ANAHEIM — At the beginning of the season, Junior Caminero set a goal for himself: Hit 30 home runs.
After a two-homer day in the Rays’ 5-4 win over the Angels at the Big A on Wednesday, Caminero checked off that box — in early August.
“It felt good,” Caminero said through an interpreter. “Thanks to God that I’ve been able to stay healthy. There’s two months left, I just have to keep working hard.”
After fouling off pitch after pitch from Angels starter Tyler Anderson, Caminero demolished a hanging changeup, keeping his bat extended as he walked towards first base.
The ball traveled a Statcast-projected 447 feet — the farthest hit ball of Caminero’s career — for a two-run home run to give the Rays the early lead. In his next at-bat just two innings later, the Rays’ third baseman came through again with another 400-foot bomb to center field that put his team up by a commanding four runs.
“I’m impressed with everything Junior does,” manager Kevin Cash said. “To be at his age, the quality of the at-bat that you get, the power that he shows, the defensive play … He’s doing a lot of things to help us win.
“Continue to be impressed with the work that he puts in, and the really good results that he gets.”
In addition to hitting his goal with nearly two months to spare, Caminero joined Juan Soto and Albert Pujols as the only Domincan-born players with 30 HRs in their age-21 or younger season (Caminero turned 22 on July 5). Soto hit 34 in 2019, while Pujols hit 37 in 2001.
“Two legends,” Caminero said. “I’m just trying to play my game, and it brings me a lot of pride to hear that. It makes me really happy.”
Cash mentioned that he’ll sign up immediately for Caminero to stay in that category with both of those players.
It was also a point of pride for Christopher Morel, who hit the game-winning home run for the Rays later in the seventh inning. But he was mostly just in awe of seeing what his teammate and close friend can do.
“More than just the two home runs, but also for him to get to 30 at that age and that quickly,” Morel said through an interpreter. “I wanted to see him accomplish that. I’m very proud of him.”
The four combined RBIs between Caminero and Morel ultimately made the difference in Wednesday’s game for the Rays, helping them set the tone for their 12-game, 14-day, four-city road trip on the West Coast with a series win over the Halos.
Not only was the offensive display fun for starting pitcher Shane Baz to watch, it also made his life on the mound a lot easier knowing he had the run support from his team’s bats.
“When we’re going like that offensively,” Baz said. “We’re a tough team to beat.”
It also might be the start of a turnaround for Caminero, who has struggled away from home in 2025. He’s slashed .323/.359/.620 (.979 OPS) with 14 doubles and 18 home runs at Steinbrenner Field this season, but on the road those numbers dive down to .174/.219/.383 (.602 OPS) with six doubles and 12 home runs.
Caminero isn’t too concerned with the splits, saying he’d rather just focus on each at-bat in front of him as it comes.
“It’s the same game,” he said. “It’s about just staying within your own game and not putting more pressure on myself.”
But as the Rays continue their longest road trip in 20 years, they’re going to need the type of production that they saw on Wednesday from their All-Star third baseman.
As for the next goal on his list?
“Finish the season in good health,” Caminero said. “And get to the World Series.”
