Junior Caminero gave the Rays a big swing on Monday night, but the moment that followed may have stood out just as much.
In Game 6 of the American League Championship Series at Tropicana Field, the Tampa Bay third baseman launched a two-run homer off Cleveland Guardians reliever Cade Smith in the seventh inning. The ball clipped the left-field foul pole and pushed Tampa Bay ahead 5-1.
Then came the salute. As Caminero circled the bases, he turned toward Randy Arozarena in the stands and crossed his arms, echoing the former Rays outfielder’s trademark celebration.
MLB posted video of the gesture Monday on X, formerly Twitter, showing Caminero recognizing Arozarena before he touched home.
It was a fitting link between two different Rays playoff eras as Tampa Bay moved closer to its first World Series trip since 2020. The homer was Caminero’s first in the postseason, a timely add-on after he arrived in October on the back of a 42-homer regular season.
Arozarena, now with the Seattle Mariners, was in attendance for the game with former Rays pitcher Tyler Glasnow, another piece of the team’s 2020 pennant run. Arozarena’s October run that year made him one of the most familiar postseason names in franchise history.
The Rays finished off a 7-3 win over the Guardians, clinching the ALCS 4-2 and booking their third World Series appearance in team history.
Junior Caminero looked toward Randy Arozarena and did Randy's celebration before crossing home! pic.twitter.com/ehAH0ZrpYx
— MLB (@MLB) October 20, 2026
Tampa Bay now shifts to Milwaukee, where Game 1 against the Brewers is set for Friday at American Family Field. Both clubs are chasing their first World Series title, which means this matchup will produce a first-time champion.
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