Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero started in his first All-Star Game this Tuesday night. Much to the dismay of his fans, his night was cut short.
During the top of the third inning, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Riley O'Brien accidentally hit Caminero right on the left hand with a 98 MPH sinker. The two-time All-Star for the Rays immediately fell to the ground in pain and had to be replaced by Miguel Vargas.
Caminero has been excellent this season for the Rays, owning a .279 average with 28 home runs and 59 RBI. As you'd imagine, fans were horrified when they saw him get hit in the hand.
Unfortunately, some fans took out their frustration on O'Brien. He received a plethora of nasty messages on social media after he plunked Caminero.
© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images.
"Riley O'Brien might need security the next time he goes to Tampa Bay," one fan said.
"You have to arrest Riley O'Brien at this point," a second fan declared.
"So help me, Riley O'Brien," a third fan wrote. "I will hunt you down."
"Rob Manfred, suspend Riley O'Brien for 10 games, minimum," another fan commented.
What's the latest on Junior Caminero?
Caminero underwent X-rays at Citizens Bank Park shortly after his at-bat took place. The good news is FOX reporter Tom Verducci said the X-ray results were negative.
It's still possible Caminero undergoes more medical testing to determine the severity of his injury.
The Rays, which lead the AL East at 56-38, are hoping Caminero will be ready to roll when the season resumes on Friday.
