CLEVELAND -- Rays third baseman Junior Caminero suffered a bruised right jaw when he was struck in the face by a foul tip while batting in the first inning Tuesday night vs. Cleveland.
Caminero fouled a 1-1 pitch from starter Tanner Bibee straight down, and the ball ricocheted off the plate and smashed him on the right side of his face. He immediately dropped to the ground and laid face down in the dirt for a few moments, kicking his legs, as the crowd in Progressive Field fell hushed at the scary sight.
After getting to his feet, Caminero was checked by trainer Joe Benge, who examined his teeth and neck, as manager Kevin Cash watched with concern nearby. Caminero, who has braces on his teeth, resumed his at-bat and grounded out to Bibee on the next pitch.
Following the top of the first inning, Caminero was replaced at third base by Richie Palacios, who was in the original starting lineup at second. Ben Williamson took over at second.
The Rays said that Caminero is listed as day to day.
The 22-year-old Caminero, who began his career in Cleveland’s organization, entered the game batting .259 with eight homers and 15 RBIs. He’d hit safely in 12 of his last 14 games, batting .293 with six homers and 12 RBIs in that span.
Caminero has hit all eight homers since April 5.