sports

Campusano Gets Chance as Padres' No. 2 Catcher

Manager Craig Stammen has given Luis Campusano a vote of confidence as the San Diego Padres' No. 2 catcher, giving him a 'runway' to win the job in Spring Training.

Stammen has repeatedly cited Campusano's hard work and Triple-A success since spring camp began. The manager noted Campusano's new haircut while expressing excitement about the 27-year-old's opportunity to establish himself as the backup to front-line catcher Freddy Fermin.

After a rocky start to his major league career, Campusano appeared in 91 games last season with modest offensive numbers. Stammen, who played with Campusano when he was a pitcher, has consistently expressed support and belief in the young catcher's potential.