Sorry for the delay on the response amigos. Sure, this injury could happen whether you are the starting catcher or the bullpen catcher (which they basically had at his D1). The original comment about the kid tearing his miniscus "could" have happened in a game or catching bullpens too.
The point is this. In many situations any catcher definitely has to understand that he might have to catch A LOT of bullpens unless the school has bullpen catchers or there are kids down the depth chart from your kid. My son is relieved to be an OF who can catch in emergency situations now...his legs feel better when he hits/runs and in general. He does not miss time in the cage like he did when he was #2/3 in the depth chart.
Catching in college can be a grind unless your kid LOVES catching more than he likes the other parts of the game. You can count on the #1/2 catchers not catching as many pens pre or in season. Be ready to work your butt off.