Jays acquire Upton Jr. from Padres

TORONTO (CP) — The Toronto Blue Jays addressed two needs with one deal Tuesday by acquiring Melvin Upton Jr. from the San Diego Padres for a low-level pitch- ing prospect.

Upton’s addition gives the team a quality veteran backup outfielder for the stretch drive and also provides stability next year in the event of free agency departures.

General manager Ross Atkins said he started talking with the Padres when right-fielder Jose Bautista suffered a toe injury in mid-June.

“What attracted us to (Upton) was several things: the defence at all three positions, speed, baserunning, base-stealer, power, versatility and depth,” Atkins said. “So I feel great about some of the pieces in the minor leagues, but adding him to our major-league team now and having another