Alex Cora Sends Clear Message on Potential Kristian Campbell Demotion

Cora sounds like a desperate man willing to do anything to fix the team’s issues. He already moved Campbell down to ninth in the batting order on Monday, but could something more drastic be in store?

When asked if the team was considering demoting Campbell back to Triple-A Worcester, Cora shared a telling response.

“We want him to get it here. That’s the most important thing,” Cora said. “We don’t rule anything out. But right now, he’s going to play here, and he’s going to get at-bats here, and we’re going to keep pushing him to be better."

Cora continued by explaining how Campbell can find his stride at the plate again.

“We have to get back to being disciplined," Cora said. “That’s something that he’s done in his short career. Yeah, he hits the ball hard, but he’s very disciplined. And up to that point, that was a great at-bat, and then we swung at that pitch. So, let him know that we hit the ball hard, but we hit the ball hard with pitches in the zone. And be decisive. I think that’s the most important thing. I think he’s been a little bit hesitant, like in between on pitches the last few weeks."

As Cora himself said, they will not rule out sending Campbell back down to Triple-A if his struggles continue. But in the meantime, expect to see the former 2023 fourth-round pick in the lineup every day until further notice. 

If Boston does decide to demote Campbell, current number-two prospect Marcello Mayer would be in a prime position to secure a prominent role on the major league roster. It could also give Campbell some time to clear his mind, fix the mechanical mistakes, and make a triumphant return at a later point in the season.