Colorado Rockies Place Troy Tulowitzki on DL with Broken Rib

Troy Tulowitzki will likely miss the next 4-6 weeks with a broken rib, a big blow to the Rockies hopes at winning the NL West this season. (Image Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)

Troy Tulowitzki, the star shortstop and clubhouse leader for the Colorado Rockies, has been placed on the disabled list by the team with a broken rib. Early estimates suggest that he’ll be out for 4-6 weeks, though it could be longer. He’s apparently been feeling some discomfort in the area for the better part of the past week but aggravated his ribs making a play late in Thursday’s game against the Washington Nationals. An MRI following the game revealed the fractured rib.

Through 61 games he’s hit .347/.413/.635 in 252 PA, adding 16 HR and 16 2B. He’s quietly been leading the National League in slugging and OPS, serving as a big reason behind the surprisingly strong start that the Rockies have enjoyed to the season.

Without Tulo in the lineup, the Rockies will presumably go with some combination of Jonathan Herrera and DJ LeMahieu at shortstop. The pair have been involved in the team’s rotation at second base for much of the season and both have some experience at the position – though LeMahieu’s is minimal at best (just one inning in the Major Leagues). Herrera’s received a fair amount of playing time already for Colorado but has seen that come in more of a utility role this year with the emergence of Jordan Pacheco and the arrival of Nolan Arrenado, both of whom profile best at third base. Herrera is hitting .303/.361/.368 in 84 PA on the year.