Blue Jays: Tulowitzki takes batting practice, anticipates quick return to lineup

BALTIMORE— Troy Tulowitzki could be back in the Blue Jays’ lineup within a few days after he took batting practice on Monday for the first time since his injury.

“I feel great,” he said after taking about 30 swings in the indoor cages after the Jays’ on-field batting practice was interrupted by rain. “Hopefully my name is in the lineup sooner rather than later.”

The all-star shortstop, who was acquired from Colorado a few days before the trade deadline, has been out since Sept. 12 when he suffered a cracked shoulder blade and bruised back muscles in a collision with centre fielder Kevin Pillar on a shallow fly ball.

Tulowitzki has already been doing daily infield practice and running the bases. Hitting was his last and most important test.

“I was excited about today,” he said. “Came to the ballpark real early, itching a little bit to get going — and it was a good day.”

Manager John Gibbons said he was hoping Tulowitzki could return to the lineup at some point in this fourgame series against the Orioles. The player himself agreed that was a possibility, but was reluctant to commit to anything.

“I think I am getting close,” he said. “I have been cautious because I hadn’t took those swings yet, but that was the last step and taking BP and coming out of it fine tells me that I’m definitely getting real close.”

Barring a setback, Tulowitzki said he will “definitely” be ready for the post-season. He will take early batting practice again Tuesday, hoping to avoid any weather-related disruption. “I’d like to hit on the field instead of the cage.” Brendan Kennedy