By Liz Alper
Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America, via Zimbio.com
July 26, 2016 (Toronto) - When the Padres return to San Diego after this series, Melvin Upton Jr. won't be coming home with them.
As one of the Padres to fall victim to trade rumors--particularly from teams in the AL East--those rumors finally came true just over an hour ago; Upton Jr. is now a Toronto Blue Jay.
FanRag's Jon Heyman reports that the Jays will take care of much of Upton Jr.'s remaining $22 million contract.
Upton Jr. did well to increase his trade value as a Padre this season, being the hero of two walk-off home runs. His average has dwindled; he's down to .256, but he's still hit 16 home runs and stolen 20 bases. He'll fit right into an all-star Blue Jays lineup that includes reigning American League MVP Josh Donaldson.
In return, the Padres are receiving cash and Dominican pitching prospect Hansel Rodriguez. Rodriguez was playing for the Bluefield Blue Jays of the Appalachian League before the trade. Rodriguez is a David Price-type pitcher, going 2-1 so far in 6 games in 2016 with a 3.06 ERA.
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