The acquisition of Melvin Upton Jr. from the San Diego Padres for minor league pitcher Hansel Rodriguez falls along the lines of “tinkering around the edges,” but it might have a few residual benefits for the Toronto Blue Jays as they try to outlast the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East.
Upton has quietly enjoyed a nice comeback season in San Diego, with a .256/.304/.439 slash line, 16 homers and 20 stolen bases. The Blue Jays only have 32 stolen bases as a team, so Upton brings a welcome dose of speed to the lineup.