How Red Sox Infielder Changed This Kristian Campbell Decision

The Boston Red Sox changed course from their plan at first base for Sunday afternoon.

Boston introduced Kristian Campbell to first base two weeks ago and publicly planned on giving the rookie his first start at the position Sunday afternoon against the Atlanta Braves. Instead, Campbell remained at second base in the lineup Sunday while Toro stayed put at first base in the cleanup spot.

Toro joined the mix with Romy Gonzalez and Nick Sogard when first baseman Triston Casas suffered a season-ending injury. The veteran found his swing over the last week, hitting .296 with an .833 OPS for the Red Sox.

“Today, it seemed like a good day but Toro is pushing the envelope,” Alex Cora told reporters Sunday morning, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. “He’s putting good at-bats and we need him in the lineup. We’ll keep working with Campbell and when we see a window, we’ll do it.”

Campbell’s ability to play first base will help maximize the roster, but the rookie certainly has plenty on his plate already. For now, the Red Sox lineup needs Toro to keep swinging it in a lineup riddled with injuries.

The Red Sox and Braves round out the series Sunday afternoon. First pitch is set for 1:35 p.m. ET. You can catch the game, plus an hour of pregame coverage, on NESN.