Kristian Campbell’s Bat Breaks Out With WooSox

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora hinted that a tough roster decision was imminent with right fielder Wilyer Abreu returning from the 10-day injured list. That was certainly the case when the club optioned rookie Kristian Campbell to Triple-A Worcester on Friday.

The 22-year-old got off to a hot start with the Red Sox after making the team’s opening day roster out of spring training, but has struggled mightily following his first month in the big leagues. Signed to an eight-year $60 million contract extension in April, the talented infielder/outfielder was batting .223 with six home runs and 21 RBI before being optioned to Worcester when Abreu returned.

During his second game with the WooSox on Sunday, Campbell was locked in at the plate. He made his biggest impact on the game in the third inning with one out and a runner on. Connecting on a third-pitch fastball, Campbell was credited with an RBI triple after driving the ball to right field and sprinting to third base.

He hit a double in his next at-bat in the bottom of the fourth, driving an 85.5 mph slider to right field. He would later come around to score on a Jhostynxon Garcia three-run blast that gave Worcester an 11-4 lead. Campbell walked in the bottom of the fifth and went 2-4 on the day.

According to Sean McAdam of Mass Live, the Red Sox would like Campbell to get some on-field work at Polar Park while the WooSox head out on a road trip this week. Likely to see time at first base in Triple-A, he’ll field ground balls and familiarize himself with the position over the next couple of days.