Caminero Injured at All-Star
Tampa Bay's Junior Caminero Exits All-Star Game, Undergoes X-rays After Pitch Hit Hand
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Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero left the 2026 MLB All-Star Game after being struck on the hand by a 97.6 mph fastball, according to MLB.com. The pitch came from St. Louis Cardinals reliever Riley O'Brien in the third inning. Caminero was replaced at third base by Miguel Vargas and immediately went for X-rays at the stadium.
The injury scare is especially alarming for Tampa Bay fans. The Rays are currently leading the American League East with a 56-38 record — three games ahead of the New York Yankees — and Caminero is one of their most important hitters, North Jersey reported.
A 97.6 MPH Fastball Ends Caminero's Night
The incident happened in the third inning of the All-Star Game. O'Brien, a reliever for the Cardinals, threw a pitch that clocked in at 97.6 mph. It hit Caminero directly on the hand. Caminero walked off the field and did not return, according to MLB.com.
Miguel Vargas stepped in to replace Caminero at third base. X-rays were taken at the stadium. The results of those X-rays were not immediately available, according to My Central Jersey.
Rays' AL East Lead Puts Stakes High
The Rays sit at 56 wins and 38 losses — the best record in the American League East. They hold a three-game lead over the Yankees in the standings. Any significant injury to Caminero could shake up the division race in the second half of the season, Lohud noted.
The All-Star break is typically a time for players to rest. Instead, the Rays now face uncertainty heading into the second half. Caminero's availability for games after the break is unclear until X-ray results are confirmed.
A Rocky Start to the All-Star Game
The Caminero injury was not the only notable moment early in the game. Phillies ace Christopher Sanchez gave up three runs in the first inning, forcing a quick pitching change. Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Rodriguez entered in the second frame and steadied things, according to Yardbarker.
Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll also played in the game, giving Arizona two representatives on the National League side. Despite the competitive spirit of the exhibition, the Caminero situation quickly overshadowed the on-field action for many fans watching.
What Comes Next for Caminero and Tampa Bay
The key question now is whether Caminero broke any bones in his hand. A fracture would likely sideline him for weeks. A bruise or minor injury could allow him to return quickly. The Rays are expected to give a full update once doctors review the X-ray results, MLB.com reported.
Tampa Bay's three-game cushion over New York gives the team some breathing room. But losing a core offensive player at the start of the second half would be a serious blow. Rays fans — and Yankees fans — will be watching closely for the injury report.
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