The Tampa Bay Rays will have Junior Caminero back in the lineup to open the second half after the star third baseman avoided a serious injury during the All-Star Game.
Caminero exited Tuesday's Midsummer Classic after taking a 97.6 mph sinker from Riley O'Brien off his left hand. Initial X-rays showed no structural damage and the 23-year-old was cleared to play in Friday's doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Despite lingering soreness, Caminero pushed to return immediately, giving the American League East leaders a significant boost for a key divisional matchup.
The injury scare briefly interrupted what has been a breakout campaign. Caminero entered the second half batting .279/.372/.555 with 28 home runs and 59 RBIs while becoming the first player in Rays history to start consecutive All-Star Games.
His return comes at an important time for Tampa Bay, which begins the second half with a 56-38 record and a three-game lead over the New York Yankees in the AL East. The Rays open with a doubleheader against the third-place Red Sox, making Caminero's availability even more valuable.
The club also recalled right-hander Mason Englert as its 27th man for the doubleheader, where he is expected to start Game 2.
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Tampa Bay continues to manage several long-term injuries across its roster, but avoiding an injured list stint for Caminero keeps one of baseball's most productive hitters in the middle of the lineup.
The Rays will now look to build on their division lead with their franchise cornerstone available as they begin the stretch run toward the postseason.
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