The Boston Red Sox have been working Kristian Campbell at first base since May 16. He has not played there in a game yet, but Alex Cora just revealed when fans could see him there.
First base has been a question mark since Triston Casas went down with a season-ending knee injury. Campbell working out at first base was supposed to open up Marcelo Mayer to play second base, but an injury to Alex Bregman has placed Mayer at third base for the time being. That does not change the fact that Campbell could be an upgrade at first base.
“There’s a chance Kristian is going to play first base this weekend in Atlanta,” Cora told reporters.
Campbell is slashing .225/.312/.354. He is in a slight slump, but is working through it. Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez have played first base in Casas’ absence, but allowing Campbell to play there keeps Mayer in the lineup whenever Bregman returns as well. First base is not an easy position to play, and Campbell has no professional experience there.
A couple of weeks ago, Cora revealed that Campbell was not really close to making starts at third base. However, that sentiment has changed after recent conversations with Campbell.
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“We talked a few days ago and he said, ‘I feel confident,’ so there’s a chance he plays one in Atlanta,” Cora told reporters.
With Bregman sidelined, Campbell playing at first base does not really have the same effect, as the move would have facilitated Mayer’s debut. However, when Bregman returns, it will serve as a way to keep Mayer in the lineup.
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