Rumor Roundup: Upton Jr. on Blue Jays’ radar

Many potential deals are in the works as the non-waiver Trade Deadline — Aug. 1 at 4 p.m. ET — approaches. Here is a look at the latest news, reports and rumors.

Toronto targeting Upton Jr. The Blue Jays emerged on Monday evening as the leading candidate to acquire San Diego’s Melvin Upton Jr., according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, who also said the Orioles and Indians remain in talks regarding the outfielder.

The Padres are said to be actively shopping Upton, who’s been a healthy scratch from the San Diego lineup the last two days.

“It’s somewhat unusual,” Padres manager Andy Green said on Monday. “He’s completely healthy, he’s ready to go, he’s available. There’s nothing done at this point in time. Just the decision’s been made that he’s had a couple days off.”

The Blue Jays are in the market for an additional outfielder as the Deadline approaches. Toronto has also been linked to Padres starter Andrew Cashner, whom they’ll face on Tuesday at Rogers Centre.

Upton, 31, is earning $15.45 million this season and is owed $16.45 million next year. Rosenthal said the return the Padres would receive in any trade will determine how much of his salary San Diego will pay.

Upton is batting .256 with 16 homers, 45 RBIs and 20 stolen bases through 92 games this season, his second with the Padres.

Rangers turn eyes toward Velasquez, Volquez The Rangers’ search for a young controllable starter continues leading up to the Deadline.

Texas was linked on Monday to Phillies right-hander Vince Velasquez and Royals righty Edinson Volquez. MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reported that the Rangers’ interest in Velasquez, while The Dallas Morning News reported the club’s front-office inner circle watched Volquez in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Kansas City.

Morosi reported that the price to acquire Velasquez would be high. The 24-year-old is 8-2 with a 3.34 ERA in 17 starts, striking out 103 batters in 91 2/3 innings. He was acquired by the Phillies from Houston as part of the Ken Giles trade last offseason and is under contractual control through the 2021 season.

The Rangers and Phillies pulled off a blockbuster before last season’s Deadline. Texas …

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