Junior Caminero’s Path to the Majors
A Surprise Call-Up
When Junior Caminero received his first call-up to the major leagues last September, it caught everyone by surprise—including Caminero himself. The then-20-year-old infielder was stunned by the unexpected promotion from Double-A to the big leagues, admitting that he “kind of lost his breath” when he got the news.
Early Challenges
This season, the timing of Caminero’s return was different, with many eagerly awaiting his arrival. Despite his hopes of making the Opening Day roster, the Rays sent Caminero down during the final weeks of spring training. His journey was further delayed by two separate quad injuries, sidelining him for significant stretches early in the season.
A Strong Return
After completing a rehab assignment, Caminero rejoined the Triple-A Bulls on July 20 and immediately made an impact. Over the course of 19 games, he hit .304 with five home runs—several of which stood out for their impressive distance and exit velocity—and drove in 10 runs.
With the Rays’ offense struggling and their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the team decided after a loss on Monday that it was finally time for Caminero to make his return to the majors.
Impressive Skills and Potential
Ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the game by MLB.com and No. 3 by Baseball America, Caminero is known for his ability to hit the ball with tremendous power. His first major league hit last September—a 112-mph single—demonstrated his elite exit velocity. This season, Caminero ranked second among minor-league hitters in average exit velocity (93.3 mph) and hard-hit rate (56.5%), according to Statcast.
Continued Development
The Rays waited to bring Caminero back to the majors not just because of his power but also due to his progress in other aspects of his game. The team plans to play him regularly at third base, where he has shown improvement in defense and overall game awareness.
Decision-Making Process
Rays officials monitored Caminero’s progress at Triple-A closely, giving him a few series to showcase his readiness. His performance over the weekend, which included a 3-for-4 game with a 384-foot home run, solidified the decision to call him back up.
Off the Field
Caminero also brings an engaging personality and a presence that hints at star potential, making him not only a valuable player on the field but also a potential fan favorite off it.
Rays’ Scouting Success
The Rays acquired Caminero in a trade with Cleveland in November 2021, when he was just starting his professional career after signing for $225,000 and playing in the Dominican Summer League.
Final Thoughts
Caminero’s journey to the big leagues has been one of overcoming challenges and proving his talent. His skills and potential have placed him among baseball’s top prospects, and the Rays’ careful decision-making in bringing him up reflects their confidence in his future impact. With a strong record and a bright future, Caminero’s story is one of perseverance and rising talent.
FAQs
- How did Junior Caminero react to his initial call-up last September?
Caminero was taken by surprise by his first promotion to the majors and admitted it left him breathless. - What sets Caminero apart as a player?
Caminero is recognized for his powerful hitting, with impressive exit velocity and power, making him a standout talent in the minor leagues. - What factors influenced the Rays’ decision to promote Caminero?
In addition to his hitting power, the Rays considered his development in other areas, such as strike zone management and defensive skills, before deciding to bring him back to the majors.
