MLB: Spring Training-Canadian Jr Nationals at Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays Send Pompey and Two Others to Minor League Camp

With Opening Day fast approaching, the Toronto Blue Jays have begun the process of thinning out the ranks in big league camp. A number of prospects were sent out late last week, and not a few more depth pieces have been sent down.

The Blue Jays have announced that outfielder Dalton Pompey, pitcher Wade LeBlanc and third baseman Matt Dominquez have been re-assigned to minor league camp.

The twenty-three year old Pompey made his major league debut with the Jays on September 2nd, 2014 against the Tampa Bay Rays when he pinch-ran for Edwin Encarnacion. The Mississauga native made the team out of spring training the following season, but after struggling through 23 games he was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo and eventually to Double-A New Hampshire before being added to the Jays’ postseason roster as a pinch-running specialist. Then in 22 at-bats this spring, Pompey hit just .227/.292/.636 with two homeruns, two walks and seven strikeouts. The injury to Saunders last season paved the way for Pompey to be named to the starting lineup out of spring training, but his on-field performance – particularly defensively – suggest that he was rushed to the big leagues. With the health and performance of Michael Saunders this spring, Pompey was never going to get an opportunity to play every day for the Jays, so his development is best served by playing full time in Buffalo. Given the nature of a 162-game season, it is likely that Pompey will see major-league playing time again at some point in 2016.

Dominguez, the twenty-six year old third baseman, hit 286/.375/.286 with 6 hits, one walk and six strikeouts in six at-bats this spring. He was claimed off waivers by the Jays from the Milwaukee Brewers last September. A former first-round draft pick, Dominguez has some pop in his bat but is also strikeout-prone. Defensively, however, he is among the very best in baseball. If Donaldson should get hurt at any point in time (we’re going to hope that doesn’t happen), Dominguez should be able to fill in capably for a short time.

Leblanc, 31, signed a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training during the offseason after spending last season with the Saitama Seibu Lions of the Nippon Professional Baseball league. In 3.1 innings pitched this spring, Leblanc surrendered three runs on three hits with three walks and three strikeouts. He is really only here to help the Buffalo Bisons win games.

All three players will add depth to the Jays’ minor-league system and could be called up should the need arise.

Lead Photo: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Related Articles

3 comments on “Blue Jays Send Pompey and Two Others to Minor League Camp”

This inrdutoces a pleasingly rational point of view.

First off, your son is a SERIOUS little looker. What a cutie! Could we talk about that smile for a minute? Sigh!Happy birthday, Cooper! And I know the feeling, Mama. Oof!

We do have a lot of twinning going on! Wow! I think I need to get you over here to do a guest post! Seriously! I love everything you write. And while I popped this one out quickly, I have to tell you, that is not my norm. Writing a single post normally takes me over an hour – not counting the quest for the perfect image. This one just spoke to me somehow. I’m glad it hit you in the right place, too.

Leave a comment

Use your Baseball Prospectus username