Oct 14, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays runner Dalton Pompey (45) is safe at third base as Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus drops the ball for an error in the 7th inning in game five of the ALDS at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Pompey appeared in 34 games with the Blue Jays last season after winning the starting centre field job out of spring training

Dalton Pompey has existed quietly outside of the Blue Jays spotlight in 2016. Earlier in the season that was mostly due to injuries, including a concussion more recently, but the 23-year-old is finally finding his stride with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

The decision to keep Pompey in the minor leagues this season had as much to do with his long-term development as it did his current talent. His raw tools and potential ceiling tower above those of a Junior Lake or Ezequiel Carrera, but with an eye on 2017 – where the Blue Jays could be without both Michael Saunders and Jose Bautista – the Blue Jays have prioritized his development.

With the Blue Jays about to clear the trade deadline on August 1st and barrel towards October, Pompey could be an asset of true value to the Blue Jays. The question, though, comes back to the organization’s plan and how strictly they intend to follow it.

Unfortunately for Pompey, he’s appeared in just 57 games. If that number were higher, perhaps the Blue Jays would find it easier to deem his season as “enough” development by mid-August and recall him for the playoff stretch. His recent production, though, remains encouraging.

Pompey is hitting .421 in his last 10 games with five multi-hit games, five walks, and three stolen bases. This has pushed his season average to .298 and on-base percentage to .365. That’s exactly what the Blue Jays want to see from the switch-hitter with leadoff potential down the road, but his greatest value to the current Jays may be his glove.

Manager John Gibbons said that Bautista would return to right field upon his return, though he’ll likely receive some DH work to keep him fresh after dealing with turf toe. Both Bautista and Saunders bring a top-level offensive impact for the Jays, but Pompey represents a significant upgrade over them in the field if used situationally.

Ezequiel Carrera has been extremely valuable for the Blue Jays and deserves continued playing time, but with recent regressions at the plate and his defensive metrics representing a career outlier, there’s room for a fifth outfielder if they come with one or two unique tools.

The 2015 playoffs showcased Pompey’s impact on the bases, too, as he went 4-for-4 in stolen base attempts. As games become tighter, specifically in the playoffs, pinch-running late for a less athletic player could tilt an inning.

Toronto’s new management has leaned towards a cautions approach with the prospects and young talent, so Pompey may be no different. He’s deserving of a spot in the conversation, though, and if he can remain healthy, his spot should only improve.

Twitter: @KeeganMatheson

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