Tampa Bay third baseman Junior Caminero got drilled by a sinker during the All-Star Game, and for a minute it looked like the Rays might lose their most dangerous bat. X-rays came back clean, but hand injuries can linger. Soreness tends to stick around. Caminero wasn’t having it.
According to Rays sideline reporter Ryan Bass, Caminero said his hand is fine — sore, sure, but nothing that would keep him out of the lineup. He told Bass he wanted to play both games of Tuesday’s doubleheader against Boston. And there he was, starting at third and batting third in the first game of the second half.
Caminero has played every single game this season for Tampa Bay. Every one. A hit by pitch in a midsummer exhibition wasn’t about to snap that streak.
The numbers that matter
Through 94 games, Caminero is hitting .279 with 28 home runs and 59 RBIs. That puts him on pace for something close to 50 homers over a full season. He’s trying to match his 2025 breakout, when he hit .264 with 45 dingers and 110 RBIs. If he gets there, the Rays are probably playing October baseball.
The funny thing is: his average is actually up this year. He’s making better contact, seeing more pitches, and the power hasn’t dropped off. That’s a scary combination for the rest of the AL East.
What the Rays are watching
It’s not like Tampa Bay is taking chances with Caminero’s health. They’ll keep an eye on that hand, especially early in this series. But the guy said he’s good, and so far his actions back it up. He’s in the lineup, he’s swinging, and he’s not about to let a little soreness slow down a postseason push.
The Rays are 48-46 at the break, sitting a few games back in the wild-card race. They need Caminero to keep raking if they’re going to make a run. And based on everything he’s shown — and said — he’s ready to carry that load.
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