Manager Alex Cora made his decision this weekend on who will start at second base for the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day against the Texas Rangers. According to MassLive.com, the team’s No. 2 prospect, Kristian Campbell, will make the Opening Day roster.
The 22-year-old infielder has already been informed that he made the team, though the official announcement has yet to be made. He will be the only one among the Red Sox’s top three prospects to make the roster, as Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer will start the season in the minors.
“He was on the fastball”, Cora said to MLB.com after Saturday’s game against the Rays. “He’s been late the whole spring on fastballs and today he got a 2-1 pitch, hit it out in front to center field. He got to the other one, hit it the other way [for a home run]. That’s the most important thing. At this level, if you hit the fastball, and you get to the fastball, you’ll be in a good spot».
For a brief moment, Marcelo Mayer seemed to be the favorite for the Red Sox’s second base job. He had a strong Spring Training, but it wasn’t enough.
Alex Cora was ultimately convinced that Kristian Campbell is making progress in his recent at-bats, despite recording just one hit in his last eight plate appearances. That hit was a home run against the Rays on Saturday
The Red Sox will play two exhibition games on Monday and Tuesday in Mexico against the Sultanes de Monterrey. Mayer, Campbell, and Anthony will be on the roster for this final Spring Training series before the season opener on Thursday in Arlington.
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The final question for Alex Cora and the Red Sox is who will be their fifth starter. Quinn Priester was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, leaving Sean Newcomb as the favorite for the last rotation spot, according to Chris Cotillo.
