PHILADELPHIA — Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero breathed a big sigh of relief after a frightening moment at the All-Star Game left him wondering if his season might be in jeopardy.
Caminero was plunked on the outside of his left hand by a 98 mph sinker thrown by St. Louis Cardinals closer Riley O’Brien in the top of the third inning Tuesday night, with the American League leading the National League 3-0. The pitch, which failed to break as intended, caught the slugger squarely on the hand.
“You are thinking the worst and honestly thought something may have been broken,” Caminero said through a translator. “But thank you to God, it’s fine and just a little bit sore. But we’re all good.”
The 23-year-old, who ranks fourth in the major leagues with 28 home runs this season, stayed on the ground briefly before getting up and heading straight to the clubhouse. X-rays came back negative.
“Sinker on hands that didn’t hit my bat at all,” Caminero said. “So look, it was a scary moment. But you know right now, we feel really good.”
O’Brien, who has racked up 24 saves this season for St. Louis, made a point to visit Caminero in the American League clubhouse to check on him after the incident.
“I told Ryan I really appreciate the gesture,” Caminero said. “He came into the clubhouse, and he took a few seconds to apologize, but I told him it was part of the game. He was really worried, but I told him look, these things happen. We are here to have fun, and we are here to enjoy the night.”
Caminero was replaced in the game by Miguel Vargas of the Chicago White Sox, who went on to hit a solo home run in the eighth inning — the game’s first extra-base hit.
The All-Star appearance came just a day after Caminero belted 17 home runs at Citizens Bank Park during the Home Run Derby. Last season, he slugged 45 home runs with 110 RBIs, and this year he has helped push the Rays to the top of the American League East standings.
Batting fourth in Tuesday’s lineup, Caminero became the first Ray to start an All-Star Game in back-to-back seasons. He grounded out in his first plate appearance against Phillies ace and NL starter Cristopher Sánchez.
Caminero reached last season’s Home Run Derby final before falling in a tight battle to Seattle slugger Cal Raleigh. This year, he made history by becoming the youngest player since at least 1900 to homer in six consecutive games.
Tampa Bay is scheduled to return to action Friday with a doubleheader against Boston.
