Blue Jays designate outfielder Dalton Pompey for assignment

According to industry sources, the Toronto Blue Jays have designated Canadian outfielder Dalton Pompey for assignment.

The Blue Jays were forced to make a decision on the oft-injured outfielder following the completion of Dalton Pompey‘s 20-day rehab assignment. Pompey was rehabbing from a concussion he suffered in the clubhouse during spring training.

The designation of Pompey is somewhat puzzling seeing the brain trust could have opted to designate Billy McKinney who still has options remaining. This would have afforded the Jays the opportunity to keep Pompey in the fold for the remainder of the season as the team continues to rebuild. McKinney could have been recalled after the trade deadline once another roster spot became vacant.

Pompey made his MLB debut in 2014 but has suffered through an assortment of injuries including three concussions. The 26-year old sports a career .221/.289/.373 stat line with three homers and eight stolen bases in 64 games.

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The Mississauga native has game-changing speed which was on full display in the 2015 postseason, however, Pompey could never remain healthy enough to put it all together at the major league level.

The outfielder played in 14 rehab games including five games with the Bisons leading up to the designation. In 52 rehab plate appearances, Pompey hit .244/.327/.311 with 11 hits and one stolen base.

Pompey may have also fallen out of favour with the Jays front office after an altercation last season with Triple-A Manager Bobby Meacham. Pompey was sent home by the club and suspended without pay but did return to finish out the campaign.

Regardless of the reason, Ross Atkins and company appear to have dropped the ball on this one and now risk losing the outfielder for good. This could have all been avoided had the Jays been a little creative with their roster shuffling. Add Pompey to the growing list of former Canadians employed by the Blue Jays.