Junior Caminero's 25th homer led the Rays to a 4-3 win over the White Sox on July 23, 2025. Get the recap on how Caminero and Aranda powered the victory.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a much-needed reversal of fortune, the Tampa Bay Rays halted their two-game slide Wednesday night, edging the Chicago White Sox 4-3. The victory not only snapped Chicago's five-game winning streak but was powered by the familiar thunder of Junior Caminero, whose 25th home run proved to be the decisive blow in a game the Rays controlled from the second inning onward.
With his 25th home run of the season, Junior Caminero now leads the Rays in both homers and RBI (65), cementing his status as the team's primary power threat.
All the damage was done in a single frame. The Rays put up a four-spot in the bottom of the second, chasing the White Sox early. The rally was ignited by RBI singles from the ever-reliable Jonathan Aranda and Jose Caballero, setting the stage for the main event. Junior Caminero stepped to the plate and launched a two-run rocket, his 25th of the year, giving the Rays a 4-0 lead they would never relinquish.
While Caminero's power grabs the headlines, first baseman Jonathan Aranda continues to be a model of consistency. Aranda collected three more hits in a 3-for-4 performance, boosting his season batting average to an impressive .316. His ability to get on base, reflected in his .394 OBP, has made him an indispensable part of the lineup. The tandem of Caminero's slugging and Aranda's professional hitting gives the Rays a potent one-two punch.
On the mound, Taj Bradley delivered the quality start the team desperately needed. The right-hander battled through 6 innings, allowing three runs (only two earned) while striking out seven and walking just two. He earned his seventh win of the season (7-6) by keeping the White Sox offense largely in check. After the bullpen bridge, it was Pete Fairbanks time. The closer slammed the door in the ninth for his 18th save, continuing his reliable run at the back end of the bullpen with a sub-3.00 ERA.
As the trade deadline inches closer, the Rays front office remained quiet on Wednesday. There were no trades, roster moves, or significant injuries to report. The team fielded its regular lineup, and the farm system, while deep with talent like Theo Gillen and Aidan Smith, saw no new promotions. For now, the focus is on winning with the current group.
This was more than just one win; it was a necessary reset. By snapping their losing streak against a hot White Sox team, the Rays (53-49) showed their resilience. However, they remain 7.5 games back in a tough AL East. The challenge now is to build on this momentum. With solid pitching from Bradley and clutch hitting from their young stars, the blueprint for success is there. The question is whether they can replicate it consistently as the pressure of the pennant race intensifies.
