The Toronto Blue Jays continued to tinker with their roster on Friday, making more moves following a 9-4 loss to the Cleveland Indians.
Toronto optioned outfielder Dalton Pompey and left-handed pitcher Andrew Albers to triple-A Buffalo and selected the contracts of outfielder Ezequiel Carrera and right-hander Scott Copeland. Reliever Matt West and infielder Andy Wilkins have been designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.
Pompey, a 22-year-old native of Mississauga, Ont., is taking a positive approach to his demotion.
“Got some things I need to improve on,” he told Sportsnet’s Barry Davis. “From a physical and mental standpoint. Going down allows me to reset in a much calmer environment.
“The key is getting that talent to come out more consistently. All part of the process.”
Earlier in the day the Blue Jays optioned left-hander Daniel Norris to triple-A and called up Albers, who worked 2.2 innings in Friday night’s contest, allowing one hit — a home run — and two walks.
Pompey, the Blue Jays’ starting centre-fielder to begin the season, has struggled both offensively and defensively, hitting just .193 over 23 games and committing several recent miscues in the field.
Copeland, who’s spent six seasons in the minor leagues, was 2-1 with a 1.44 ERA for the Bisons this year. Over his four starts the 27-year-old allowed just 13 hits in 25 innings.
Carrera, who’s played in parts of four big-league seasons for the Indians, Phillies and Tigers, hit .325 in 21 games with Buffalo this year. The 27-year-old holds a .253 average in 176 career MLB games.
