will host the winner of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the ALDS. The series is scheduled to begin on October 3.