The player formerly known as B.J. Upton, an ode to his father Manny’s nickname, “Bossman Junior”, decided this offseason that sometimes the little things need to change in order for the whole picture to become brighter.

That “little thing” was a change to his name.

B.J. Upton, who now goes by his birth name – Melvin Upton, Jr. – is attempting to rebound after two tough seasons with the Atlanta Braves where he hit .184 and .208 respectively with 21 home runs in 267 games.

Hope and expectations were trending high going into spring training for the Baseball Factory alumnus from Chesapeake, Virginia. However, inflammation in Upton’s left foot has him sidelined 6-to-8 weeks. The Braves say Upton will be able to resume baseball activities in early April, just in time for the 2015 season to begin for Atlanta.

Upton is looking to regain his status as a top player who was drafted 2nd overall in 2002 by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and who averaged 145 games played, 113 home runs and 217 stolen bases between 2007 and 2012 with the Rays.

To check out Melvin Upton Jr’s workout from the 2001 Baseball Factory Pre-Season All-American Tournament, click here to view this classic video.

If you’re a fan of the Atlanta Braves and Melvin Upton, Jr., the Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryout Tour is coming to Broad Run High School in Ashburn, VA, Sunday March 29th! Visit our tryout page to register and receive more information.

*Note: Due to the recent weather in the Woodbridge, Virginia area, the Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryout and Premium Video Program scheduled at Pfitzner Stadium for March 29th has now been moved to Broad Run High School in Ashburn, Virginia. Both events are scheduled to take place at their normal times and date.