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Justin Upton News & Rumors

Diamondbacks' Justin Upton returns to lineup, then gets hit again
September 28
Arizona Republic
 
"Baseball players often talk about going to the plate with a clear head. There was no doubt that Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton was able to do that Tuesday night after taking Monday off to be on the safe side following Sunday's game, in which he was hit on the bill of his helmet by a pitch. "It was a precaution," Upton said. "There was nothing that I didn't pass. They just wanted to give me an extra day." Upton had to retake the neurological test when he arrived at Chase Field on Tuesday, but he said the staff did not believe he had suffered a concussion from San Francisco pitcher Tim Lincecum's first-inning fastball. Upton took his base and came around to score but felt nauseous"
Upton leaves game after Lincecum hits him in the helmet, plus Freddy Sanchez pops in while Huff pops out
September 26
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Justin Upton, the Diamondbacks' best offensive player, has left the game after Tim Lincecum hit him in the helmet with a fastball in the first inning of today's game at Chase Field. Upton was pulled for the top of the second inning after he took his base and scored on Miguel Montero's two-run double. Lincecum was clearly upset about hitting Upton. As soon as Upton went down, Lincecum turned toward center field and raised his head, seemingly upset with himself. Lincecum then walked to the plate to check on the Diamondbacks right fielder, who rose quickly. He was fortunate the pitch hit him where it did."
Diamondbacks pitchers better watch Justin Upton's back
September 3
Arizona Republic
 
"With every fastball crashing against his body, Justin Upton is being tested. So is the fortitude and fighting spirit of the Diamondbacks. "This is where youth comes in," former relief pitcher Mitch Williams said. "This is when the starting rotation for the Diamondbacks needs to learn that if a guy on your team is getting plunked on a regular basis, it's incumbent upon you to protect your players." A weekend showdown in San Francisco is a time to be stoic, not stupid. But entering a three-game series against the Giants, Upton has been plunked 16 times this season, and five times in the past 28 days. The recent target on his back has vaulted the Diamondbacks to third in the National"
Diamondbacks' Justin Upton, Chris Young, Miguel Montero grow into leaders
September 1
Arizona Republic
 
"A few years ago, players such as Chris Young, Justin Upton and Miguel Montero were just learning the ins and outs of being major-leaguers. Today, they are three of the leaders on a Diamondbacks team that has been the surprise of the season. "They were very, very young; they didn't know what they were going into," manager Kirk Gibson said. "It's one of the things that helps us because they did go through it. Now they remember it, and they're leading through example just by the way they approach things. That trio, along with other veterans, will play an important role in the stretch run. One of their jobs will be to ensure the team keeps things in perspective. "We've got to remain composed,"
Diamondbacks' Justin Upton showing restraint after beanings
August 31
Arizona Republic
 
"For a player who seemingly has been a favorite target of opposing pitchers, the Diamondbacks' Justin Upton has exhibited a level of restraint that manager Kirk Gibson appreciates. Gibson said it's a sign of his right fielder's maturity, but he also wonders what could occur if the plunkings continue. Upton was drilled on the back in Monday's game and went to the ground in pain. It was the 15th time he has been hit by a pitch this season, one fewer than National League leader Danny Espinoza of the Nationals. "He doesn't like it. If it keeps happening, at some point, I mean what am I going to tell him?" Gibson said. "I can tell you if it was me, I couldn't guarantee what I would do at some"
Diamondbacks' Don Baylor feels Justin Upton's pain
August 31
Arizona Republic
 
"Don Baylor knows what Justin Upton is going through. During his 19-year career in Major League Baseball, he was hit 267 times, the third highest in history. How do you deal with something like that? "I tell them that's what they invented ice for,'' Baylor said with a grin. Upton's hit-by-pitch total had reached 15 going into Tuesday's game, the third-most in the majors behind Carlos Quentin of the White Sox (23) and Danny Espinosa of the Nationals (16). Few in baseball are more qualified to offer Upton advice on the topic than Baylor, the hitting coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks."
Arizona Diamondbacks' Justin Upton reaches '20-20 club'
August 30
Arizona Republic
 
"Early in the first inning of Monday night's game, Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton joined an elite group of players to reach the 20-home run, 20-steal mark. Although he may be only the third player in club history to join the "20-20 club" and the sixth player this season, he certainly won't be the last. On deck: Close friend and teammate Chris Young who is poised to make the jump in the near future - the very near future. "I gotta catch up," Young said jokingly. "I can't let him be the only one." Young was hitless Monday but has 19 home runs and 19 stolen bases. He hit the 20-20 mark in 2007 and 2010. "Anytime you can be part of that 20-20 [club] it shows that you have quite a few"
Trophy or not, Diamondbacks' Justin Upton finally an MVP
August 21
Arizona Republic
 columnist Dan Bickley
"Alas, some things are unavoidable. "Do I care if Justin Upton gets his MVP right now? Hell, no," Gibson said. "Do I care if Ian Kennedy gets his recognition? Hell, no. All I care is if we come out every day and go after our goal, which is a team thing. It's really dangerous when you start to look for credit." To Gibson's dismay, credit has come looking for the Diamondbacks. That's what happens when a broken franchise goes from worst to first, when a baseball icon morphs into an impact manager, when a former Yankees prospect becomes a Cy Young candidate, when the next Willie Mays begins to look the part. Gibson's stiff-arm also creates an awkward collision. In their recent history, the"
Justin Upton focusing on durability
August 4
Arizona Republic
 
"His name is beginning to pop up in MVP talk, but right fielder Justin Upton says he's more focused on staying on the field than winning awards. Upton has had each of his three full seasons in the majors cut short due to injury. In 2008 and 2009, he landed on the disabled list with oblique problems. Last year, he missed most of September with a recurrence of a shoulder injury. "I'm getting more consistent with my workouts, making sure that I keep my shoulder strength up and doing my core exercises," Upton said. "It's more or less maintenance and trying to stay fresh." He admits that doing less this time of year can be tempting. "You're tired after games when you're supposed to be lifting,""
Justin Upton belts pair of homers as Arizona Diamondbacks take battle against San Diego Padres
July 28
Arizona Republic
 
"The club they are chasing in the National League West fired the first bullet on Wednesday, the San Francisco Giants reportedly agreeing to a deal that will land them All-Star outfielder Carlos Beltran for the stretch run. But if you're waiting for the Diamondbacks to fire back, team officials seemed to suggest you might not want to hold your breath. Certainly not if you're waiting for a deal of equal consequence. The Diamondbacks on Wednesday just went about their business as if nothing had happened, with Justin Upton, Ian Kennedy and Co. methodically beating the San Diego Padres 4-3 in a surprisingly homer-happy Petco Park. Sitting three games back in the division, a few players wondered"
Justin Upton named NL Co-Player of the Week
July 26
Arizona Republic
 
"The Arizona Diamondbacks' Justin Upton has been named the National League Co-Player of the Week by Major League Baseball. Upton had 11 RBIs and 27 total bases last week. He shares the award with Padres center fielder Cameron Maybin, who had 8 stolen bases and 14 hits. Upton hit .519 (14-for-27) during the week, with a 1.000 slugging percentage and five doubles."
Justin Upton on a path to stardom?
July 22
Arizona Republic
 
"A chorus of boos rained down each time they announced his name, and with every catcall, every insult, he kept his head up and bit his tongue. Justin Upton knows exactly what Prince Fielder felt like last week at Chase Field during the State Farm Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game. The same crowd that voiced support for him by dumping on Fielder for not selecting Upton for the derby sounded just like the same angry mob that used to rail on Upton. "There was a time when he was disappointed by the fans and their expectations of him," Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said. "They gave it to him pretty good. And it took him a while to learn how to handle it." When you're a mega million-dollar"
Justin Upton has no hard feelings
July 6
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks won't have a hometown participant in Monday's Home Run Derby, but right fielder Justin Upton said he has no hard feelings about not getting picked for the team by NL captain Prince Fielder. "I would have loved to have been picked to be in it, just for the sole fact that it's in my stadium and a lot of our fans would be there," he said. "That would have been awesome. But at the same time I'll get to sit back and enjoy it." Fielder went with teammate Rickie Weeks, Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp and Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday. Fielder said Upton and Florida outfielder Mike Stanton were under final consideration. "It was very tough," Fielder said. "I wanted everybody to"
Justin Upton would like to participate in Home Run Derby
July 4
Arizona Republic
 
"All-Star right fielder Justin Upton says he'd like to participate in the Home Run Derby if given the chance, and manager Kirk Gibson expressed no reservations about Upton entering the contest. The Derby will have a new twist this season. Each league has a captain - Milwaukee's Prince Fielder (National League) and Boston's David Ortiz (American League) - tasked with making three selections. Upton was asked if he plans to talk with Fielder this week in Milwaukee, where the Diamondbacks open a three-game series this afternoon. "I definitely would do the Derby in front of the home fans, but I'm sure he's got some big boppers in line that he's going to be taking," Upton said. "We'll see.""
Justin Upton's home run lifts Diamondbacks over Giants
June 17
Arizona Republic
 
"The helmet was gone before he even hit third base, discarded by a giddy Justin Upton as if it were some notion of a sweep by the San Francisco Giants. Upton's first career walk-off home run gave the Diamondbacks a 3-2, 10-inning win over the first-place Giants on Thursday night at Chase Field, allowing them to salvage the finale of the series and move a game closer to top of the NL West. "It's awesome, after we dropped two games, to win in that fashion," said Upton, who was mobbed by teammates at home plate. "Hopefully it's a little bit of a boost." Their closer blew a save, they gave away a run on an error, they couldn't hit with men in scoring position and they were unable to get down a"
Nationals claim they weren't throwing at Diamondbacks' Justin Upton
June 6
Arizona Republic
 
"Washington pitchers hit Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton four times during the just-completed four-game series. After Sunday's 9-4 win, Nationals manager Jim Riggleman insisted it was simply a coincidence. "Four times?" Riggleman said. "I feel terrible he got hit four times. Every time it was hurting our chance to win the ballgame. We don't want to hit him." Sunday's excitement started in the fifth inning, when Arizona starter Ian Kennedy hit Jayson Werth, the third time Werth had been hit in the series. Home-plate umpire Rob Drake issued warnings to both teams. "Clearly, we feel that when there was an open base they took some shots at Werth," Riggleman said. "We didn't like that, but"
Justin Upton plays red-hot vs. Florida Marlins
June 2
Arizona Republic
 
"The way Justin Upton played in the first two games of the series against the Marlins showed why expectations are so high for the Diamondbacks right fielder. He went 7-for-9, including a five-hit game, hit two home runs, a double, drove in four and stole a base. Living under a microscope can be tough on a young athlete, and manager Kirk Gibson said Upton is learning to adjust. "He's matured," Gibson said. "He is working on a couple of adjustments. It's minor, but I just think overall he's matured quite a bit in his whole game. "I don't know that he'll ever live up to what everybody thinks he should be. . . . People put expectations on people. How do you know what he should be? I say just go"
Justin Upton blast keys Arizona Diamondbacks win over Colorado Rockies
May 4
Arizona Republic
 
"The count was 3-0 in the eighth inning on Tuesday night, and when Justin Upton saw his manager had given him the green light, he went through a handful of mental checkpoints. Make sure it's a strike. Look for a fastball over the plate. Don't swing out of your shoes. When the fastball from Felipe Paulino sailed down the middle, Upton did just what he had told himself to do, and his opposite-field home run lifted the Diamondbacks to a 4-3 win over the Colorado Rockies in the opening game of a three-game series at Chase Field. "With a guy throwing that hard - Paulino is running it up there pretty good - anything in, you may not be able to get the head (of the bat) to," Upton said. "So you"
Justin Upton eager to be All-Star
April 27
Arizona Republic
 
"There is signage hanging in a section of right field at Chase Field that pays homage to the Diamondbacks' Justin Upton. And when Major League Baseball's 82nd All-Star Game rolls into Phoenix this summer, the right fielder has a firm expectation to play in the game under the giant sign that bears his name. "My goal is to be in right field in front of that 'Uptown' sign and in front of our fans," said Upton, who made the All-Star Game two years ago. "Any time you can make that team at any position, it's an honor. But my goal is to be in right field, in your home ballpark, in your comfort zone and be able to perform well for our fans." Major League Baseball officially kicked off the start"
Despite jamming knee one day earlier, Justin Upton fit and ready to play
March 22
Arizona Republic
 
"A day after jamming his right knee while trying to track down a ball hit into the corner in right field, Justin Upton pronounced himself fit and ready to go. He did not start Monday night's game against the Dodgers at Salt River Fields, but that was probably the right move, given the wet conditions brought upon by a full day of rain. "He could have played," manager Kirk Gibson said. "He's still a little sore, so we'll give it another day.""
Justin Upton OK after hurting knee
March 21
Arizona Republic
 
"With injuries popping up seemingly every week, the last thing the Diamondbacks wanted to see Sunday was star right fielder Justin Upton hurting his knee. But that's what happened in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Oakland Athletics. Upton ran toward foul territory to track down a ball hit by Eric Sogard when he slipped and jammed his right knee. Relax. It doesn't appear to be serious. Just for precaution, though, Upton left the game immediately. "It's going to be sore," he said, "but I don't think it's anything. It shouldn't be too crazy." Manager Kirk Gibson's stomach might have rose to his throat, but Upton said he wasn't worried when it happened."
Justin Upton is focusing on smarter plays
February 22
Arizona Republic
 
"The lessons learned on defense last season weren't visible as much in what Justin Upton did. It was more in what he didn't do. He didn't try to throw out every runner on every play. Lost amid what Upton called a "rough" season offensively were the major strides he made defensively in right field. "I cut down on the errors and made smarter plays," Upton said. "Obviously, the errors were still there, but from the past I've made some improvements." Upton went from a combined 23 errors in 2008 and 2009 to just four last season. He merged his tremendous range and strong arm with sure-handedness and good decision-making. His manager, Kirk Gibson, called it a "huge improvement," and multiple"
Source: D-backs to keep Justin Upton
December 8
ESPN.com
 
"Three weeks ago, he was the most talked-about trade chip at the annual general managers meetings. But by Tuesday, it was all but official: Justin Upton isn't going anywhere. Trade talks involving the Diamondbacks' 23-year-old right fielder have "just about died," a source familiar with the discussions told ESPN.com. While Arizona will still listen, the source said, the club is no longer motivated to trade him because it has begun filling some of the holes it would have plugged by dealing Upton."
Source: D-backs to keep Justin Upton
December 7
ESPN.com
 
"Three weeks ago, he was the most talked about trade chip at the annual general managers' meetings. But by Tuesday, it was all but official: Justin Upton isn't going anywhere. Trade talks involving the Diamondbacks' 23-year-old right fielder have "just about died," a source familiar with the discussions told ESPN.com. While Arizona will still listen, the source said, the club is no longer motivated to trade him because it has begun filling some of the holes it would have plugged by dealing Upton."
Towers pulls plug on Upton talks
December 7
Boston Globe
 
"Arizona GM Kevin Towers just took Justin Upton off the market. So you can forget the idea of the Red Sox trading for him. "It's highly unlikely Justin Upton leaves the desert," he said. At this point, I'm not sure the Red Sox have the prospects left to make a major deal unless they want to deal away Ryan Kalish, Jose Iglesias, Drake Britton, Felix Doubront or Stolmy Pimentel."
Towers hopes to have better perspective on Upton front by end of meetings
November 30
MLB.com
 
"Last year, the D-backs made headlines at the annual Winter Meetings, completing a three-team trade with the Yankees and Tigers. A lot has transpired since then, including changes in both the manager and general manager. But one thing remains the same, the D-backs will enter the meetings at the Swan and Dolphin Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., next week looking to improve a team that finished last in the National League West. You can figure on the D-backs being in the middle of the action next week. It's not that they have a lot of money to spend, but they have some and they also have a new GM in Kevin Towers, who is not afraid to shake things up."
Justin Upton does NOT have Mariners on no-trade list
November 24
Seattle Times
 
"Here's an interesting update, courtesy of Justin Upton's agents. They tweeted earlier today that Upton does not -- contrary to a prior report -- have the M's on his no-trade list. See? Twitter is good for something. Why would Upton's agents be putting this out there? Especially since he isn't a free agent, only bait for a trade they will have no say in? Simple. Upton, being only 23, is probably just a tad interested in reading about himself and his possible destination on the internet. If he's happened by here or other blogs in Seattle, as I'm sure has been the case, he'll have noticed a fair bit of folks wondering what he's got against our fair city. If you think you might end up playing"
Towers: Nothing new on Upton trade front
November 23
MLB.com
 
"All was quiet Monday on the Justin Upton trade front. "Nothing new to report there," said D-backs general manager Kevin Towers. Towers created quite a stir last week when he said the club was open to dealing the 23-year-old outfielder, who is viewed by many as a franchise-type player. While saying that there were lots of teams who expressed serious interest in Upton, Towers added that there were really only "two or three" out there that have the players it would take to make a deal work. Those players would have to be ones who could help the D-backs immediately. "We want to win next year," Towers said. "We're not talking about getting A-ball prospects back. It would have to be players"
Upton has a Mariners no-trade clause
November 23
Tacoma News Tribune
 
"The Arizona Diamondbacks and their new general manager, Kevin Towers, have made 23-year-old outfielder Justin Upton available and among the teams interested are the Seattle Mariners. Upton, who wields the kind of bat the Mariners don't have, has a road-block in place that undermines Seattle's chances - a no-trade clause in his contract that, according to FOXsports.com wiz Ken Rosenthal, includes the Mariners. Does that make a deal impossible? No, just highly unlikely. Not only would the Mariners have to overwhelm the Diamondbacks with an offer - one almost certainly including Michael Pineda and Dustin Ackley - they would have to persuade Upton to then accept a trade. That would likely mean"
Diamondbacks looking for 'win' deal for Justin Upton
November 19
Arizona Republic
 
"Uptown is a place. Upton is a player. The only thing missing is the 'W,' as in winner. Maybe that's why a can't-miss kid suddenly is on the trading block. This is stunning news, and pray it's just a bluff. Once, Justin Upton was a 19-year-old prodigy, so gifted that the Diamondbacks rushed him to the big stage, attempting to make pizza from green tomatoes. Four years and 447 strikeouts later, he's still a giant sack of potential. Just last season, the Diamondbacks unveiled a special section of Chase Field, prematurely named "Uptown" in his honor, after signing him to a six-year contract. Imagine how foolish they would look trading him now, just to fill holes of their own making? "Arizona"
Red Sox talks for Upton on 'back burner' while Jays have strong interest
November 18
Foxsports.com
 
"The Blue Jays, a team deep in high-end pitching prospects, have expressed strong interest in trading for Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton, major-league sources say. The Jays, after winning 85 games and finishing fourth in the highly competitive AL East last season, are showing a renewed aggressiveness this offseason. Upton, 23, would be a more logical fit than second baseman Dan Uggla, whom the Jays tried to acquire from the Marlins earlier in the week. While Uggla stood to earn $10 million-plus in arbitration and then become a free agent, Upton is under contract through 2015 and guaranteed $49.5 million over those five seasons. The Red Sox, thought to be a possible front-runner in"
Why Upton makes sense for Boston
November 18
Foxsports.com
 columnist Ken Rosenthal
"The Red Sox, among other things, are a television show. And last season, judging from the ratings on the Sox's regional cable network, the show bombed. If you want to know why the Sox need to re-energize their fan base this offseason, that might be as good a place to start as any. The front office need not alter its approach; winning is the best form of entertainment. But rest assured, the Red Sox are looking for some new TV stars. Re-signing free-agent catcher Victor Martinez and third baseman Adrian Beltre, the stated first choices of general manager Theo Epstein, would not be enough. The Sox must add at least one captivating new talent, be it an outfielder such as Carl Crawford or"
Towers: Teams 'kicking tires' on Upton
November 18
MLB.com
 
"Kevin Towers earned a reputation of being a gunslinger in his years as general manager of the Padres, and he's taken that approach with him to the D-backs. And now he's open for business. No player on the current D-backs roster is untouchable, and in recent days at this week's General Managers Meetings, he has been judging interest from other clubs in right fielder Justin Upton and shortstop Stephen Drew, among others. The Yankees and Red Sox reportedly have emerged as suitors for Upton. "All the years I was in San Diego, Trevor Hoffman had a no-trade clause and I still listened to interest in him," Towers said. "We're in the information business. You never know when a team wants to"
Rockies inquiring about Justin Upton
November 18
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies have broadened their scope in an attempt to land a right-handed bat and starting pitcher, inquiring about Arizona outfielder Justin Upton and White Sox right-hander Gavin Floyd, according to multiple major-league sources Wednesday. The Diamondbacks are looking to fill myriad holes, and are asking for as many as four to five players in return for Upton, a 23-year-old all-star. Rockies ownership would have to increase next season's payroll to roughly $86 million to add Upton, and is open to the idea. Also interested in Upton are the Red Sox and Marlins. Upton has $49.5 million remaining on a contract that runs through 2015. Interest in Floyd, a reliable innings eater who's under"
Trade talks for Arizona's Justin Upton heating up, Red Sox said to be interested after Yankees ask
November 18
New York Daily News
 
"A day after the Yankees checked with the Diamondbacks about Justin Upton, buzz about Upton's potential availability swept through the lobby of the Waldorf Astoria at the GM meetings here. And several reports portrayed the Red Sox as being heavily involved in talks for the 23-year-old outfielder, who hit .273 with 17 homers and 69 RBI last season and is due $49.5 million through 2015. The Diamondbacks "will listen to offers, but are not looking to trade him," one baseball official said. Prying loose Upton, the top pick of the 2005 draft and the brother of Tampa Bay's B.J. Upton, would require several major-league players, not simply prospects, the official said."
Justin Upton a valuable trade piece
November 17
Arizona Republic
 
"The Arizona Diamondbacks have a lot of holes to fill, and the growing sense, from listening to club sources, is that the best way to address them might be to utilize their most valuable trade piece: Justin Upton. Since general manager Kevin Towers stated publicly earlier this week that he would be willing to listen to offers, he is said to have been bombarded with attention from interested teams. Those teams, of course, were trying to gauge the Diamondbacks' asking price, which is certain to be steep. The club will seek a package of at least four or five pieces, according to one club source, with perhaps three of those being big leaguers or big-league ready. With holes in the bullpen, left"
Diamondbacks could be big players
November 17
Foxsports.com
 
"The Diamondbacks lost 97 games last season with Justin Upton in right field and Stephen Drew at shortstop. They might not be worse if they traded one, or even both. In fact, they might be better — at least long-term — if they received the right players in return. New general manager Kevin Towers, aka the "gunslinger," is not afraid to make a big move. His peers practically expect him to do so, which is why few will be surprised if the D-backs complete at least one blockbuster deal. While Upton, 23, has a limited no-trade clause that allows him to block trades to four clubs, he "possibly could be dealt," according to one source with knowledge of the club's thinking."
Yankees looking into trade for Diamondbacks' outfielder Justin Upton
November 17
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The Yankees have inquired about trading with the Diamondbacks for outfielder Justin Upton, according a person with knowledge of the situation, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks. But it appears the Yankees are simply doing their due diligence, according to the person with knowledge, as the Diamondbacks' asking price for the 23-year-old may be too high."
Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers willing to weigh any trade offer for Justin Upton
November 17
Arizona Republic
 
"Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers says he's willing to listen to trade offers for anybody on his roster. And he means anybody. Since saying publicly Monday night that he'd considering trading even supposed face-of-the-franchise right fielder Justin Upton, Towers has been a popular man at this week's GM meetings in Orlando. "Oh yeah," he said. "It's piqued a lot of people's interest, which is a good thing." Upton signed a $51.25 million deal before this past season, during which he regressed offensively. Upton is only 23 and still possesses the skill set of a potential superstar. He would figure to bring a huge return in a trade."
Justin and B.J. Upton available, but not Prince Fielder
November 16
USA Today
 
"There have already been three trades involving major-league players in the last week, and general managers wouldn't be surprised if there's a flurry of trade talks involving several All-Star players at their annual meetings this week. There are a flurry of big names available, but one player not being dangled, Brewers GM Doug Melvin insists, is Prince Fielder. The slugging first baseman is eligible for free agency after 2011 and it's widely assumed Milwaukee will be unable to retain him. Melvin says the club has set a deadline for the end of spring training to work out an extension, but for now, he isn't trading Fielder. "We're not shopping Prince,'' Melvin says. "I'd like to keep him."
Justin Upton has no problems in simulated game
October 13
Arizona Republic
 
"Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton tested his balky left shoulder in a simulated game environment Tuesday in Tucson and came away reporting no problems, General Manager Kevin Towers said. "He didn't feel anything," Towers said. "Everything went well." Upton missed all but five games in September due to shoulder soreness stemming from a labrum strain suffered four years ago. Also Tuesday, the Diamondbacks interviewed their minor-league hitting coordinator, Dave Hansen, for the major-league hitting-coach job. Hansen, who played parts of 15 seasons in the big leagues, was a career .260 hitter and was known primarily for his pinch-hitting ability. His career included two stints under"
Justin Upton to test swing
October 4
Arizona Republic
 
"Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton hasn't swung a bat in a game since mid-September, and the plan is for him to gets some batting practice in the instructional league before he shuts it down for good this off-season. That way, Upton will have a better feel, physically and mentally, about the strength and recovery of a left-shoulder injury he aggravated Aug. 30. Upton has been used recently as a pinch-runner, but interim manager Kirk Gibson said the club didn't want to let him hit until everyone is convinced the injury is healed. "I'm pretty confident with where I'm at right now," Upton said. "Hopefully I'll be able to get some swings in before shutting it down, because that's the"
Upton to get second opinion on left shoulder
September 27
MLB.com
 
"D-backs slugger Justin Upton will visit with noted specialist Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion on his irritated left shoulder on Monday. Upton was traveling to Andrews' offices in Alabama during Arizona's 5-4 home finale win on Sunday. The right fielder hasn't played in 20 of his club's last 24 games and has missed 11 straight starts. Upton underwent an MRI on his shoulder on Sept. 7, which, according to then-interim general manager Jerry Dipoto, revealed no serious injury."
Upton may be done for rest of season
September 22
MLB.com
 
"Right fielder Justin Upton could be done playing ball in 2010. D-backs interim skipper Kirk Gibson said as much Tuesday afternoon before his club's series opener with the Colorado Rockies. Upton, who aggravated his stiff left shoulder on Aug. 30, has started just two of the Arizona's last 19 games. He served as a ninth-inning pinch-runner and stole a base in losses on Sept. 11 and 17. "We're going to make sure," Gibson said, "there's not going to be any further damage." Upton worked out at Chase Field on the club's off-day Monday and also prior to Tuesday's game."
Keeping Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton healthy a 2011 priority
September 20
Arizona Republic
 
"When right fielder Justin Upton isn't in the lineup, the Diamondbacks feel it, and Upton has missed more games in his career than interim manager Kirk Gibson would like. "We want him to play more games than that, and then it gets into, 'How do we keep him healthy?' " Gibson said. "This has happened three years in a row, and we've got to do some things differently, and a lot of that is up to him." Upton has been sidelined in each of his three full seasons in the majors. He played 108 games in 2008 and 138 games in 2009, spending time on the disabled list both years because of injuries to his oblique. He hasn't been on the DL this year, but he has missed most of this month because of"
Justin Upton day-to-day with shoulder strain
September 8
Arizona Republic
 
"Interim GM Jerry Dipoto just met with the media in the back of the press box about Upton's MRI . It's good news. Here's what he said: "I spoke with team doctor, Mike Lee, who informed me that the MRI looked good. Justin is suffering from a shoulder strain that dates back to an injury in 2006. It's no better or no worse than it was at that moment in time. It's just a strain that we're going to have to deal with. His status is day to day and we'll play it by ear. There's no reason to believe there's anything about this that is long term." Having missed the past six games with a nagging shoulder injury, right fielder Justin Upton was sent for an MRI this morning, interim manager Kirk Gibson"
Justin Upton sits again with shoulder injury
September 6
Arizona Republic
 
"Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton's left shoulder continued to keep him out of the lineup Sunday, but he still doesn't consider the injury severe. "I'm pretty confident it's not too serious," he said. "We'll do what we've been doing - treating it, taking it day by day. I'm pretty confident it'll feel better pretty soon. "It's just still sore. With all the guys here, there's no use in rushing it. We've got bodies who can play. It's more worth it to get it 100 percent before I come back." Upton has missed the past five games since hurting the shoulder on an awkward swing in the seventh inning of Monday's game. The shoulder has given Upton occasional problems since his first spring"
Justin Upton, Adam LaRoche hope to return soon
September 1
Arizona Republic
 
"Right fielder Justin Upton and first baseman Adam LaRoche were out of the lineup Tuesday night, but neither considered his injury serious, and both hoped to make quick returns. Upton tweaked his left shoulder during a seventh-inning swing Monday night, and because it's the same should he has experienced problems with in the past, he said he knows his current injury isn't severe. "I felt the worst of it in '06 when it originally happened," Upton said, referring to a spring training left-labrum strain that also occurred on a swing. Since then, Upton has changed the way he finishes his swing, using two hands instead of one to minimize the strain on the shoulder. "That's what I'm hoping," he"
Justin Upton expects more from himself
August 24
Arizona Republic
 
"Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton turns 23 on Wednesday, still young in every sense. But approaching the end of his third full season in the majors, he sounds wise beyond his years. Wise enough to realize that despite how much he already has experienced in the big leagues, he can view his so-so 2010 season as a learning experience. "I've learned a lot, man," he said. "It's been a rough one." That this statement doesn't sound like a stretch - this is a 22-year-old who has 17 home runs with five weeks left in the season - speaks to the level of expectations placed on Upton, not to mention those he places on himself. "It's a season of ups and downs; you learn that the more you play," he"