Junior Caminero is back in the big leagues after a brief stint with the Rays last season. The Tampa Bay Rays called up Caminero to face the Houston Astros. The 21-year-old third baseman promptly displayed the skill set that makes him so coveted. In the second inning, Caminero dove for a hit smoked down the line by Astros right fielder Mauricio Dubón, preventing extra bases and a potential run from scoring.
At the plate, Caminero struck out in his first at-bat but secured his first big-league hit of the season in his second at-bat with one of the hardest-hit balls of the year. His hit came at 116.3 mph, ranking in the top 50 exit velocities recorded during the MLB season. Caminero’s power was evident, as he reached first on a single off Yusei Kikuchi that traveled 116.3 mph off the bat, showcasing his ability to hit the ball hard.
Caminero’s hard-hit ball aligns with his scouting report, as he boasted a 57% hard-hit rate with the Triple-A Durham Bulls, ranking second-best in the International League at the time of his call-up. This isn’t Caminero’s first time with the Rays, as he had a brief stint last season during a playoff race. Despite going 4-for-34 in regular-season games, he showed promise with a home run and seven RBI. This season’s call-up comes with the Rays 5.5 games back in the AL wild-card race, adding an interesting dynamic to their postseason push.
In 2023, Caminero had an impressive season with 31 home runs and 94 RBI, earning his call-up when the stakes were high. Despite being limited to 53 games this season due to injuries, he has been productive, slashing .277/.331/.498 with 13 home runs and 34 RBI. However, Caminero still needs to adjust to MLB pitching, as evidenced by his three strikeouts in his last at-bats on Tuesday. While Houston won the game 3-2, Caminero’s presence adds depth to the Rays lineup and could potentially help them in their playoff push.
Overall, Junior Caminero’s return to the big leagues brings excitement and potential to the Tampa Bay Rays. With his power at the plate and defensive skills at third base, Caminero has the opportunity to make a significant impact as the Rays aim to climb back into the playoff race. Keep an eye on this young prospect as he continues to develop and contribute to the team’s success.