Braves’ Upton wants to be called Melvin instead of BJ

ATLANTA — There is a new-look Upton headed to the Braves’ camp.

The center fielder known as B.J. Upton through his first 11 major league seasons with Tampa Bay and Atlanta is now listed as Melvin Upton Jr. on the Atlanta Braves’ roster.

Upton’s old initials stood or Bossman Junior, from his father Manny’s nickname “Bossman.” Upton’s full name is Melvin Emanuel Upton.

Braves position players are due to report to the team’s spring training site in Kissimmee, Florida, on Wednesday and have their first full-squad workout the following day. The Braves say Upton will answer questions about his name change when he reports.

The 30-year-old has struggled in two seasons since signing a $75.25 million, five-year contract with the Braves. He hit .184 in 2013 and .208 last year.