Pompey an eager student of pinch-running

TORONTO — Very few September callups have the chance to impact the pennant race and help their team steal a run at the most critical time, but Dalton Pompey is hoping to do just that during the Blue Jays’ second consecutive postseason chase.

The 23-year-old Pompey understands his role on the field: Wait until the later innings of a close game, come in as a pinch-runner and swipe a bag or two to help Toronto pick up a late tally. But it’s the behind-the-scenes work both pre- and mid-game in which the young outfielder takes the most pride.

Much like a hitter’s preparation for any given series, Pompey’s groundwork involves watching video to examine a pitcher’s repertoire, his move to first base compared to home plate, as well as the tendencies of the catchers behind the plate.

“It’s certainly a different routine,” Pompey said about his role with the Blue Jays in comparison to starting every day in Triple-A. “I’m not getting ready for 7:05 [p.m.], but for the late innings. First game of every series, I’m gathering as much information as I can. There are some intricacies guys do with their glove, with their foot, with their back leg and with how they lean that I pay close attention to. There are all kinds of things in this role that you can look at and that you have to be alert for at any time.”

That detail then comes into play during the middle of the game, when Pompey starts to look at the lineup card, study game scenarios and pay close attention to how several of his teammates take leads against the opposing pitchers, anticipating an opportunity to make a mark on the game.

“He’s aware of the situation,” Blue Jays first-base coach Tim …

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