Familiar Red Sox Rookie Heating Up At Perfect Time

Kristian Campbell is heating up again — and the timing could work in the Boston Red Sox’s favor.

After a tough return to Triple-A, the 23-year-old has found his swing with Worcester, stringing together an eight-game hitting streak capped by Sunday’s three-hit effort that included a home run.

Over that span, Campbell has posted a 1.131 OPS, reinforcing the offensive upside that once made him a prized prospect.

It took a while to get here. After slashing .301/.407/.495 in March and April, Campbell’s production cratered in May. As his bat fell quiet, his glove did not help him stick.

Across 67 games in the majors, Campbell committed seven errors in 471 ⅔ innings at second base — a number that raised concerns about his defensive consistency, particularly for a player whose defensive role remains largely undetermined.

The Red Sox ultimately opted to send him back to Worcester for a reset. It was less about punishment and more about clearing his head. Since the demotion, Campbell has also started 15 games at first base for the WooSox, which may give Boston added flexibility if and when they decide to bring him back.

With Marcelo Mayer sidelined, however, second base is a position of need in Boston. Campbell may not have locked it down earlier this year, but he is hitting like someone who wants another shot. His recent streak includes a .419 average, two homers and a stolen base — production the Red Sox could use in the lineup now.

Campbell’s hot bat will not guarantee him another chance, but if he stays hot, he could be back at Fenway before long.

The question is whether his glove will be ready when that call comes.