​Riley O’Brien receives online backlash after Junior Caminero exits MLB All-Star Game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The 2026 MLB All-Star Game took a frightening turn Tuesday night when Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero was forced to leave after being hit by a pitch, prompting concern across baseball and an unfortunate wave of online backlash directed at St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Riley O’Brien.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCaminero, making the first All-Star appearance of his young career, was struck on the left hand by a 98 mph sinker during the top of the third inning at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The Rays slugger immediately dropped to the ground in pain and remained there for several moments before eventually walking off the field. He was replaced in the American League lineup by Miguel Vargas as medical personnel evaluated the injury.While fans initially feared the worst, there was encouraging news shortly after Caminero exited the game.FOX Sports reporter Tom Verducci reported that X-rays on Caminero’s left hand came back negative, providing a significant sigh of relief for the Rays and their fans. Even so, Tampa Bay will likely continue evaluating its All-Star third baseman before the regular season resumes later this week.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCaminero entered the All-Star break in the midst of a breakout campaign, batting .279 with 28 home runs and 59 RBIs while helping lead the Rays to the top of the American League East standings.Given his importance to Tampa Bay’s postseason hopes, the scene immediately became one of the biggest storylines of the All-Star Game.MORE: Jordan Walker silences Phillies fans to become first Cardinals player ever to win Home Run DerbyAlthough the pitch appeared to be clearly accidental, O’Brien quickly became the target of angry reactions across social media. Some fans demanded discipline for the Cardinals reliever, while others posted messages directed toward him following the incident.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe emotional reaction reflected how much Caminero has emerged as one of the American League’s brightest young stars, but there was no indication the hit-by-pitch was intentional. Instead, it appeared to be an unfortunate moment during an exhibition game that neither player wanted to see happen.With negative X-rays providing early optimism, the focus now shifts to whether Caminero experiences any lingering soreness over the next few days. The Rays, who entered the All-Star break with a 56-38 record and first place in the AL East, return to regular-season action Friday. They’ll be hoping their breakout slugger is ready to return to the lineup after avoiding what initially appeared could have been a much more serious injury.While the online reaction toward O’Brien escalated quickly, the encouraging medical update on Caminero was ultimately the biggest takeaway from one o