Three Sky Sox called up after finale

Edgmer Escalona talked to his mother in Venezuela and told her he was heading home. Then, when he didn’t pitch in the ninth inning of Monday’s 7-3 season-ending victory over Sacramento, the Sox Sky reliever got worried.

“I think I no pitch, I get no time, I’m gonna get released,’’ Escalona said.

He’s going to have to call mom back. He’s heading to the major leagues.

“It’s going to be exciting for him. He’s going to have to live in the moment,’’ manager Stu Cole said.

Escalona and veteran outfielder Jay Payton were called up after the game, joining catcher Mike McKenry, who was called up Sunday night.

Escalona, 23, was 3-5 with a 6.00 ERA in 57 appearances (69 innings), and McKenry, 25, who did not play for the Colorado Rockies on Monday, will be making their major-league debuts. McKenry batting .265 with 10 homers and 49 RBIs in 99 games this season.

For Payton, 37, who has spent parts of 13 seasons in the major leagues, this season has been about making peace with himself and the game after injuries forced him to miss the 2009 season.

“It’s a good feeling, to get back after all the hard work you’ve put in, surgeries and stuff,’’ Payton said. “To get back to the big leagues, put on a big-league uniform again, it’s something special.”

Payton, who went 0-for-4 Monday, hit .323 this season.

Cole said being to be able to deliver good news like that is special.

“Absolutely. The minor leagues are tough, especially at the Triple-A level,’’ Cole said. “It’s a grind ... At the end, it’s nice to be able to tell guys who have put themselves in position to be called up, ‘Hey, you’ve called up to the big leagues today.’ ’’

Travis Metcalf had two hits and two RBIs to lead the Sky Sox Monday. Matt Miller had three hits.

For more on the game and the callups, go to The Gazette's Rox/Sox blog.