Rays defeat Yankees 4-2 on July 29, 2025, as Junior Caminero's 17th homer and Drew Rasmussen's gritty pitching lead the way. Recap the series opener.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a season defined by resilience, the Tampa Bay Rays delivered another signature performance Tuesday, kicking off a massive four-game series with a 4-2 victory over the rival New York Yankees. Playing in their temporary Tampa home at Steinbrenner Field, the Rays leaned on a familiar formula: a powerful blast from a rising star and a gritty performance from a veteran arm.
17 home runs and a .512 slugging percentage for rookie sensation Junior Caminero, who is making a serious case for Rookie of the Year.
It didn't take long for the Rays to make their presence felt. Rookie phenom Junior Caminero ambushed Yankees starter Cam Schlittler in the very first inning, launching a towering 397-foot, two-run homer to give the Rays a lead they would never relinquish. It was Caminero's 17th long ball of the year, further cementing his status as a middle-of-the-order force. The offense added crucial insurance runs later, with Josh Lowe delivering an RBI single in the fifth and Yandy Díaz lofting a sacrifice fly in the eighth to provide the final 4-2 margin.
On the mound, Drew Rasmussen was exactly the stabilizing force the Rays needed. While not his sharpest, 'Rass' grinded through five innings, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out five. He earned his eighth win of the season, improving to 8-5 with a respectable 3.67 ERA. In a season where the Rays are playing every 'home' game on the road, having a reliable arm like Rasmussen take the ball and keep the team in the game is invaluable.
The action wasn't limited to the field. During the game, news broke that the Rays had acquired catcher Nick Fortes from the Miami Marlins in exchange for minor league outfielder Matthew Etzel. This is a classic Rays move, addressing a need for catching depth with a solid, controllable player. Fortes provides a steady hand behind the plate and shores up a key position as the team gears up for a potential postseason push, signaling that the front office believes this team can make a run.
The victory and the trade underscore the Rays' unique ability to compete on multiple fronts. Even as they graduate impact players like Caminero, the farm system remains a source of strength, recently ranked again by MLB Pipeline as one of the deepest in the game. This constant churn of talent is how the team navigates challenges, including the season-long displacement from Tropicana Field due to Hurricane Milton. They find ways to win, develop, and build, no matter the circumstances.
With the win, the Rays climb to 54-53, keeping pace in a tight AL East. This victory wasn't just one of 162; it was a statement against a division rival and a signal of intent from the front office. With three more games against the Yankees and the trade deadline looming, this week could define the trajectory of the Rays' 2025 season. One thing is for sure: they're not going down without a fight.
