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Junior Caminero Hit by 98‑mph Pitch in All‑Star Game, X‑Rays Negative

Scans showed no fracture, leaving the Rays to monitor soreness before Friday's return to play.

Overview

  • Caminero was struck on the outside of his left hand, near the pinky, by a 97–98 mph sinker from Cardinals reliever Riley O'Brien in the third inning of the All‑Star Game on Tuesday.
  • He left the game immediately, was taken to Citizens Bank Park for X‑rays with a Phillies team doctor, and the scans were reported negative for a fracture.
  • Caminero said he felt scared at first but is 'fine' and expects to be available when the Rays resume games, while the club has labeled him day‑to‑day and will continue monitoring soreness.
  • O'Brien visited Caminero in the clubhouse to apologize after the incident, which drew an initial wave of online criticism that softened once the medical update was released.
  • Caminero's health matters to Tampa Bay's second half because he has been a breakout offensive leader this season, and the team will weigh any precautionary rest before the Rays' Friday doubleheader in Boston.