Caminero, who turned 22 on July 5, is having a breakout season and leads all American League third basemen in home runs. The Rays, who came within four games of first-place Toronto in the AL East on Wednesday night, are led by him with 58 RBIs and a.254 batting average.
“I will do a show. To give the audience a chance to meet me and witness my strength, I’m going to attempt to put on a show.”
Caminero joins Cal Raleigh of the Mariners, James Wood of the Nationals, Byron Buxton of the Twins, Oneil Cruz of the Pirates, and Ronald Acuna Jr. of the host Braves as the sixth player to commit to the Home Run Derby. Buxton was hit in the left hand by a pitch during Wednesday night’s victory over the Cubs, and his condition is uncertain. Two more participants have yet to be named.
Boston third baseman Alex Bregman, who has been battling a strained right quadriceps, was replaced by Caminero earlier this week as an All-Star. After Jose Ramirez of Cleveland decided to skip the Midsummer Classic in order to rest an injured Achilles tendon, Caminero found out he would start at the hot corner.
Ramírez was replaced on the AL roster by Isaac Paredes, a third baseman with the Houston Astros.
Other than Caminero, the only Rays players to compete in the Home Run Derby are Randy Arozarena, Evan Longoria, and Carlos Pena. Arozarena advanced to the finals two years ago but was defeated by Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
“Every time he practices batting, we get to watch (Caminero) do what is likely a modified Home Run Derby. I’m happy for him. Kevin Cash, the manager of the Rays, expressed his excitement for his family. “For him, it was a sort of coming-out celebration. We’ve all witnessed his talent and ability to hit the ball far, so hopefully he gets the credit he deserves.”
