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The elder Upton brother might be a bit of a forgotten name on the Padres roster, but that won't last for much longer. The Padres acquired Melvin Upton Jr. (previously known as B.J. Upton) the day before the 2015 season, along with Craig Kimbrel, when the Padres sent Carlos Quentin, Cameron Maybin, Matt Wisler and a competitive balance pick to the Braves. Melvin went straight to the DL due a foot problem (called sesamoiditis) that caused him to miss most of Spring Training with Atlanta. In mid May Upton was cleared to begin a rehab assignment and he's been with the El Paso Chihuahuas doing just that for the past couple weeks. However, that changes tomorrow according to Padres.com writer Corey Brock:
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
When Upton Jr. joins the Padres, there will need to be a corresponding move when he is activated from the disabled list. In all likelihood Abraham Almonte will be optioned back to El Paso. Melvin's role on the club is unknown. Potentially he could begin in the role Almonte was playing, which was platoon partner with Will Venable in CF, potential late inning defensive replacement for Matt Kemp or Justin Upton and right-handed pinch hitter. A few years ago, he was an everyday player and an asset to the Tampa Bay Rays in their AL Championship year. He earned a big contract from the Atlanta Braves, but has struggled over the last couple of years and will need to prove himself in majors in order to earn his playing time.