Things were finally clicking for Kristian Campbell down in Triple-A. The outfielder slashed .412/.500/.647 over five games to start September after a hot July and August, and there might've been a path back to the big league roster for him in the final weeks of the season.
The progress halted on September 8 when Campbell was pulled from the Worcester Red Sox's game against Lehigh Valley for precautionary reasons due to a toe injury. He didn't return to the lineup the next day. On September 10, the WooSox placed him on the seven-day injured list with a left foot contusion, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.
The Triple-A regular season ends on September 20 and getting Campbell back to health before then is a big ask. It's more likely that his season ends with his foot injury, as the WooSox have nine games left this year.
Campbell was in the middle of a resurgent second half at the plate before the foot contusion sidelined him. He posted a .256/.383/.380 slash line over 109 games this season, which was saved by his performance in the second half. The 24-year-old batted .311/.430/.497 with six home runs over 51 games after the All-Star break.
Kristian Campbell's latest injury keeps Red Sox from calling him up and ends his season early
Much like the big league club, Campbell's best month came in July to the tune of a .379/.507/.552 slash line with four doubles, two home runs, 11 RBI, 13 walks and 17 strikeouts over 19 games. His extra-base hits came in groups — he hit his four doubles over two games and the two home runs on back-to-back outings.
Despite the promise he showed in the second half, Campbell leaves yet another season still surrounded by questions about his future. He never made it back to the major leagues to assert himself as a capable big leaguer.
Even more unfortunately, it seems he just missed his chance. Boston's outfield could use reinforcement as Ceddanne Rafaela rests his ailing quad on the IL and Eli White deals with a sore foot after his spikes got jammed in a Green Monster grate as he was making a play. Nate Eaton is already in the major leagues to take Rafaela's roster spot and Campbell would've been the next man up if White needs an IL stint.
Instead, Campbell's injury will end his season before he had his moment to prove himself in the major leagues during a playoff chase. It would've been a massive stage for someone who last appeared with the Red Sox in June 2025, but the surging Campbell might've been ready for it. Now we won't know until next season, whenever it starts.
Add us as a preferred source on Google