Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays to Compete in Home Run Derby
Tampa Bay Rays slugger Junior Caminero officially announced on Wednesday that he will be participating in the Home Run Derby scheduled for Monday in Atlanta. Just hours later, he learned that he will be starting at third base for the American League in the All-Star Game the following night. In the meantime, Caminero smashed his 22nd home run of the season in the seventh inning of a 7-3 victory against the Detroit Tigers 335 jili.
Caminero, who celebrated his 22nd birthday on July 5, is leading all American League third basemen in home runs during what has been a breakout season for him. With a batting average of .254 and a total of 58 RBIs, he has significantly contributed to the Rays, who are now just four games behind the division-leading Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East.
“I’m going to put on a show. I’m going to try to put on a show just to give the fans the opportunity to get to know me, see my power,” said Caminero. “Just being there with all those other All-Stars, it’s going to be something very special.”
Caminero is the sixth player to commit to the Home Run Derby, joining other participants such as Cal Raleigh from the Mariners, James Wood of the Nationals, Byron Buxton from the Twins, Oneil Cruz of the Pirates, and Ronald Acuna Jr. of the host Atlanta Braves vip app. gcash slots super ace jili demo Two more contestants will still be announced, and Buxton’s participation is uncertain after he sustained a hand injury during Wednesday night’s game against the Cubs.
New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., who is also heading to the All-Star Game, expressed his interest in participating in the Derby if he is invited. Chisholm hit two homers in a 9-6 victory over Seattle, bringing his season total to 17.
This week, Caminero was chosen as the All-Star replacement for Boston’s Alex Bregman, who has been struggling with a right quadriceps strain. Caminero will start at third base after Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez opted out of the All-Star Game in order to rest an injured Achilles tendon. Isaac Paredes from the Houston Astros has been selected to replace Ramirez on the AL roster.
Only three Rays players have previously participated in the Home Run Derby: Evan Longoria, Carlos Pena, and Randy Arozarena, who reached the finals two years ago before falling to Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr com.
“We get to see Caminero do a modified Home Run Derby every time he takes batting practice. I’m excited for him and for his family,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash. “It’s somewhat of a coming-out party for him. Hopefully, he gets the recognition that we’ve all seen in his talent and his ability to hit the ball a long way.”
Reporting by The Associated Press. What are your thoughts on Junior Caminero’s upcoming participation in the Home Run Derby?
