Red Sox fast-rising prospect ‘not expected’ to be an early September call-up (report)
With rosters expanding on Sunday, red-hot Kristian Campbell is not expected to be one of the additions to the Red Sox roster, per MassLive’s Chris Smith.
“The Red Sox' position player Sept. call-up tomorrow is not expected to be Kristian Campbell, per industry source,” Smith posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “He makes sense. Right-handed bat who plays multiple positions, but it doesn't appear the team considers him a candidate right now.”
Campbell would have offered the Red Sox a much-needed right-handed bat off the bench and versatility at second base, shortstop, and center field. He also has seen three games at third base with Greenville, Portland, and Worcester.
Following the Red Sox series sweep at the hands of the Diamondbacks, Red Sox manager Alex Cora was asked about the possibility of Campbell earning another promotion this season.
“We’ve been talking about it, and obviously versatility comes into play,” Cora said last weekend at Fenway Park. “We’re very left-handed, too. So trying to create balance. The whole utility-fast guy comes into play, too. So we’ve been talking about it for a few weeks.”
“We talk about what he’s doing, but not in this situation,” Cora said.
Campbell, joined the Sox’ system after he was drafted out of Georgia Tech during last year’s amateur draft. Since joining the WooSox, Campbell has been scorching hot, going 8-for-19 (.421) with two homers, one triple, nine RBI, and three runs in his first four games.
Through his first eight games with Worcester, Campbell is hitting .303 with three homers, 12 RBI, six walks, and two stolen bases. He has also posted a .410 on-base percentage, .606 slugging percentage, and a 1.016 OPS.
Between High-A Greenville, Double-A Portland, and his cup of coffee with Triple-A Worcester, Campbell is hitting .336 with a .442 on-base percentage, .575 slugging percentage, 1.017 OPS, 20 homers, 31 doubles, three triples, 72 RBI, 87 runs, and 22 stolen bases (104 games).
Even though Campbell is not expected to be called up on September 1, it doesn’t mean he will not potentially get an opportunity before the season ends.
“But I think at the end of the day, we’re going to get the guys that we do believe can help us as soon as possible,” Cora said. “And if we have to pivot from that, then we will. But I’m excited about it. I’m excited where we’re at. It’s 3 1/2 games back with a lot of games to play.”
Cora said the Red Sox are looking to add one position player and one pitcher when the rosters expand to 28 players. The potential healthy position players that are available currently on the 40-man roster are catcher Tyler Heineman, infielders Bobby Dalbec, Vaughn Grissom, and Enmanuel Valdez.
If Boston goes outside the box, they could designate Heineman for assignment and add on-base machine Chase Meidroth, who offers the ability to play at second base, third base, and shortstop.
