Changeup: Braves' center fielder changes name to Melvin Upton Jr.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — B.J. Upton will be missing from Braves camp this season.
The team released its spring training roster Sunday, with the center fielder instead going by Melvin Upton Jr. this season. He is expected to explain his reasoning for the change when he reports to camp.
Upton, 30, had gone by B.J. for Bossman Junior, the nickname he shares with his father, but when the clubhouse opened for pitchers and catchers reporting at the Braves' Disney Wide World of Sports complex, the nameplate atop his locker read "Upton Jr." Sunday, a jersey with the same name hung in Upton's spot.
He has suffered through two rough seasons in Atlanta since signing a five-year, $75 million contract, hitting .198/.279/.314 with 21 home runs, five triples, 33 doubles and 61 RBI in 267 games.
In six seasons with the Rays before moving to the Braves he hit .255/.336/.422 with 118 homers, 20 triples, 202 doubles and 447 RBI. He also posted three 20-20 seasons, including a career-high 28 homers and 31 steals in '12.
Upton's name change is the latest shakeup for the Braves outfield, which already saw Jason Heyward traded to the Cardinals, the younger Upton, Justin, shipped to the Padres and Evan Gattis — who was believed to be moving to left field after the Upton deal — now with the Astros.
Follow Cory McCartney on Twitter @coryjmccartney
