TORONTO — Dalton Pompey was the Opening Day center fielder for the Blue Jays.
He was back in the minors after 23 games.
The 22-year-old returned to Toronto as a September call-up on Tuesday as major-league rosters expanded.
He immediately showed his value. He was used as a pinch-runner in the seventh inning on Tuesday after first baseman Justin Smoak walked. He quickly stole second and third and scored on a sacrifice fly by center fielder Kevin Pillar to give the Blue Jays a 3-2 lead over the Cleveland Indians.
The Blue Jays went on to win the game 5-3 on a walkoff homer in the 10th by second baseman Ryan Goins.
“He has the green light,” manager John Gibbons said. “If we want to hold him, we’ll hold him. That’s one of the reasons he’s up here, he’s very good on the bases, he’s got good instincts. He’s got a real good first step and for a young guy like that, it’s kind of rare.”
That likely will be the way Pompey is used, as a fourth or fifth outfielder who also can be used effectively as a pinch runner.
After going down to Triple-A Buffalo, then Double-A New Hampshire and then back up to Triple-A Buffalo, Pompey said he feels that he has matured and the enthusiasm of the surging Blue Jays already has impressed him.
“It’s an awesome atmosphere, like all the guys are great here and they’re all positive,” Pompey said. “You feel good, like I felt good all day today. I felt into the game, the whole game.”
The Blue Jays also recalled left-handed reliever Aaron Loup, right-handed reliever Ryan Tepera, infielder Munenori Kawasaki and purchased the contract of left-hander Jeff Francis, who figures to be used in long relief. Left-hander Colt Hynes was designated for assignment to make room for Francis on the 40-man roster.
“Kawasaki gives us an extra infielder, Pompey an extra outfielder and pitching-wise, now we have a long guy, Francis can do that,” Gibbons said. “Tepera is a multiple-inning guy and Loupy, we brought Loupy back, a left-hander. You don’t want to overload everything, but those guys fit a role that we can use.”
The Blue Jays are not done. Catcher Josh Thole, who was sent on option to Rookie Bluefield on Friday, will be recalled Wednesday to resume catching right-handed knuckleball pitcher R.A. Dickey.
Right-hander Marcus Stroman also likely will be recalled after completing a minor-league rehabilitation assignment as he returns from knee surgery.
First baseman Matt Hague also could be recalled after Buffalo ends its season next Monday.
The 30-year-old was named International League Most Valuable Player on Tuesday. He has hit .345/.422/479 with 32 doubles, 11 homers, 88 RBIs in 130 games.
He has one at-bat with Toronto this season in a brief stint, Aug. 18-23.
“There’s a good shot that he’ll come back, he’s earned that,” Gibbons said. “He was up here for just a few days, but he has earned that.”
