Padres keep rebuilding by trading Upton to Blue Jays

Outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. was already in Toronto with the San Diego Padres when they traded him across the diamond to the Blue Jays.

Joining his new team was a lot more complicated than walking down the hall.

The Blue Jays acquired Upton Jr. and cash from the Padres on Tuesday in exchange for minor league right-hander Hansel Rodriguez

Upton couldn’t join Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins for an early afternoon press conference because he was at the nearest border crossing, in Buffalo, New York, being cleared to re-enter Canada.

When he arrived with the Padres on Sunday night, Upton was treated as a visitor. As a member of the Blue Jays, he requires a work visa to enter Canada.

Upton has had a big season for the rebuilding Padres, who are mired in fourth place in the NL West.