Pompey facing uncertain future
Third concussion since 2016 is another setback for Mississauga native
DUNEDIN, FLA.— Dalton Pompey’s baseball future is hanging in the balance after he was diagnosed with his third concussion since 2016.
The 26-year-old outfielder from Mississauga arrived at spring training to battle for bigleague duty with his hometown team, but will finish camp with much bigger concerns after landing in MLB’s concussion protocol after hitting his head on bats in his locker on Thursday.
“My heart breaks for him,” general manager Ross Atkins said hours after the club announced the diagnosis on Friday. “That guy has had an incredible string of bad luck. Any time that someone has a third concussion, it’s never a good thing. In terms of severity, it’s not necessarily mild, so it is something we need to be concerned and very thoughtful about.” Manager Charlie Montoyo said he was impressed by Pompey’s spring performance — .282 with a home run and seven RBIs in14 games — but couldn’t put a timeline on his return.
“He’ll be out for a while,” Montoyo said. “We’ll see.”
The injury will delay a decision on Pompey’s future with the Jays. The Canadian is out of options, but his spot on the 40man roster guarantees he won’t be designated for assignment or released without compensation. He would have to be placed on the 60-day injured list for Toronto to fill his spot on the roster.
Pompey suffered concussions while playing for the Buffalo Bisons in June 2016, and representing Canada at the World Baseball Classic in March 2017. NORRIS STICKS: Reliever Bud Norris let the opt-out clause on his minor-league deal expire late Thursday night, which likely guarantees him a role in Toronto’s bullpen, where he could be used as a set-up man with Ryan Tepera out indefinitely because of elbow inflammation. The 34-year-old righthander was scratched from Thursday’s game with forearm fatigue, but Atkins called it “natural wear and tear” considering Norris was signed late and only reported to camp in early March. Norris threw on Friday and felt good, said Atkins, who expects him to pitch on Sunday and be ready to go on opening day. Another late-inning option, David Paulino, was optioned to the minor-league camp on Friday. ROOM FOR ROMANO: The Jays seem keen on buying back Markham right-handed pitcher Jordan Romano from Texas — for $50,000 (U.S.) — after the Rule 5 pick didn’t break camp with the Rangers. “We’ll hopefully find a way to get him back here,” Atkins said. “I’m sure they would like to have him as well, so there will be potential dialogue around that, but I would imagine that more than likely he’s headed back to join the Toronto Blue Jays.” Romano must clear waivers before the Rangers are required to offer him back to Toronto. Rangers GM Jon Daniels reportedly said Texas would like to reacquire the 25-year-old from the Jays if he does clear waivers. CLAY IN PLAY: Veteran righthander Clay Buchholz earned rave reviews from Atkins and Montoyo after pitching two innings in a minor-league game Friday. Atkins said Buchholz could be ready in early April, but the Jays will stretch him out enough to pitch five or six innings before he arrives in the big leagues.