ATLANTA — Troy Tulowitzki emerged from the trainer’s room with optimism, but no date for his return. His right quadriceps remains sore, leaving him unable to perform baseball activity Tuesday.
“I feel OK. I just know I can’t rush it. I have done that before, and I ended up with a serious injury,” he said. “I don’t want to put a timetable on it.”
The timing of Tulowitzki’s injury couldn’t be much worse. He’s unlikely to return before Thursday, which is the earliest that Carlos Gonzalez (bruised right wrist) will return.
“Injuries never seem to come at a good time,” general manager Dan O’Dowd said.
Tulowitzki rode the stationary bike and received treatment Tuesday. No baseball activities are planned today. Tulowitzki has dealt with similar quad issues in the past and, other than a 2008 injury that cost him 46 games, all healed quickly.
“It’s the worst thing coming to the ballpark and knowing you aren’t going to be in the lineup and can’t help the team,” Tulowitzki said. “But I have to be smart, too.”
Gonzalez is in a similar situation. He made strides Monday, sleeping through the night with the help of a brace that eased the pain. He played catch, jogged and took light swings with a fungo bat. He will attempt to hit off a tee today, but will not be available to play.
“It’s not something you can rush. This is an important time. I want to play but I am not going to help the team if I am not right,” said Gonzalez, who was replaced in center field and the leadoff spot by rookie Charlie Blackmon.
Lineup shuffle.
Multiple injuries created a reconfigured defense and lineup. Manager Jim Tracy talked to several players individually, explaining the new, if not temporary arrangement. Blackmon moved to center field, Ty Wigginton shifted to left field and Mark Ellis dropped from second to sixth in the order.
“I wanted to split up the lefties (at the bottom) and put Ellis in a spot to drive in runs,” Tracy said.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
