Spring Headlines: Troy Tulowitzki avoids injury after HBP on hand
Toronto Blue Jays fans and executives alike were breathing a sigh of relief on Wednesday night after learning that star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki had avoided a major injury.
During their Grapefruit League game against the New York Mets earlier in the day, Tulowitzki was hit on the hand by a pitch from veteran right-hander Bartolo Colon. According to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi, x-rays came back negative, meaning Tulowitzki should be able to return to action this weekend.
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Given Tulowitzki’s long history of injuries, which include everything from a broken wrist after a hit-by-pitch in 2010, to multiple groin and hip surgeries, there’s always a feeling of dread when he goes down in pain. This time though, that dread has been replaced with relief and perhaps even hope that his career can finally turn the corner.
In ten big league seasons, Tulowitzki has only appeared in 150 games or more twice. His 128 games last season between Colorado and Toronto were his most since 2011. Staying healthy hasn’t been a challenge, it’s been a chore. But the light at the end of the tunnel has always been Tulowitzki’s ability to put up huge numbers and carry his team at the plate and in the field.
Though he didn’t exactly put up huge numbers for Toronto last season, hitting .239/.317/.380, his absence was felt when he missed three weeks with a cracked shoulder blade.
OTHER SPRING HEADLINES
Hold on: Alex Rodriguez is refuting reports that he intends to retire following the 2017 season. [The Stew]
Hanging around: Speaking of retirement rumors, Bartolo Colon says he hasn’t made any plans either. [Newsday]
Showcase time: Free agent pitcher Justin Masterson will hold a showcase on Monday in Phoenix. [@JonHeyman]
Season preview: Don’t sleep on the resilient Cardinals. [The Stew]
Sustaining value: For the 19th straight year, the New York Yankees are baseball’s most valuable franchise. [Forbes]
Get it started: Veteran right-hander Ervin Santana will be the Twins opening day starter. [@RhettBollinger]
A legend lost: Baseball mourns the death of Joe Garagiola. [The Stew]
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
