Manager Craig Stammen has confirmed Luis Campusano as the San Diego Padres' No. 2 catcher, giving him a runway to secure the role during spring training. Stammen praised Campusano's new haircut and expressed confidence in his ability to take control of the job behind Freddy Fermin, who will be the front-line catcher.
Campusano, 27, has had a rocky professional journey but will get significant playing time to avoid burning out Fermin. The catcher appeared in 91 games last season with a .227 batting average and eight home runs, struggling with defense. Stammen, who played with Campusano in the bullpen, has supported him since taking the managerial job, giving him every opportunity to prove he belongs in the majors.