Why Red Sox Started First Base Process With Kristian Campbell

BOSTON — The Red Sox are trying new options at first base.

Kristian Campbell took reps at first base defensively before Friday’s series opener against the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park. The team rolled with Romy Gonzalez, Abraham Toro and Nick Sogard since Triston Casas suffered his season-ending patella injury.

The team had well-documented conversations with Rafael Devers about a switch. Now, Boston turned to its versatile rookie for a look at the position.

“Looking for options,” Alex Cora said. “… Just introducing him to first base and see how he looks. That’s where we’re at.”

“Just my versatility, learning something new,” Campbell said. “Finding a new position. Trying something different.”

Campbell shared that Cora brought the idea to him in a recent conversation, but he did not know the timeline of how or when the Red Sox could install him at first base. While he has plenty of experience on the right side of the infield, first base is virtually brand new to Campbell.

“It’s going to take some time, but it’s something I’m willing to do to help the team,” Campbell said.

Campbell has his own first baseman’s glove on his way to Boston. It’s a work in progress for the Red Sox rookie now that Boston sparked this introduction.

“The process started,” Cora added. “It can take 10 days, 15 days, a month, two months. We started the process. We’re introducing him to first base.”

Moving Campbell to first base would create an opening at second base with interesting roster construction decisions. David Hamilton has experience on the current roster, but the rational thought process then turns to the idea of promoting elite prospect Marcelo Mayer, who’s starting at second base for Worcester Friday night, to play the position for the Red Sox.

Campbell’s willingness to give this move a try is a major revelation for the roster flexibility in the coming weeks and months for the Red Sox.