UPDATE: Tulowitzki is expected to return this weekend.
"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 told Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com. "He may play against the Rays, we haven't committed to anything."
-----
On Monday it was reported Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was progressing in his recovery from a cracked shoulder blade and could be ready for the postseason. The latest rumors suggest the MLB's best shortstop could be back sooner.
Tulowitzki endured his first batting practice session yesterday since suffering his injury back on Sept. 12. He told Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca that he'll "definitely" be ready for the postseason and that batting practice was the "last step" as he's "definitely getting real close" to a return.
Forget the postseason. What about this week against the Baltimore Orioles?
While that's merely subject to rumors and speculation, it makes sense because the Jays would probably want him to get some reps in before their first postseason series. Toronto will face Baltimore the next three nights, so if this is true then Tulo could be back on Thursday at the latest.
Manager John Gibbons also spurred rumors yesterday when he said it's "a possibility" that Tulo could return to MLB action this week.
"I don't know if it's overly optimistic but maybe (he could return) sometime in that Baltimore series, but I guess that's possible," Gibbons said, via Mike Johnston of Sportsnet.ca. "I'm definitely hoping maybe by Tampa. That's all we have left, really.
"But he's moving in the right direction. We'll see. It's one of those things, he's getting better but you can't put a date on it. It's one of those kinds of deals."
However, it's certainly possible the medical staff would want Tulowitzki to undergo another MRI just to make sure everything checks out. The All-Star shortstop has a long history of injuries throughout his career and such a precaution would be the least the Blue Jays could do since he's signed on for $98 million through 2020.
"I'm not sure where we're at with that right now," Tulowitzki added, via Davidi. "I talked to the training staff, they did their homework, and it seems like as long as I'm feeling good that may not be needed. We'll see though if that's something they want before I'm out there playing."
Stay tuned for updates on Tulowitzki. The Blue Jays will certainly need him for the postseason, but it'd beneficial for all parties if he can get some reps in before then.