Headlines

  • Rafael Devers Unwilling To Play First Base
  • Pirates Fire Manager Derek Shelton
  • Cubs To Promote Cade Horton
  • Mariners Claim Leody Taveras
  • Rangers Hire Bret Boone As Hitting Coach
  • A.J. Minter To Undergo Season-Ending Lat Surgery
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2025
    • Free Agent Contest Leaderboard
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Troy Tulowitzki Undergoes Surgery On Both Heels

By Jeff Todd | April 2, 2018 at 3:32pm CDT

April 2: Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi tweets that Tulowitzki’s surgeries were performed today, and the Blue Jays were informed that all went well.

March 30: Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is slated to undergo surgery to remove bone spurs from both of his heels, Toronto GM Ross Atkins tells reporters including Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca (Twitter links). The procedure will occur on Monday, MLB.com’s Gregor Chisholm adds on Twitter.

Tulowitzki could be back in eight weeks if all goes swimmingly, meaning we almost certainly won’t see Tulowitzki in a MLB uniform until June. But it’s much more concerning in the broader context of the 33-year-old’s recent injury history.

Hamstring and ankle injuries limited the five-time All-Star to just 66 contests in 2017. That’s just the latest in a long line of problems for Tulowitzki. Since the start of the 2012 season, he has averaged just 98 contests annually.

The other area of concern is just what the Jays can expect out of Tulo even when he is at full strength — or, as close to it as he’ll get at this point. The former star hasn’t produced big value at the plate since 2014. While he turned in roughly average offensive work in the two seasons that followed, he slashed just .249/.300/.378 in his 260 plate appearances last season.

While they await Tulotwitzki’s return, the Jays will presumably rely on recent acquisitions Aledmys Diaz and Gift Ngoepe. That’s not optimal, though perhaps Diaz offers a bit of upside given the quality 2016 campaign he turned in. Yangervis Solarte, who was also picked up over the offseason, is also capable of playing short — though he has done so sparingly in the majors.

This post has been corrected to reflect that the bone spurs being removed are in Tulowitzki’s heels, not his ankles.

Share 0 Retweet 26 Send via email0

Toronto Blue Jays Troy Tulowitzki

Injury Notes: Musgrove, Mercer, Wieters, Cruz, Realmuto, Yankees
Main
Brewers Sign Andres Blanco
View Comments (64)
Post a Comment

64 Comments

  1. Falsehope

    7 years ago

    In no way surprising. At all.

    9
    Reply
    • Weather Report of Atlanta

      7 years ago

      Did you make this username for this post? It’s too fitting.

      4
      Reply
  2. saintchristafa

    7 years ago

    Derrick Rose?

    2
    Reply
  3. SupremeZeus

    7 years ago

    BOGO?

    3
    Reply
  4. TomG

    7 years ago

    Many of my fellow Mets fans were clamoring for this guy before he was traded to Toronto. It looks like, given his fragile state, he would have fit right in.

    7
    Reply
    • Jbigz12

      7 years ago

      I’m sure the turf in Toronto doesn’t do him any favors either.

      5
      Reply
      • Aoe3

        7 years ago

        Weve had a full dirt infield since 2017… And the basepaths have always been dirt since i can remember.

        4
        Reply
        • jorleeduf

          7 years ago

          The little area around the base was the only part that was dirt

          1
          Reply
    • Weather Report of Atlanta

      7 years ago

      Sad, but true…
      Of course, I wouldn’t consider the Jays as a contender, but what’s worse; being injury plagued on a potential contender, or having All-Star production on a bottom dwellar?

      Reply
  5. The Ghost of Bobby Bonilla

    7 years ago

    I wonder if Toronto will be exercising that 2021 option??:

    2
    Reply
  6. Yeti

    7 years ago

    Wait until opening day to get this done? You’d think he would have noticed bone spurs this bad prior to opening day, unless he spent the entire offseason on the couch.

    1
    Reply
    • giantsphan12

      7 years ago

      That’s what I was thinking. Why didn’t he get the bone spurs removed in October? Not like those things developed in spring training

      Reply
  7. jimmertee

    7 years ago

    How come they are just finding out about these operable bone spurs now? Hasn’t the guy been out forever? WebMD says these things take a long time to develop. Should the Jays have been on top of this? Couldn’t it be dealt with last year?

    This stinks of poor doctoring.

    3
    Reply
    • sovtechno

      7 years ago

      Sportsnet reported on this extensively early in spring training. Your first mistake is believing that all of the information on this matter is contained within this short MLBTR article. Your second mistake is diagnosing a player you have likely never even glimpsed in person using WebMD.

      2
      Reply
    • its_happening

      7 years ago

      Doctors felt rehab was the best course of action back in August 2017. Obviously they have to go to plan B entering Spring Training.

      1
      Reply
  8. jimmertee

    7 years ago

    Ahh Tulo, another injury. Reinforces my opinion that he no longer can play the shortstop position due to age and fragility. He’ll be back at the trade deadline after Smoak and Donaldson have been traded.

    “1st base or 3rd base here I come”

    2
    Reply
  9. TennVol

    7 years ago

    Their best SS option is in AA New Hampshire. Bo Bichette.

    4
    Reply
  10. Big D 3

    7 years ago

    Why did he wait till the start of the season to have surgery, should of done it, in the off season.

    1
    Reply
  11. thomasg2018

    7 years ago

    Why does anyone pay this guy. One day into the season. No pain or bone spurs in the off season?

    1
    Reply
    • The Ghost of Bobby Bonilla

      7 years ago

      He is the Isaiah Thomas of MLB. Maybe the Jays can trade him to the Lakers.

      Reply
    • ThePriceWasRight

      7 years ago

      because you can’t just not pay players with contracts.

      2
      Reply
  12. Chris

    7 years ago

    Man I used to clamor for the Yankees to trade for Tulo when he was a Rockie. Glad I’m not a GM

    2
    Reply
  13. LF16

    7 years ago

    Unlikely this all goes “swimmingly” for Tulo. The gods of baseball have turned on this guy. Unfortunate.

    3
    Reply
  14. julyn82001

    7 years ago

    Injured and making the buckies… Not exactly flipping burgers 10$ kind of job, huh?

    Reply
  15. ray_derek

    7 years ago

    Might as well grab both of them while they’re at it Tulo.

    Reply
  16. Doodoo Gregarious

    7 years ago

    At least now he won’t have to serve in Vietnam.

    8
    Reply
    • retire21

      7 years ago

      Well done good sir! MAGA! No collusion. You are a stable genius with that post. Bigly!

      3
      Reply
  17. bravesfan

    7 years ago

    Cheap glass is more durable than this guy

    1
    Reply
  18. xabial

    7 years ago

    I want to know how one gets “bone spurs” in both heels??? Is there a Doctor in the house??

    Reply
    • brucewayne

      7 years ago

      I think bone spurs are caused by other injuries

      Reply
      • brucewayne

        7 years ago

        and are like calcium deposits that build up around the injuries . Goes along with arthritis

        Reply
        • brucewayne

          7 years ago

          and tendinitis . I have them on my spine around the vertabraes .

          Reply
    • Cubguy13

      7 years ago

      They can be caused by other injuries or since they are in both heels, possibly lack of heel support in his shoes.

      Reply
  19. driftcat28 2

    7 years ago

    Sheesh imagine what could’ve been for Tulo has he just stayed healthy

    Reply
    • bucketbrew35

      7 years ago

      Saw him play shortstop at Coors when he was in his prime. Best defensive shortstop I’ve ever seen, bar none.

      Reply
      • Vedder80

        7 years ago

        You haven’t seen very many SS have you?

        Reply
        • Senioreditor

          7 years ago

          Ya no kidding……,

          Reply
      • its_happening

        7 years ago

        Slick SS, solid SS. Best? No. But damn good. No question.

        1
        Reply
      • brucewayne

        7 years ago

        Best SS I’ve ever seen play is Ozzie Smith! Hands down the best defensive anyway!

        Reply
    • Senioreditor

      7 years ago

      His splits are RIDICULOUS. He was a Coors creation. The Rockies will NEVER make a better trade then the day they sent his whinny add to Toronto.

      1
      Reply
  20. bradthebluefish

    7 years ago

    Amazed that they didn’t discover the bone spurs earlier. You know, during the enter off season and Spring Training.

    Reply
  21. GarryHarris

    7 years ago

    If it wasn’t for these bone spurs, Troy Tulowitzki would’ve found another excuse to go on the DL. He is clearly motivated to stay off the field. When the spurs heal, he will find another issue. MLB needs to take some sort of action against this type of contract abuse.

    1
    Reply
    • terror661

      7 years ago

      Him and Mark Melancon most def hang out.

      Reply
    • davidcoonce74

      7 years ago

      The team has doctors who examine the players. The team and its doctors then make the determination to shelve the players. You’re making a serious and unfounded accusation and players don’t place themselves on the DL, Teams also can’t use “phantom injuries” to place players on the DL either – the league has to receive a medical report on why the player is being put on the shelf.

      Reply
  22. terror661

    7 years ago

    His career is over and he was injured most of it. Let all cry about it. Lol

    Reply
  23. Solaris601

    7 years ago

    See you after the all star break MAYBE. We all know he’ll either suffer a setback or another injury entirely during rehab.

    Reply
  24. Mystah

    7 years ago

    Package him with Donaldson at the deadline. Someone will bite

    2
    Reply
    • jimmertee

      7 years ago

      Not likely any intelligent GM will bite on Tulo+Donaldson package unless the Jays eat most of Tulo’s remaining contract. GM’s are smart.

      Reply
    • baseballsavvy

      7 years ago

      This won’t happen.

      Reply
    • its_happening

      7 years ago

      Nobody’s taking on Tulo’s sweet contract.

      Reply
  25. Jedi Master

    7 years ago

    I remember when Bridich traded tulo people here in Denver were mad. But turns out he made a smart move. Getting anything of value for such an injury plagued player would of been good. But being able to get Hoffman, Castro and Tinoco was a great move by Bridich.

    Reply
  26. CaliWhiteSoxFan

    7 years ago

    Give him robot legs.

    Reply
  27. luvbeisbol

    7 years ago

    Over/under on the number of MLB games in which he appears for the rest of his days: 50.

    1
    Reply
  28. cecildawg

    7 years ago

    Due to industrial injuries (faulty scaffolding) both my heels have spurs. Uncomfortable all the time. I can not afford surgery. So I wince on. Everyone has pain. Right? The symptoms did not flare up but over time (walking) developed these spurs. Calsium deposits from irregular rubbing.

    Reply
  29. truckster

    7 years ago

    Nothing like beating a guy when he’s down. Anyone honestly think the guy gets injured on purpose? I’m guessing he’s been dealing with these spurs for a while and they were hoping he’d be able to play through it with treatment they’re giving him. Obviously now it didn’t work the way they wanted. I feel for the guy because he’s a helluva good ball player who has had bad luck staying healthy.

    3
    Reply
    • xabial

      7 years ago

      I get that he’s untradable at this point— but maybe a trade away from Toronto’s turf might do wonders.. Even if it’s not artifical turf anymore, maybe it’s still tough on the body. I read jimmertee suggested a move to 1B or 3B, might prevent wear and tear, honestly makes sense! (Hopefully not First Base 😉 ) Good Luck, Tulo.

      My speculation, because he always gets injured—

      3
      Reply
  30. jimmertee

    7 years ago

    The bottom line is that Tulo is fragile. He cannot play anything except first and DH. The Jays must plan for this or plan to cut him and eat the contract.His defensive skills at SS are now irrelevant to keeping him on the field once he is healthy.

    Reply
    • TheBoatmen

      7 years ago

      Except he wouldn’t be useful at DH or 1B. I would rather have Smoak and Morales than him hitting. Except the fact that he is good for playing SS for a handful of games and if he gets injured again be grateful you had him for a handful of games. When he does play he is a fantastic SS. On the other side none of us have played with heel spurs in both feet so we don’t know the impact but I would imagine it would not go well. There is still a very small chance that he could come back after the surgery and be relevant again. Doesn’t make sense to release him and let somebody else find out with your dollar.

      1
      Reply
    • its_happening

      7 years ago

      The Morales signing did 1 thing; forced Donaldson, Tulo and Bautista to play everyday in 2017. At 32, 33 and 36 respectively, they needed time off the field to DH, and potentially Devon Travis and Steve Pearce. Nobody wants Morales, Tulo’s hurt and Donaldson is having trouble throwing the baseball. A big problem for the team.

      Reply
  31. imindless

    7 years ago

    Is this guy made of paper?

    Reply
    • Robertowannabe

      7 years ago

      Paper beats rock! 🙂

      Reply
  32. baseballsavvy

    7 years ago

    This almost seems like the Jays wanted this to happen. Doesn’t make sense to wait as long as they did. Really starting to wonder if he will ever play for the Jays again? Wouldn’t surprise me in the least if the just pay him and send him packing.

    Reply
  33. Z-A 2

    7 years ago

    A career that could have been. 22 to 26 – stud 24 HR/85 RBI/10SB/.295BA to 17 HR/56RBI/2SB/.285 BA since.

    Reply
  34. johnnywalker

    7 years ago

    Do teams buy insurance to buyout a players’ contract in circumstances like this? Just asking.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

  • Top Stories
  • Recent

Rafael Devers Unwilling To Play First Base

Pirates Fire Manager Derek Shelton

Cubs To Promote Cade Horton

Mariners Claim Leody Taveras

Rangers Hire Bret Boone As Hitting Coach

A.J. Minter To Undergo Season-Ending Lat Surgery

Blue Jays Sign Spencer Turnbull

Blue Jays Sign José Ureña

Ross Stripling Retires

Rangers Place Leody Taveras On Outright Waivers

Triston Casas Likely To Miss Entire 2025 Season Due To Knee Surgery

Orioles Recall Coby Mayo

Dodgers Recall Hyeseong Kim

Triston Casas Suffers “Significant Knee Injury”

Angels Place Mike Trout On 10-Day Injured List

Rangers Option Jake Burger

Tigers Designate Kenta Maeda For Assignment

Reds Option Alexis Diaz

Orioles Move Charlie Morton To Bullpen

Astros To Activate Lance McCullers Jr. This Weekend

Padres Trade Connor Joe To Reds

Latest On Anthony Rizzo

White Sox To Select Tim Elko

Poll: In-Season Managerial Changes

Fantasy Baseball: Dealing With Early Anchors

Blue Jays Select Michael Stefanic, DFA Dillon Tate, Place Andrés Giménez On IL

A’s Designate Noah Murdock For Assignment

Angels Select Shaun Anderson, Transfer Ben Joyce To 60-Day IL

Angels, Buck Farmer Agree To Minor League Deal

Astros Place Hayden Wesneski On Injured List Due To Elbow Discomfort

ad: 300x250_5_side_mlb

MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

Latest Rumors & News

Latest Rumors & News

  • 2024-25 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
  • Nolan Arenado Rumors
  • Dylan Cease Rumors
  • Luis Robert Rumors
  • Marcus Stroman Rumors

 

Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

MLBTR Features

MLBTR Features

  • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
  • Front Office Originals
  • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
  • MLBTR Podcast
  • 2024-25 Offseason Outlook Series
  • 2025 Arbitration Projections
  • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
  • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
  • Contract Tracker
  • Transaction Tracker
  • Extension Tracker
  • Agency Database
  • MLBTR On Twitter
  • MLBTR On Facebook
  • Team Facebook Pages
  • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

Rumors By Team

  • Angels Rumors
  • Astros Rumors
  • Athletics Rumors
  • Blue Jays Rumors
  • Braves Rumors
  • Brewers Rumors
  • Cardinals Rumors
  • Cubs Rumors
  • Diamondbacks Rumors
  • Dodgers Rumors
  • Giants Rumors
  • Guardians Rumors
  • Mariners Rumors
  • Marlins Rumors
  • Mets Rumors
  • Nationals Rumors
  • Orioles Rumors
  • Padres Rumors
  • Phillies Rumors
  • Pirates Rumors
  • Rangers Rumors
  • Rays Rumors
  • Red Sox Rumors
  • Reds Rumors
  • Rockies Rumors
  • Royals Rumors
  • Tigers Rumors
  • Twins Rumors
  • White Sox Rumors
  • Yankees Rumors

ad: 160x600_MLB

Navigation

  • Sitemap
  • Archives
  • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

MLBTR INFO

  • Advertise
  • About
  • Commenting Policy
  • Privacy Policy

Connect

  • Contact Us
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS Feed

MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

hide arrows scroll to top

Register

Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version