Blue Jays SS Tulowitzki hits in simulated game, nears return
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 12: Troy Tulowitzki #2 of the Toronto Blue Jays in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 12, 2015 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Jays defeated the Yankees 9-5 after eleven innings. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has tested his injured shoulder by hitting in a simulated game.
Tulowitzki had a homer, two doubles and walked once in six plate appearances against a pair of minor-league pitchers before the AL East champions started a regular season-ending three-game series Friday night at Tampa Bay.
David Price, scheduled to pitch Game 1 of the AL Division series Thursday, also took part in the simulated game and struck out Tulowitzki on a called third strike and got a flyball to center.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Tulowitzki hasn't played since Sept. 12, when he cracked his scapula and bruised muscles in his upper back after colliding with teammate Kevin Pillar in a game against the New York Yankees.
Toronto obtained Tulowitzki from Colorado on July 28 in a multi-player deal. He's is hitting .232 with the Blue Jays, but they're 30-8 with him in the starting lineup.