Padres News: Melvin Upton Jr. to Return
The San Diego Padres announced on Sunday afternoon that Melvin Upton Jr. will return to the Padres 25-man roster on Monday in Atlanta verses the Braves. Upton spent two years with the Braves after signing a 5 years/$72.25 million dollar contract with them prior to the 2013 season.
In 13 minor league games in AAA El Paso, Upton hit .280 with 1 home run and six RBI’s. He also stole four bases and scored 10 runs for the Chihuahuas. Upton provides steady center field defense, all though his bat has diminished a bit recently. He only managed to hit .208 last season in Atlanta in 141 games. His 12 home runs and 35 RBI’s were not nearly enough to off-set that horrible average. The Padres will have to hope he has a rebound year.
OF Melvin Upton Jr. will meet the #Padres in Atlanta tonight. He will be reinstated from the DL Monday before a series against the #Braves.
— Corey Brock (@FollowThePadres) June 7, 2015
Where does that leave the Padres when Wil Myers returns from the disabled list? Myers is currently rehabbing and might be days away from returning himself. The Padres outfield is already crowded and manager Bud Black has his hands full making out the line-up card on a daily basis. Myers will be in the line-up as will Matt Kemp and Justin Upton, so Melvin Upton will join Will Venable on the bench. Perhaps against left-handed starter, Myers will play first base and Upton Jr will play center. That remains to be seen though.
As per Bud Black, the #Padres will option OF Abraham Almonte to @epchihuahuas to make room for Melvin Upton Jr.
— Corey Brock (@FollowThePadres) June 7, 2015
Really not a huge surprise as Abraham Almonte’s day were surely numbered. Almonte filled in for the Padres in center field and did a decent job. He is however nothing more than a number four outfielder at this point. Almonte could be used as a throw in a potential deal. The Padres are surely exploring options as far as trades go. Most Padres fans suspect a deal is imminent.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.