Skip to content

Blue Jays' Melvin Upton Jr.: Feeling mentally tough to handle competition

Upton feels his struggles in recent years have made him "mentally stronger" and well-prepared to win the starting job in left field, Mike Nabors of MLB.com reports.

Analysis:

In the past three years, Upton has changed his name, changed uniforms three times and late last year jumped back into an American League lineup for the first time since playing for the Rays in 2012. The 12-year veteran feels he's benefited from the roller-coaster ride. "Having some pretty good highs and feeling the lowest of lows kind of put things into perspective and has [helped me] stay even keel," Upton said. "It makes you continue to work and makes you mentally stronger." His competition in left field includes journeyman Ezequiel Carrera, former top prospect Dalton Pompey and the newly acquired Steve Pearce. Upton wasn't given a boost of confidence last week when his general manager, Ross Atkins, stated that the Jays' best lineup would include Pearce as the starting left fielder. Upton's 2017 fantasy value hinges on what type of role he'll play. He may be subjected to the short side of a platoon.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox