June Players of the Month: Kristian Campbell and Elmer Rodriguez

The June selections for players of the month are both former fourth-round picks who now rank among the top 15 prospects in the organization. Kristian Campbell (pictured) wins his second consecutive monthly recognition, while Elmer Rodriguez gets the nod for pitchers. 

A promotion to Double-A on June 4th did nothing to slow Campbell down as he hit .398/.500/.636 in 24 games. He picked up seven doubles, hit four homers, and scored an organization-leading 22 runs during the month. His performance earned him Eastern League Player of the Month honors in his first go-around in the circuit, just a month after winning South Atlantic League honors. After seeing his on-base streak end at 44 games on June 13, Campbell responded by finishing the month on a 13-game hitting streak, going 30 for 44. He also celebrated his 22nd birthday on June 22, and cade another jump in the rankings, where he now sits at fifth in the organization.

Originally drafted in 2021, Rodriguez saw a promising 2023 season sidetracked when he missed a month with elbow inflammation. He's shown no ill-effects in 2024, with a 2.51 ERA in 61 innings across 14 starts. Rodriguez did not allow an earned run in 20 June innings, surrendering just 11 hits and striking out 19 against four walks. He finished the month strong, striking out nine of the 22 batters he faced in six innings on June 30. The 20-year-old right-hander is currently ranked 15th in the system. 

Photo Credit: Kristian Campbell by Kelly O'Connor

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