:format(webP)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/DKDFEFEQDVBCBKPQBWLTE77BLI.jpg "American League infielder Junior Caminero takes the field during the All-Star Futures Game in July at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.")
ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays are calling up 20-year-old top prospect Junior Caminero.
The multitalented infielder has zoomed toward the top of several industry rankings with a spectacular 2023 season split between Class A Bowling Green and Double-A Montgomery. He is hitting .324 with 31 home runs, 94 RBIs and a .975 OPS in 117 games. He also appeared in the All-Star Futures Game.
Caminero, No. 5 on the most recent Baseball America ranking and No. 6 per mlbpipeline.com, got the word of his promotion shortly after Montgomery lost on Thursday night in Pensacola and was eliminated from the Southern League playoffs.
With outfielder/first baseman Luke Raley potentially heading to the injured list and second baseman Brandon Lowe dealing with a sore knee, the Rays could use the offensive help. Caminero, a right-handed hitter, spent most of this season at third base but has played the three other infield positions and designated hitter.
Caminero was acquired in a November 2021 trade with Cleveland for pitcher Tobias Myers, having played just one pro season in the Dominican Summer League. He split 2022 between the Rays’ Florida Complex League team and Class A Charleston, hitting .314 with 11 homers, 51 RBIs and an .882 OPS in 62 games.
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