Toronto Blue Jays not expecting Troy Tulowitzki for Opening Day
The Toronto Blue Jays depth is set to be tested early, as they do not expect to have their starting shortstop in time for Opening Day.
Every year, it is seemingly a matter of time until Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is injured. The former All Star and MVP candidate had already jumped on the injury train, aggravating a chronic bone spur in his heel two weeks ago. Given how frequently Tulowitzki misses time, no one was sure when he would be back in the lineup.
Even if the Blue Jays do not have a specific date as to when Tulowitzki will be back, they know it will be a while. Although manager John Gibbons indicated that the oft-injured shortstop is progressing, they are not counting on him to be a part of the Opening Day lineup.
Blue Jays manager John Gibbons on Troy Tulowitzki's status for opening day: "I don't expect he'll be ready. But he's moving in the right direction."
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) March 4, 2018
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It really should not be much of a surprise to the Blue Jays that Tulowitzki will miss time. After all, he has played in over 140 games just three times in his career, and has not reached that total since 2011. Last year, in an injury plagued campaign, Tulowitzki posted an underwhelming .249/.300/.378 batting line with only seven homers.
This year, Toronto has a better backup plan for the inevitable time that Tulowitzki will miss. Aledmys Diaz was acquired in a trade with St. Louis, giving the Blue Jays an option to fill Tulowitzki’s spot in the lineup. However, Diaz also struggled last year, with a .259/.290/.392 batting line and seven homers before being sent down to the minors.
Chances are, the Blue Jays are not counting on much from Tulowitzki this year. However, they are in a touch spot with the veteran shortstop. Even though his injuries may be leading to his struggles, he is due another $58 million over the next three years, including $20 million this year. When healthy, he is going to play, although one has to wonder how effective he will be in the lineup.
Next: Blue Jays 2018 season preview
The Toronto Blue Jays are already looking at life without Troy Tulowitzki this year. As it stands, they are not expecting him to be a part of the Opening Day lineup.