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Tampa Bay Rays Third Baseman Junior Caminero Makes History

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Justin Rimpi | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 1:36 PM ET

Tampa Bay Rays Third Baseman Junior Caminero hit two home runs in an 11-1 home win last night against the Baltimore Orioles. He became the fourth player in league history to hit multiple home runs in the first game after participating in the Home Run Derby. He joined Juan Soto, Albert Pujols, and Ken Griffey Jr. on that exclusive list. Caminero lost in the final round of the Home Run Derby to Seattle Mariners Catcher Cal Raleigh.

It has been a great season for the young third baseman. He is seventh in the league in home runs and 14th in RBI. Will he continue swinging a hot bat in the second half of the regular season?

Junior Caminero Career Summary

Last night, Junior Caminero became the fourth player in MLB history to hit multiple home runs in his first game after participating in the Home Run Derby, joining:
Juan Soto in 2021,
Albert Pujols in 2009
and Ken Griffey Jr. in 2000.

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) July 19, 2025

Caminero debuted with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023. He had a nondescript MLB career until 2025. He entered the league with high expectations. He was the No. 1 prospect in Tampa Bay’s farm system entering the 2024 season. This has been the best season of his career by a sizable margin.

Final Thoughts

Caminero and the Rays return to the diamond tonight against the Baltimore Orioles. If he can continue his storybook season, it will go a long way toward helping the Rays return to the MLB Playoffs.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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