At this point, it’s safe to say the Boston Red Sox manager, Alex Cora is making inexplicable decisions. How else would you explain his executions of two major roster moves in a span of just one week? Rafael Devers’ shipment to San Francisco is still fresh. Now, Boston’s latest move with their $60 million rookie has raised eyebrows.

Both the Giants and the Red Sox are scheduled to commence their three-game series on Friday at Oracle Park. But just two days before the highly anticipated opening game, Boston has decided to send their $60 million infielder, Kristian Campbell, to Triple-A Worcester, as reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN. For the record, Campbell signed his eight-year deal before he even played any major league game.

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Campbell had a relatively strong start to the season. By the end of April, he was hitting .301/.407/.495. However, since then, he’s slumped to a .159/.243/.222. In fact, across 67 games, he’s recorded 51 hits, 24 runs, 10 doubles, 6 home runs, and 21 RBIs. Now, these have been the on-field issues with Campbell. There’s more to it off the field.

After Rafael Devers’ trade, rumors swirled that the infielder played a role in triggering the rift. Apparently, Devers was upset with Campbell for volunteering to play first base. Initially, Devers was infuriated when the Red Sox moved him from third to DH after Alex Bregman’s signing. And then it triggered him after Campbell himself allegedly volunteered to play at first.

However, Alex Cora has now apparently clarified his stance on this matter. According to reports, it’s not true that Campbell volunteered to take over first base. It’s the Red Sox management that approached Campbell to do the job. “Alex Cora said Kristian Campbell never approached him about playing first base. It was the Red Sox who approached Campbell and he said he knows nothing of Devers being mad,” the Red Sox reporter Christopher Smith wrote on X.

Consequently, who will be filling Campbell’s spot now? Perhaps it’ll be Wilyer Abreu. Previously, Alex Cora had said that the Giants series might be the time for Abreu’s return.

Boston’s outfield depth might be tested as Red Sox activate Wilyer Abreu

It was certainly a tough decision for the Red Sox to send Kristian Campbell down to the triple-A. But that decision played a role in setting up Wilyer Abreu’s return to the major leagues. The team has undergone multiple transitions lately, and with the outfielder’s return, it gives the team a much-needed boost.

Abreu got sidelined with an oblique injury earlier this month. Even then, during his second full year with the team, he recorded a .245 batting average, .792 OPS and a 119 OPS+. He has 13 home runs and 32 RBIs to his name. However, post-injury, it’s a possibility that his power might dip.

It’s important to note that Abreu’s return might logjam the outfield. Jarren Duran and Ceddane Rafaela will keep their usual roles. Coming to Roman Anthony, he’s arguably Red Sox’s top prospect. However, his struggles in his first nine outings can’t be ignored. His batting average was merely .074 but then again, the sample size was limited. He needs time to adjust and for the same reason, the Red Sox might put him at DH.

If Abreu makes a comeback, let’s see if it adds to the Red Sox’s outfield depth.