Upton Update

Bill Chastain has this from B.J. Upton on his rehab from offseason surgery to his left shoulder:

Looking ahead, Upton will be off the next two days. "We'll just see where we're at after that and see how [the shoulder is] feeling," Upton said. "They're going to try and work me in as much as they can, maybe some hitting and some defense. Still have to get with the training staff and see exactly what they want to do, but we're going to work with that after the off day."

Upton said he has felt no pressure to accelerate his rehab program because of Fernando Perez's recent injury. Perez had been earmarked to start the season in center field while Upton continued to rehab during the team's first road trip to Boston and Baltimore. But Perez dislocated his left wrist and will be out three months.

"We've got some guys over here who can fill in," Upton said. "I think the biggest thing is having me for more of the season than less of it. If I missed the first couple of weeks, so be it. If I can be there in September and October -- that's what we're looking for." Upton estimated he might play in a game a week or two before the team breaks camp. "But still, like I said, I've still got a lot of feeling out to do," Upton said. "We'll deal with that when we get there."