BOSTON — Kristian Campbell’s debut season keeps getting better.
The Red Sox’ second baseman — and occasional outfielder — was Friday chosen as the American League Rookie of the Month for March/April.
Campbell, who seemingly came out of nowhere to earn a spot o the Opening Day roster, became the first Red Sox rookie to win a monthly award since Triston Casas won the same award in July, 2023. He’s the 11th Red Sox rookie to win the award overall.
The 22-year-old Campbell hit .301 with four homers and 12 RBI, eight doubles, 19 walks, 18 runs scored and two stolen bases. He also compiled a .407 on-base percentage, a .495 slugging percentage and a .902 OPS over his first 29 games in the big leagues.
For the time period, Campbell led all qualified rookies in on-base percentage, walks, runs scored and extra-base hits while ranking second in slugging, OPS, hits, and total bases.
He also successfully reached base in each of his first 17 games, the second-longest streak to begin a Red Sox major league career behind George Scott in 1966. Campbell had 11 multi-hit games.
“He’s done a lot of good things,” said manager Alex Cora. “Offensively, he dominates the strike zone. He hits the ball hard the other way. He’s learning, too, which is the best thing. You sit down with him and you talk about the whole experience and it’s a great conversation.
“We’re very excited for him. Defensively, he’s getting better, too. He’s been working (on moving to his right). That play has been hard for him since he got here. But he’s turning the double play great. So far, so good.”
Campbell was out of the lineup for the second straight game Friday night, nursing some soreness in his ribs. Cora said the expectation is that the rookie will return to the lineup Saturday.
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