Report: Orioles, Padres discussing Jimenez-for-Upton trade

Looking to bolster their outfield ahead of the non-waiver trade deadline, the division-leading Baltimore Orioles are reportedly discussing a deal with the San Diego Padres that would send Ubaldo Jimenez out west in exchange for Melvin Upton Jr., reports FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

A deal isn't close, though, Rosenthal notes, adding San Diego also wants a prospect in exchange for Upton. Earlier on Friday, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reported the Padres had been telling teams they're close to dealing the 31-year-old outfielder.

The Orioles are also reported to have interest in a separate deal involving pitcher Andrew Cashner, sources tell Rosenthal. The Padres are said to be seeking two prospects for the right-hander's services.

The reports come on the heels of increased interest in Upton, who's reportedly being targeted by several teams, including the AL East rival Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians.

With both Hyun Soo Kim and Joey Rickard landing on the disabled list this week, Upton - who boasts a .756 OPS (104 OPS+) with 16 homers through 90 games - would be a huge addition for an Orioles team trying to fend off both the Boston Red Sox (1/2 game back) and the Blue Jays (two games back) for first in the AL East. Jimenez has been supplanted in Baltimore's rotation by Dylan Bundy, having stumbled to a ghastly 7.38 ERA through 17 starts and one relief appearance this year.

For the rebuilding Padres, assuming the Orioles agree to include a prospect, the deal would not only trim some fat from their payroll - Jimenez is owed about $20 million through next season, while Upton will earn roughly $22.5 million over that span - but also further infuse a farm system that has been dramatically overhauled via trade and international spending over the last year.