The annual MLB All-Star Game provides everyone an opportunity to see the greatest collection of talent the sport has to offer, and that includes managers and coaches from around the league.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been a part of six Midsummer Classic coaching staffs in his 11-year career, including five times as the National League manager.
It provides him with exposure and the chance to interact with some of the best players in the NL. And even though Roberts does not directly coach American League players, he enjoys watching and learning more about them over the course of the festivities.
Junior Caminero impresses Dave Roberts
One such player is Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, whom Roberts has quickly come to admire but is relieved to not have to face on a regular basis.
“I’m just happy he’s not in our division or our league, but he’s a great young player. I think for me and John (Schneider), it’s just great to see a hitter,” Roberts said. “I think that in this day there’s a lot of kind of home run, strikeout.
“This guy has slug, but he can also hit and make a two-strike adjustment. As a fan of the game, it’s fun to watch him.”
Given that MLB now has a balanced schedule, Roberts and the Dodgers have faced Caminero on a yearly basis. When the Dodgers swept the Rays earlier this season, Caminero went 3-for-10 with one RBI and one walk.
It’s possible the teams meet in the World Series this year as the Dodgers have the best record in baseball and the Rays are leading the AL at 56-38.
Caminero began his career with the Cleveland Guardians after signing as an amateur international free agent on July 2, 2019. He was traded to the Rays in 2021, where he developed into the No. 4 prospect in baseball by 2024.
Caminero received his first career All-Star nod last year in what was his first full season in the Majors. He earned another selection in 2026, this time as the starting third baseman for the AL.
Unfortunately, he went 0-for-1 before getting removed from the game in the third inning after being hit by a pitch on his left hand. Luckily for Caminero and the Rays, X-rays came back negative.
Make sure to follow Dodger Blue on Instagram! It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
