Caminero exits All-Star Game after being struck by pitch
The 23-year-old was hit by a 97.6 mph pitch from St Louis Cardinals reliever Riley O'Brien during the third inning of the American League’s exhibition match.
Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero exited the American League’s All-Star Game on Tuesday after being struck by a pitch during the third inning. The incident occurred at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, where Caminero was batting cleanup for the AL squad.
The 23-year-old player was hit on the left hand by a 97.6 mph sinker delivered by St Louis Cardinals reliever Riley O'Brien. Caminero dropped to the ground immediately following the impact and received attention from a trainer on the field before jogging off to the AL clubhouse.
Medical staff conducted X-rays on the injured hand, which returned negative results, indicating no fracture. The Rays, who currently sit atop their division, were left monitoring the situation regarding the long-term availability of their third baseman.
Caminero, who recorded a groundout in the first inning, is making his first All-Star Game start. He has recorded 28 home runs and a .927 OPS in 94 games this season, following a campaign last year in which he hit 45 home runs at age 21.
The American League team’s exhibition match continued after the medical timeout, with the focus shifting to the remaining players and the outcome of the game.
