Kristian Campbell Takes Grounders as Red Sox Shift Focus to First Base

BOSTON — Kristian Campbell is working on his game but is still not in the starting lineup for the second straight game as the Boston Red Sox face the New York Mets at Fenway Park. The 22-year-old rookie was seen taking grounders at first base before the series opener, as the team considers moving him to the corner infield spot.

This isn’t the first time Campbell has practiced at first base, but he is still adjusting to the position. The Red Sox coaching staff notes that it may take some time before he is ready to play at first in a game. “There’s just so many different things that come into play during games that you can’t practice that,” said Red Sox bench coach Ramón Vázquez. “It’s going to take time, and even when he starts playing, there’s going to be mistakes.”

Despite only playing 40 games in the big leagues, Campbell has primarily been stationed at second base, with 35 of his starts there this season. The addition of first base to his repertoire adds to his responsibilities, but Vázquez believes he is handling the transition well. “He’s been great. As soon as we introduced him to first base, he was really into it,” Vázquez said.

Campbell’s absence from the lineup isn’t due to injury; rather, the team is giving him a breather as he has struggled at the plate, batting just .085 in May. “Just another day for him to do a lot of work out there,” Vázquez said. “He’s getting better, and he’ll be ready to go tomorrow.”

The Red Sox have faced challenges at first base, prompting this exploration of Campbell’s capabilities. If he successfully transitions to first base, it could potentially open up a spot at second for minor leaguer Marcelo Mayer, who is knocking on the door for a major league call-up.

As the Red Sox continue these adjustments, fans are eager to see how Campbell’s evolution at first base unfolds, which may significantly impact the team’s infield dynamics moving forward.