For weeks now, Alex Cora and the Red Sox have signaled that rookie Kristian Campbell was poised to be the next man up at first base.
Triston Casas’ season-ending knee injury created a glaring hole at that spot in the infield, with the subsequent logjam of blue-chip prospects toiling in Triple-A Worcester — namely shortstop Marcelo Mayer and outfielder Roman Anthony — further exacerbating issues for an ill-fitting Boston roster.
But after initially pledging that Campbell — who has primarily played second base and the outfield in his first MLB season — would start at first this past weekend against Atlanta, Cora changed his tune.