Toronto Blue Jays Hopeful Injured Troy Tulowitzki can Return in 2-to-3 Weeks

The Toronto Blue Jays are "cautiously optimistic" that shortstop Troy Tulowitzki will be healthy by the playoffs. The Blue Jays are currently first in the American League East and are expected to make it to the playoffs if they continue their high level of play.

Tulowitzki, 30, sustained a "very small crack" in his shoulder blade when he collided with center fielder Kevin Pillar during Saturday's game against the New York Yankees, which the Blue Jays won.

"He could be back for October. Hopefully we're playing at that time," general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. "We're going to look for anything that we can to hopefully get him back sooner. But i think if anything, it's going to be time."

The injury is currently listed as a fractured scapula and bruising in the upper back, which is a common injury seen in football players. The team will learn more about the injury after the internal bleeding subsides. They might order an additional MRI or CT scan within the next two weeks.

"I'm sore," Tulowitzki said. "I think I need to let this thing calm down a little bit. The next two or three days will be big."

Tulowitzki was also asked about the collision. He was backpedaling to catch a pop up when Pillar came charging from outfield. Tulowitzki did not fall from Pillar's hard hit but he did feel a sharp pain immediately after.

"A fluke thing, freak thing," he said. "No one expects that to happen; no one wants to see that happen.... It's part of the game."

"For right now, we're down a middle infielder for at least two weeks," Anthopoulos said. "He's a great glove, he's a right-handed bat, a good teammate as well."
Tulowitzki is batting .278 so far this season with 17 homeruns and 70 RBIs

The Blue Jays will being a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 7:10 p.m. ET.