PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero was hit by a pitch on the outside of his left hand and immediately left Tuesday night's All-Star Game.
Caminero was struck by St. Louis Cardinals closer Riley O'Brien with a 98 mph sinker that didn't sink in the top of the third inning with the American League up 3-0.
The 23-year-old Caminero, fourth in the major leagues with 28 home runs, stayed down for a few moments before he popped
up and ran straight into the clubhouse.
X-rays were negative.
He was replaced by Miguel Vargas of the Chicago White Sox.
Caminero hit 17 total home runs a night earlier at Citizens Bank Park in the Home Run Derby. He hit 45 home runs with 110 RBIs last season, and this season has led the Rays to the top of the AL East.
He batted fourth on Tuesday and became the first Ray to start an All-Star game in two straight seasons. Caminero grounded out in his first at bat against Phillies' ace and NL starter Cristopher Sánchez.
Caminero — who advanced to the final round of last season's Home Run Derby before losing a close contest to Seattle slugger Cal Raleigh — this season become the youngest player since at least 1900 to homer in six straight games.
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