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The SP/RP performance gap is paralleled behind the mound as well. Rays outfielders have been the third-best at turning balls into outs this year, per Statcast, behind the Cubs and Red Sox. By Defensive Runs Saved, as Sports Info Solutions’ Mark Simon wrote today, they’re second behind the Sox. Chandler Simpson has become an excellent left fielder after washing out, despite his speed, in center. Cedric Mullins, while being one of the worst hitters in baseball, has arrested his defensive decline for six weeks in center. The team’s right-field platoon of Jake Fraley and Jonny DeLuca has been effective. Hit the ball to the Rays’ outfield and they’re a vacuum.
Hit it to the infield, though, and they just suck.
