The Padres acquired outfielder Ramón Laureano from the Baltimore Orioles at the trade deadline. Originally drafted by the Houston Astros in 2014 out of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, Laureano was traded to the Oakland Athletics in 2017, where he spent six seasons and made his MLB debut. He later had stints with the Cleveland Guardians, Atlanta Braves and Orioles before landing in San Diego. Nicknamed “Laser Ramón” for his powerful arm, the Dominican-born Laureano is capable of playing all three outfield positions and has been a strong contributor at the plate since joining the Padres.

The Union-Tribune spoke to Laureano about an improbable journey, his parents, his intensity and his Dominican roots. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

I saw you drinking a small espresso cu

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