His first day of action included several bullpen sessions and batting practice.

"It was a little bit delayed but it feels good to be back," said Blanco, who hit .292 with three homers and 12 RBIs in 58 games with the Chicago Cubs last season. "It was a good first day. ... I'm just trying to get back in shape, get back on my feet and get ready to work."

Padres pitchers and catchers reported to camp Feb. 13 and held their first workout Sunday. But Blanco, who signed a one-year deal for $750,000 in January, and Padres manager Bud Black weren't as concerned about the 38-year-old missing time because spring training runs for seven weeks this season to account for players participating in the World Baseball Classic.

A priority in Black's camp is relationship building between his pitchers and catchers. And though Blanco has missed time, Black knows the catcher is capable of catching up and getting accustomed to his hurlers.

"I'm more comfortable with it because Henry is a veteran," Black said. "He's been through this before."

It didn't hurt Blanco to have an endorsement from former teammate Greg Maddux, who is working with the Padres as a part-time instructor this spring. Before signing Blanco, Towers called upon Maddux, who played with the Padres from 2007 until last August, for an opinion.

"It was nice to get a reference from a guy like him," Blanco said of Maddux, who retired in December after earning 355 wins, eighth all-time in baseball history.