Boston Red Sox fans may be clamoring for Kristian Campbell’s return to the big leagues, but Alex Cora indicated a more patient approach.
The Red Sox demoted Campbell to Triple-A Worcester on June 20 after a prolonged slump in Boston. He’s gotten back on track for the WooSox, hitting .285/.410/.457 after going 8-for-16 with two home runs in his last four games.
Speaking to reporters before Friday’s game against the Miami Marlins, per WEEI’s Tom Carroll, Cora cautioned that Campbell has more boxes to check before a call-up.
“He’s producing, but there’s still work to do down there,” Cora said.
Campbell has the lowest defensive runs saved (-14) of any American League second baseman despite spending nearly two months in the minors. As a result, the rookie has played first base for the WooSox to potentially fill another void for Boston.
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Cora gave a tepid review of the 23-year-old’s defensive development at first.
“He’s been OK,” Cora said. “Different situations come up every day. He’s learning, but he’s been OK.”
The Red Sox manager identified specific areas Campbell must address, but Cora noted that Triple-A competition may not adequately prepare him for some of those adjustments.
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“The same things that he struggled here with. Pitch recognition, covering certain shapes and fastballs,” Cora said. “That’s something that is hard because he’s not going to get that down there. He’s not. The velo here is harder. It’s faster. Locations are on point here. With all due respect to players down there, it’s a big gap.
“We’ve got to keep working. He’s got to keep working, and we’ll see what the future holds.”
