Kristian Campbell Hopes to Reset in Triple-A After Red Sox Stint

When outfielder Wilyer Abreu was reinstated to the Red Sox from the 10-day injured list, rookie Kristian Campbell was sent down to Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move.

Campbell has gone through a tough stretch since the start of May, slashing 134/.184/.171. To begin the season, he batted .301, leading the Red Sox to sign him to an eight-year, $60 million contract.

With the shaky performance since May, Campbell is viewing the demotion as a way to restart.

“Just take a deep breath and regather myself, that’s really the main thing,” Campbell told reporters, according to MassLive’s Katie Morrison-O’Day.“I had a really good first month, and I’m just trying to take in a breath and get focused on what I need to get better at and sharpen up some of my skills and just keep developing. I’ll be ready to go again soon.”

Worcester manager Chad Tracy told reporters that the plan is for the rookie to play first base a few games a week. Campbell will still play at second base and outfield as he tries to make his way back to Boston.

Campbell started to practice at first base in Boston at the beginning of June but took a break from the position.

“It’s good. It’s going well so far,” Campbell said on first base. “Just getting used to the glove. It’s a little bit different. It’s bigger. Other than that, just getting used to the transfer and going across the infield at different angles. It’s going well.”