The Boston Red Sox restocked their minor league system in a big way, with Kristian Campbell being a big reason why. Despite being selected in the fourth round of the MLB draft, Campbell rose through the ranks quickly, making the Opening Day roster after only two seasons in the minors, then signing an eight-year, $60 million extension prior to the start of the season.
And the money was well deserved.
Through his first 123 MLB plate appearances, Campbell is slashing .301/.407/.495 with a 15.4% walk rate, 26% strikeout rate and .194 ISO. The BABIP of .397 is high, but he often maintained a BABIP in the .400 range in the minors. Campbell has hit four home runs, stolen two bases, scored 18 runs and driven in 12.
Unfortunately, Campbell will miss his fourth game of the season on Thursday due to a rib injury. There’s been no mention of when the injury occurred or the severity of it.
Rob Refsnyder ($4,000) will replace Campbell on Thursday and bat seventh. Refsnyder has accrued 36 plate appearances this season and hit two home runs while stealing two bases. He’s slashing .333/.361/.606, which is .409 BABIP-fueled. The walk rate is 5.6%, the strikeout rate is 27.8% and the ISO is .273. For his career, Refsnyder has a 10.5% walk rate, 22.7% strikeout rate and .124 ISO.
