Red Sox Infield Candidate Flashes Arm From Another Position

The Boston Red Sox see more value in Kristian Campbell beyond his bid for the Opening Day second base job.

Campbell also showed his versatility over the last year or so with minor league reps in the outfield, including recently with the Red Sox during spring training. Campbell got the nod in left field in Thursday’s Grapefruit League matchup against the Minnesota Twins.

The Boston prospect wasted no time and showed his abilities in the first inning. Campbell ran down a base hit off the bat of Twins outfielder Byron Buxton with Sean Newcomb on the mound for the Red Sox. Campbell tracked the ball to his right and fired a strike to second to shut down Buxton’s bid for a double.

You can check out Campbell’s throw here.

The No. 2 prospect in the Red Sox system remains in the hunt to win the second base job, but his ability to play quality defense at multiple positions should speed up his path to his inevitable MLB debut this season.

Campbell entered play Thursday night hitting .158 on the spring, though that came with major struggles early in camp. He’s responded well this week and homered in the MLB Spring Breakout Game series along with fellow Red Sox prospects Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony.