Rays have new 'best slugger' behind Junior Caminero amid AL East race

The Tampa Bay Rays are in a strong position to win the AL East title. 

They lead the New York Yankees by five games with just 10 games left in their regular-season schedule. 

Tampa Bay's outstandingly consistent season is in large part thanks to third baseman Junior Caminero, who has hit 40 or more home runs for the second consecutive year and could be a candidate for the AL MVP. 

But Caminero has had some extra help in recent weeks, as a Rays rookie outfielder has taken a noticeable offensive leap. 

"[Victor] Mesa played in 16 big-league games for the Marlins last season, but had a .641 OPS. They traded him to Tampa Bay in February for a 19-year-old infielder," Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller wrote.

"He has been sensational in his new home since mid-July, posting a .961 OPS with 10 home runs over his last 42 games played. Save for Junior Caminero, he has become the Rays' best slugger," Miller wrote. 

Mesa being the Rays' "best slugger" behind Caminero is a testament to the season the 25-year-old is having. 

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Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda could easily be chosen as Tampa Bay's next best hitters, but Mesa is tearing the cover off the ball lately. 

He went 3-for-5 with a double, triple, and two RBIs on Sunday against the Houston Astros. 

In addition to his power, Mesa has stolen nine bases in 13 attempts, adding more speed to Tampa Bay's lineup. 

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