Rays No. 1 prospect Caminero (quad strain) lands on IL

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays received relatively good news regarding their top prospect on Monday. Junior Caminero, who left Sunday’s game with Triple-A Durham in the sixth inning after experiencing left quad discomfort while running to first base, was placed on the seven-day injured list after an MRI revealed a quad strain.

However, the injury was termed by Rays officials as mild, and the hope is he can return to the diamond after a minimum stay on the IL.

The injury occurred when the 20-year-old Caminero, MLB Pipeline’s No. 4 overall prospect, hit a 102.5 mph grounder back to the mound that knocked Norfolk pitcher Albert Suárez’s glove off. As Caminero hustled toward first base, he pulled up about halfway down the line and hobbled the rest of the way, obviously favoring his left leg. After trying to stand, he lay on the ground for some time while being tended to by an athletic trainer and coaches.

Veteran infielder Dominic Smith, whom the Rays signed to a Minor League deal on March 30, took Caminero's place on the Bulls' active roster.

After jumping straight from Double-A to make his Major League debut for the injury-riddled Rays down the stretch last season, Caminero reported to Triple-A to begin this season. He clubbed his first home run for Durham in the first inning of Sunday’s game off rehabbing Orioles lefty John Means, walked in his second plate appearance and singled in the third inning.

Caminero spent several weeks in Major League Spring Training with the Rays, but he was optioned to Minor League camp on March 11. At the time, president of baseball operations Erik Neander said Caminero’s “potential is evident” but he “also needs regular work to be prepared for his season, which we’re excited to see.”