Tulo likely to return Saturday vs. Rays
Blue Jays shortstop has been out since Sept. 12 due to a shoulder injury
BALTIMORE -- Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki appears to be close to making his return to the lineup after he sustained a fractured left shoulder blade earlier this month.
Tulowitzki went through another round of batting practice on Thursday morning, and he's scheduled to face David Price in a simulated game on Friday. If all goes well, Tulowitzki is expected to return Saturday night against the Rays at Tropicana Field.
That will give Tulowitzki an opportunity to get back onto the field before the American League Division Series, which begins next Thursday. Toronto's opponent has yet to be determined, but the return of a star player can only mean good things for the franchise.
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"A sim game on Friday, and then I think the thought was to maybe play Saturday, Sunday -- that's just what we talked about," Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. "He may play against the Rays, we haven't committed to anything."
Tulowitzki has been out since Sept. 12, when he was injured during a collision with outfielder Kevin Pillar in shallow center field at Yankee Stadium. The veteran infielder is hitting .278 with 17 home runs and 70 RBIs in 126 combined games with the Rockies and Blue Jays this season.