​It was a great month for the Tampa Bay Rays, who head into the weekend riding an eight-game winning streak and carrying the best record in the American League. After a rough start to June, the team surged and now sit four games ahead of the New York Yankees for the AL East lead.
Friday brought even more good news: Rays third baseman Junior Caminero was named the American League Player of the Month for June. Although he opened the month slowly, Caminero embarked on a historic hot streak in the final weeks, making the award an easy call. In the last seven games of June, he posted a remarkable slash line of .481/.548/1.370, highlighted by eight homers and 18 RBIs. He homered in six consecutive games, setting a franchise record, and even tied a personal best by hitting three home runs in a single game against the Kansas City Royals during the Tampa Bay homestand.
Caminero’s honors helped mark a milestone for the Rays, who swept the monthly awards as a team for the first time in franchise history with Drew Rasmussen named American League Pitcher of the Month as well. The Boys of Summer tweet, capturing the moment, underscored the momentous achievement.
With the slump behind them and Caminero emerging as a top AL MVP contender, Tampa Bay sits in an excellent position as the All-Star break approaches. The Rays became the first team in the junior circuit to reach 50 wins, putting them in prime position for a deep postseason run if they can maintain momentum. Caminero is on pace for another 45-homer season, but he’ll need continued support from the lineup. Even though the team has looked strong lately, half the season remains. The MLB Trade Deadline on August 3 remains a pivotal date for this squad.