Luis Campusano’s rehab debut forces Padres to remember what they might still have

Luis Campusano didn’t exactly ease his way back into things. He entered his first rehab game the same way Jake Cronenworth did. He sent a reminder that he can do damage in the batter’s box. Campusano went 2-for-2 with a home run, two RBI and a walk. It was about as clean of a first look the Padres could want from a player who’s been out since early May with a fractured left big toe.

Before the injury, Campusano was making his mark as a backup catcher. He was giving the Padres offensive production from a position where they have spent a good chunk of the last season trying to survive. He was slashing .288/.362/.596 with three home runs and 10 RBI in 18 games.

Luis Campusano’s rehab homer gives Padres a much-needed reminder

The Padres have already shown us how they handle rehab assignments when they think a player is close enough. Jake Cronenworth got three games before he was brought back. We’re not saying Campusano will be on a similar schedule, but that can’t be ruled out of the conversation.

If the bat is already sharp, how long are the Padres going to wait?

The Padres don’t have the luxury of being overly patient with offensive help. The lineup has consistently been looking like it needs a jump-start. And when a catcher with legitimate offensive upside starts his rehab assignment by reaching base three times and leaving the yard, that should get everyone’s attention.

Padres have gotten defense from Rodolfo Durán, but the lineup needs more

Rodolfo Durán has been a great story. He finally reached the majors at 28 after grinding through the minors for years, and has had his celebratory moments behind the plate. The arm cooks. The receiving and game-calling has been strong. And the energy has been easy to appreciate. He’s done more than enough to hold it down while both Freddy Fermin and Campusano were out. 

But sometimes, nice stories aren’t enough. And Durán’s bat hasn't been enough. He’s shown some pop, but the overall offensive production has been thin (.141/.236/.344). The reality is this Padres team cannot afford too many soft spots in the lineup while trying to stay relevant in the playoff race.

At some point, the Padres have to stop grading on a curve. If Campusano is healthy and swinging it the way he was before the injury, San Diego has to seriously consider how quickly it can get that bat back into the major-league lineup.

Freddy Fermin being back gives the Padres another layer to sort through. Durán’s defense gives them a real argument to keep him involved. But Campusano’s bat gives them the offensive upgrade they’ve been chasing all year. And that’s probably going to be what wins the argument. 

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