BOSTON — Kristian Campbell’s introduction to the major leagues has largely come at second base, save for some cameos in left field during spring training and the first week of the regular season. Now, the Red Sox plan on testing his versatility even more.

Manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Campbell, in a new development, will play center field — and not left field — on days when he’s not starting at second base for the time being. The Red Sox amended their original lineup, which had Campbell in left field and Jarren Duran in center, to install Campbell in center field and Duran in left. Cora said that’s how the Sox will line up on certain days when David Hamilton plays second base and Campbell shifts to the outfield.

Campbell, who played four positions across three minor league levels in 2024, actually never suited up in left field at High-A, Double-A or Triple-A. But he did see 25 games of action — and 204 innings — in center.

“We’re gonna play (Campbell) in center,” Cora said. “Just watching Jarren playing left field yesterday, he’s a monster out there. He’s really good. Campbell played a lot of center field last year, more than 20 games. He’s comfortable with it. I don’t know why during spring training we had this crazy idea of playing him in left field when he played center last year.

“I just thought about it yesterday after the game. You start spending time in the office to chill. I was like, ‘What are we doing?’ He plays center, so why are we trying to do this at one of the weirdest left fields in the game? I called K.C. and said, ‘Hey man, where do you feel more comfortable, center or left?’ He said center field. I said, ‘Shoot, we could have solved this a month ago.‘”

Cora cited multiple reasons for the switch. Campbell’s comfort in center is a big one, especially considering the wonky nature of Fenway Park, where Duran has emerged as a strong fielder in front of the Green Monster in recent years. Giving Duran the ability to play in one spot after bouncing around the outfield in recent years will help him be consistent — and aid a potential Gold Glove candidacy. The most important reason, though, according to Cora, is finding a way to get the speedy Hamilton in the lineup at second base against right-handed pitchers. Boston wants Campbell to play every day and therefore Rafaela, who is off to a 3-for-26 start at the plate, will be the odd man out at times. Further changes are expected when top outfield prospect Roman Anthony ascends to the majors in the near future.

“We’ve got to get Hammy in the lineup,” Cora said. “We have to. I think that’s the most important thing here. He’s a good player, he’s a good defender, a good offensive player. We have to keep him engaged.

“We can not forget about him. He’s important for us. He impacts the game like no one else on the basepaths, he had a great spring and we have to find at-bats for him.”

Cora previously said the club planned to get Hamilton, who can play both middle infield positions, some reps in center field during spring training. That’s no longer an option now, the manager said.

On most days, Campbell will play second with Duran, Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu lined up on the grass. But there are times when, using perhaps the Sox’ best offensive lineup, it’ll be Campbell roaming the middle of the outfield. So nine games into his big league career, on what’s expected to be a rainy day at Fenway, Campbell will try tackling a third different position.

“Right now, Kristian is our second baseman and he’ll probably play the outfield once a week,” Cora said. “I think it’s a lot easier for him to play center field than left field.”