SAN DIEGO -- Melvin Upton Jr., obtained the day before Opening Day with closer Craig Kimbrel from the Braves, hasn't advanced to the point where he's ready to join the big league team, but he's ready to begin a Minor League rehabilitation assignment.
Manager Bud Black said Thursday that Upton, slowed since Spring Training with sesamoiditis (inflammation of a bone in the foot), will begin playing with Triple-A El Paso this weekend.
"I caught up with Melvin in Phoenix and he assured me he feels good," Black said.
Upton has spent the past week playing in games in extended spring training in Arizona.