Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero exited the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday night after being struck in the left hand by a 98 mph fastball. The incident occurred in the third inning against St. Louis Cardinals closer Riley O'Brien.
Caminero, 23, immediately departed for the dugout, clutching his hand, and was replaced by pinch-runner Miguel Vargas. Fox play-by-play announcer Joe Davis described the situation as "everybody's worst nightmare in an exhibition."
Fortunately for the Rays, X-rays on Caminero's hand returned negative, alleviating immediate concerns about a serious injury. Caminero entered the All-Star break tied for fourth in the majors with 28 home runs, contributing to the Rays' leading position in the AL East.
