In an early part of the Boston Red Sox season that has seen additional rebuttal from Rafael Devers playing first base, the team has been experimenting with their rookie standout playing the position after Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury on May 2nd.
As the rumor mill swirled, many Red Sox fans made their assumptions about how to fill the first base position after Casas went down. Could they go out and sign a veteran like Anthony Rizzo? Make a trade for a guy like Rhys Hoskins?
It looks like those rumors may have been put to rest after Alex Cora’s comments on Tuesday, signaling that their first baseman is currently on the team. The Red Sox manager seems to be in no rush when it comes to putting Kristian Campbell at first base, knowing the rookie has to keep getting his reps in and learning the position.
Alex Cora Addresses Campbell Timeline at First Base
The Boston manager recently spoke on when Red Sox fans could potentially see Campbell at first, and it doesn’t look like it’ll be immediately. The team has been using a combination of Nick Sogard and Abraham Toro at first, with Romy Gonzalez sidelined with a shoulder injury. Gonzalez was the team’s primary first baseman before getting injured in the May 7th game against the Rangers.
Red Sox Nation caught a glimpse of a video showing Campbell taking reps at first base in practice last Friday, and has excited the fan base. The reason for excitement stems from the possibility of Marcelo Mayer getting called up and being the team’s second baseman while Campbell plays first.
Campbell has had a lot on his plate early in his rookie year, with games started both at second base and center field, as he could be a player who provides positional flexibility for years to come. It’s a good sign that Cora isn’t rushing the 22-year-old into a first base position he isn’t prepared for just yet.
It’ll be interesting to watch how things unfold down the line, as the rookie has endured a massive slump in the month of May (4-50, .080/.098/.140) compared to being named the April AL Rookie of the month with a 3 HR, 10 RBI, .287/.388/.460 slash line just last month.
Campbell is becoming accustomed to life in the big leagues, playing in both the infield and outfield, and should soon be getting another position under his belt.
While the Campbell at first base timeline leaves more questions than answers, we now know he won’t see time at first until at least the May 26-28 series against the Brewers. It could very well happen that Campbell gets his first start at first base on the same day that Marcelo Mayer gets called up, which would send Red Sox Nation into a frenzy.
For now, the Red Sox have climbed back to .500 with a 25-25 record after earning a series win against the Mets. The series finale on Wednesday will feature Garrett Crochet on the mound, looking to strengthen his Cy Young case.
