MLB notebook: Padres, Braves pull off big trade on eve of Opening Day
The Padres pulled off another blockbuster trade on the eve of Opening Day, acquiring All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel and outfielder Melvin Upton from the Braves for outfielders Carlos Quentin and Cameron Maybin, plus two minor leaguers and a draft pick.
The trade announced Sunday reunites Upton with his younger brother, Justin, who was obtained by the Padres in one of several trades general manager A.J. Preller made in a dramatic December makeover. Justin Upton is San Diego's starting left fielder. Melvin Upton was placed on the disabled list Saturday with a left foot injury.
The Upton brothers played together for two seasons in Atlanta.
Kimbrel led the NL for the second-straight year with 47 saves in 2014 after saving 50 games in '13.
Since his first full season in 2011, Kimbrel leads all big league closers with 185 saves. He has been an All-Star each of the past four seasons
Quentin, due $8 million this year, has been slowed by knee injuries and never played more than 86 games in any of his three Padres seasons.
Maybin, owed $7 million this year, also has been slowed by injuries. He was suspended for 25 games last year after testing positive for amphetamines.
The Braves also receive minor league right-hander Matt Wisler and outfielder Jordan Paroubeck, plus the 41st competitive balance draft pick.
• One day after signing right-handed starter Corey Kluber to a five-year, $38.5 million contract extension, Fox Sports reported the Indians signed right-hander Carlos Carrasco to a three-year, $22 million deal.
• Barry Zito, the 36-year-old left-hander attempting to make a comeback with the Athletics after sitting out the 2014 season, was told he would be assigned to the Athletics' Triple-A team in Nashville. Zito could have become a free agent. Instead, he agreed to go pitch his way back to the majors and start with the Sounds.
• Former Pirates outfielder Nate McLouth was among six players put on the 15-day disabled list by the Nationals.
• The Nationals were chosen to host the 2018 All-Star Game, and an announcement will be made before the Nationals' season opener Monday, the Washington Post reported.
• Lon Simmons, a Hall of Fame broadcaster whose career spanned five decades calling Giants, Athletics and 49ers games, died at 91.
