The Boston Red Sox appear to have a vision for their next infield lineup, though a couple of things need to fall into place.
Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer, for instance, need to prove they can settle into unfamiliar positions.
Campbell began working at first base before games in response to Triston Casas’ season-ending injury earlier this month, with the hope being that he’ll eventually be able to become an everyday player at the position down the stretch. Mayer, on the other hand, is getting a ton of work at second base down with Triple-A Worcester — a sign that he could finally be given an opportunity to make his big league debut.
“It only makes sense to put those (developments) together (to see a path to the big leagues),” Mayer told Alex Speier of The Boston Globe. “(I’m) just doing whatever I can every single day to get ready over there so when my time comes, I’m able to help the team.”
Boston can’t just toss the latter into a new spot without the former proving worthy of holding his own. Mayer’s minor league coaches believe that it’s only a matter of time before they lose him, though, no matter the outside circumstances.
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“It’s not going to be too long,” WooSox hitting coach Doug Clark told Speier. “I think we’re talking moments away from really on the cusp of getting to the big leagues, and that’s exciting for all of us.”
The Red Sox haven’t fared very well since losing Casas, going 7-9 with the likes of Nick Sogard, Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro splitting time at the position.
Campbell would, in the hopes of the organization, bring some steadiness to that position and open up an obvious spot for one of its top prospects. We just have to wait and see if everything lines up as they hope.