The Blue Jays made a pair of roster moves following Friday night's 9-4 loss at Cleveland.
Rookie outfielder Dalton Pompey and left-handed reliever Andrew Albers each were optioned to Triple-A Buffalo. Taking their place are veteran outfielder Ezequiel Carrera and right-handed pitcher Scott Copeland.
Pompey, a rookie who was born in Mississauga, Ontario, was the team's Opening Day centre fielder, but hasn't played there since April 24 due to the emergence of Kevin Pillar and the return of Michael Saunders from the disabled list. Pompey has struggled to get on base, posting a .193 batting average and .264 on-base percentage over 91 plate appearances, which has prevented him from using his biggest asset -- his speed. Pompey stole 43 bases in the Minor Leagues last season, but has had just two attempts -- both successful -- this season. He's also struggled defensively, due to some mental lapses.
"It's been up and down for him," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "He's had some good games and bad … Defense has got to be a given. Offense, you can go up and down and then you can get hot. But defence it's got to be a given."
Albers had a brief stay with the team, as he was called up just prior to Friday's game, and then sent back down immediately after. He appeared in the game, and promptly gave up a home run to Cleveland catcher Brett Hayes. He threw 2 2/3 innings, allowing just the one run on the homer, striking out one and walking two.
Copeland, 27, had made four starts in Triple-A this season, and has a 1.44 ERA over 25 innings, striking out 4.7 batters per nine innings and walking 2.9. He made 26 starts between Double- and Triple-A last year, with a 3.45 ERA, 5.8 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9. He was drafted in the 21st round of the 2010 amateur draft by Baltimore. He'll pitch out of the bullpen for Toronto and his first appearance will be his Major League debut.
Carrera, 27, is a speedy centre fielder in the mold of Pompey, and has appeared in the big leagues the past four season, first with the Indians, then a brief stay in Philadelphia before playing for the Tigers last year. The Blue Jays signed him to a minor league deal on December 3, 2014. He's a career .253/.305/.340 hitter in 478 Major League plate appearances, with two home runs and 25 stolen bases.
(Toronto Blue Jays)
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