Junior Caminero's X-rays clean after All-Star Game HBP
Junior Caminero's X-rays came back clean after the Tampa Bay Rays slugger was hit on the left hand during the 2026 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park. The Rays confirmed the 23-year-old is day to day after a 97.6 mph pitch from Cardinals right-hander Riley O'Brien struck him in the third inning. That result eases fears for a franchise carrying an American League-best 56-38 record into the second half.
Key Takeaways
- Junior Caminero exited the All-Star Game in the third inning after a 97.6 mph pitch from Riley O'Brien struck his left hand.
- Ballpark X-rays came back clean; the Rays list him as day to day.
- White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas replaced Caminero in the American League lineup.
- Caminero entered the break with 28 home runs and a .927 OPS for Tampa Bay.
- The Rays will continue monitoring Caminero before regular-season play resumes.
What happened to Junior Caminero in the All-Star Game?
A hush fell over Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia when Junior Caminero was struck on the top of his left hand in the third inning of Tuesday night's Midsummer Classic. Cardinals right-hander Riley O'Brien's 97.6 mph pitch connected with the Rays third baseman, and the crack was audible on FOX microphones as Caminero winced and headed straight to the dugout.
The 23-year-old Dominican slugger appeared to be in significant pain and did not return to the exhibition contest. White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas took his place in the lineup as Caminero was sent for imaging on his hand.
What did the Rays say about Caminero's injury?
X-rays performed at the ballpark came back clean, according to MLB.com. The Rays confirmed Caminero is day to day after the frightening hit-by-pitch on his left hand.
Before the scan results arrived, NBC Sports reported that the power-hitting rising superstar would head for X-rays to determine whether he had suffered any fractures. An update from the club after the game brought the news Rays fans and fantasy managers had hoped for once the imaging showed no break.
Why does this scare matter for Tampa Bay?
For anyone tied to the Rays, the scene was jarring. Tampa Bay has been one of MLB's best stories this season, breaking out to an American League-best 56-38 record and a three-game division lead over the New York Yankees. Junior Caminero has been in the middle of it all, belting 28 homers with a .927 OPS and mashing 80 home runs in his first 1,156 major-league at-bats.
Losing their emerging superstar slugger would have been a brutal blow just as the pennant race resumes. The clean X-rays keep that worst-case scenario off the table for now as the Rays head toward the second half.
When could Caminero return to the lineup?
The Rays have listed Caminero as day to day, meaning his availability will depend on how the hand responds over the coming days. Tampa Bay is expected to provide further updates before the club returns to regular-season play after the All-Star break.
Follow more celebrity breaking news for updates as the Rays monitor their emerging superstar slugger heading into the stretch run.