Padres News: Luis Campusano Stealing Austin Nola's Shine Early

The torch might be passed earlier than we thought.

It has been no secret that the San Diego Padres been planning for Luis Campusano to take over Austin Nola's primary role of starting catcher for the franchise. Campusano has been inserted into the starting lineup four times in 2023 and he has seen production thus far. 

The Friars drafted him back in 2017 when the second round rolled around and at only 24-years-old, he still has a lot more room to grow. He grinned out some years in the minor leagues and it was clear that he deserved a shot in not just Spring Training with the main squad but a spot on the regular season roster.

On the other hand, Austin Nola has had an up-and-down three season with the Friars thus far but proved to be very valuable in last season's playoffs. His first two years in brown and gold were short due to injuries and he suffered yet another one at the end of Spring Training when he got hit with a fast ball directly to the face. His hitting has gone down since then.

Austin Nola has exited the game after being hit in the face by a Michael Fulmer fastball pic.twitter.com/WV3RitO8mf

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) March 19, 2023

Team manager Bob Melvin spoke to the San Diego-Union Tribune about how the team will approach Nola's situation following 19 trips to the plate with no success.

“Yeah, we might do things a little bit differently,” said Melvin. “He had a really good spring swinging the bat. Then he had the nose issue and has not swung it as well since. … We’ll see how the how it breaks up as we go forward.” (Via San Diego-Union Tribune)

It's unfortunate to see considering that Nola was looking to have his best season yet in San Diego.

However, the Padres do have a nice backup option in Campusano that is just coming off of a performance where he logged two runs and a double.

Melvin knows his positive impact has been clear.

"He’s been doing a nice job for us behind the plate,” said Melvin. “Every game he started at this point, we’ve won. … I’ve been impressed.”

(Via San Diego-Union Tribune)

Without a doubt the Padres will give Nola a chance to get back on track but we'll have to see what comes of this situation.