ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — It's likely to be more than a year between Troy Tulowitzki's appearances in a major league game, but the All-Star shortstop of the Toronto Blue Jays says Tuesday he can honestly say for the first time in a while he feels like he's headed in the right direction.Tulowitzki had surgery April 2 to remove bone spurs from both heels.The 33-year-old Tulowitzki had surgery April 2 to remove bone spurs from both heels. He's just getting back to the point of taking ground balls, hitting and starting to run in the outfield. He last appeared in a game on July 28, 2017, but did not elect to have the surgery until this year.

TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired infielder Gio Urshela from the Cleveland Indians for a player to be named or cash.Urshela hadn't played in the majors this season after a hamstring injury set him back in spring training. The trade came Wednesday, five days after the Indians designated him for assignment.The 26-year-old Urshela hit .224 with one home run and 15 RBIs in 67 games with the Indians last season. He was batting .324 with seven RBIs in 11 games at Triple-A Columbus this season.Urshela, who also appeared in 81 games for Cleveland in 2015, has played all four infield positions. Manager John Gibbons said defensive versatility will be an asset for the Blue Jays, who currently have shortstops Aledmys Diaz (left ankle) and Troy Tulowitzki (right ankle) on the disabled list, and recently demoted struggling second baseman Devon Travis to Triple-A.Third baseman Josh Donaldson has also spent time on the disabled list this season with a sore right shoulder. Donaldson was the DH for Wednesday's game against Seattle, with catcher Russell Martin getting the start at third base.The Blue Jays will add Urshela to their 40-man roster but must wait for him to obtain a work visa before deciding whether to bring him to Toronto or assign him to Triple-A Buffalo.

TORONTO (AP) — Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki will have surgery Monday to remove bone spurs from both heels and is expected to miss eight weeks, general manager Ross Atkins said Friday.The bone spurs have bothered Tulowitzki during his recovery from surgery to repair the ligament damage suffered when he stepped on C.J. Cron's foot while trying to beat out an infield hit in a game last July against the Los Angeles Angels. The five-time All-Star has not played since.The spur on Tulowitzki's right heel was a minor irritant at the beginning of spring training, and he hoped to be able to play through it. The decision to undergo surgery came after pain also developed in his left heel."We felt we were making some progress then the other foot started bothering him," Atkins said.Including this latest absence, Tulowitzki will have missed at least 30 games in seven consecutive seasons.

TORONTO (AP) — Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has been put on the 60-day disabled list, retroactive to March 28, because of bone spurs on the heels of both feet.Tulowitzki suffered a season-ending right ankle injury July 28 and has not played since. He hit and fielded grounders during spring training but was unable to run. The five-time All-Star has missed at least 30 games in each of the past six seasons, and is now guaranteed to extend that setback streak.Tulowitzki developed the bone spurs at least three years ago, but they have been bothering him more during his recovery from surgery to repair the ligament damage suffered when he stepped on C.J. Cron's foot while trying to beat out an infield hit in a game against the Los Angeles Angels.The Blue Jays acquired Tulowitzki from Colorado in 2015, one of several moves they made at the deadline that season en route to winning the AL East and ending a 22-year playoff drought."Troy's been big for this team," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has been put on the 60-day disabled list because of bone spurs in his right heel, retroactive to March 28.Tulowitzki suffered a season-ending ankle injury last July 28 and has not played since. He hit and fielded grounders during spring training but was unable to run. The five-time All-Star has missed at least 30 games in each of the past six seasons, and is now guaranteed to extend that setback streak.Tulowitzki has the bone spurs for at least three years, but they have been bothering him during his recovery from surgery to repair the ligament damage suffered when he stepped on C.J. Cron's foot while trying to beat out an infield hit in a game against the Los Angeles Angels.The Blue Jays acquired Tulowitzki from Colorado during the 2015 season, one of several moves they made at the deadline that season en route to winning the AL East and ending a 22-year playoff drought."Troy's been big for this team," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said.... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has been put on the 60-day disabled list because of bone spurs in his right heel, retroactive to March 28.Tulowitzki suffered a season-ending ankle injury last July 28 and has not played since. He hit and fielded grounders during spring training but was unable to run. The five-time All-Star has missed at least 30 games in each of the past six seasons, and is now guaranteed to extend that setback streak.Tulowitzki has the bone spurs for at least three years, but they have been bothering him during his recovery from surgery to repair the ligament damage suffered when he stepped on C.J. Cron's foot while trying to beat out an infield hit in a game against the Los Angeles Angels.The Blue Jays acquired Tulowitzki from Colorado during the 2015 season, one of several moves they made at the deadline that season en route to winning the AL East and ending a 22-year playoff drought."Troy's been big for this team," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said.... [More]

Spring training was just starting for the Pittsburgh Pirates under a splendid Florida sky. It was the time of year when any team can feel optimistic, but on this morning, the team was still coming to terms with an offseason shakeup. Stars Andrew McCutchen and Gerrit Cole had been traded, and Josh Harrison — one of the team's top remaining players — was talking through his concerns with reporters."You just want to know where we stand as a team, where you stand as a player — what's expected of you, what's expected of the team. Sometimes that gets lost in translation, the human side of this game," Harrison said. "We all want to win. I'm not saying nobody wants to win, but when you feel it's not the main goal of everybody, whether it's in the clubhouse or dealing with the organization, that's hard to be a part of."Later that day, general manager Neal Huntington held his own session with the media, saying of course the Pirates want to win — and indicating they weren't planning any sort of drastic... [More]

Spring training was just starting for the Pittsburgh Pirates under a splendid Florida sky. It was the time of year when any team can feel optimistic, but on this morning, the team was still coming to terms with an offseason shakeup. Stars Andrew McCutchen and Gerrit Cole had been traded, and Josh Harrison — one of the team's top remaining players — was talking through his concerns with reporters."You just want to know where we stand as a team, where you stand as a player — what's expected of you, what's expected of the team. Sometimes that gets lost in translation, the human side of this game," Harrison said. "We all want to win. I'm not saying nobody wants to win, but when you feel it's not the main goal of everybody, whether it's in the clubhouse or dealing with the organization, that's hard to be a part of."Later that day, general manager Neal Huntington held his own session with the media, saying of course the Pirates want to win — and indicating they weren't planning any sort of drastic... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — After a winter of waiting, the New York Yankees are ready to roll with two of baseball's best sluggers.Aaron Judge and newcomer Giancarlo Stanton will bat second and third when the Yankees open against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday."We can't wait," said Judge, the 2017 AL Rookie of the Year. "We've been excited for this since the beginning of spring training."Stanton won the 2017 NL MVP award with Miami, then was acquired by the Yankees in a December trade."I'm focused, excited, just ready to get some games that mean something," he said.Judge hit rookie-record 52 homers and led the American League. Stanton topped the National League with a career-high 59."Just really excited that they're both on my side," said Aaron Boone, who replaced Joe Girardi as manager,Boone said he liked what he saw from Stanton during spring training."He is really focused," Boone said. "I think he knows where he's at in his career, knows the opportunity that's in front of him with our team, and... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — After a winter of waiting, the New York Yankees are ready to roll with two of baseball's best sluggers.Aaron Judge and newcomer Giancarlo Stanton will bat second and third when the Yankees open against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday."We can't wait," said Judge, the 2017 AL Rookie of the Year. "We've been excited for this since the beginning of spring training."Stanton won the 2017 NL MVP award with Miami, then was acquired by the Yankees in a December trade."I'm focused, excited, just ready to get some games that mean something," he said.Judge hit rookie-record 52 homers and led the American League. Stanton topped the National League with a career-high 59."Just really excited that they're both on my side," said Aaron Boone, who replaced Joe Girardi as manager,Boone said he liked what he saw from Stanton during spring training."He is really focused," Boone said. "I think he knows where he's at in his career, knows the opportunity that's in front of him with our team, and... [More]

Just the thought of Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge in the same lineup sent fans into a frenzy. Come opening day, all of baseball will see which teams really have the muscle.A season of haves and have-nots begins March 29 with Derek Jeter's pared-down Marlins playing the pumped-up Cubs. Later that day, the New York Yankees unleash their most potent pair of sluggers since Mantle & Maris.MVP Jose Altuve and the World Series champion Houston Astros added ace Gerrit Cole to a rotation with Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander. The Dodgers and Indians are still poised after coming within one win of that elusive crown. The Nationals hired a new manager to help free agent-to-be Bryce Harper, Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg reach the top. And the Red Sox got the bopper they needed.Where does that leave the Reds, Pirates, Tigers, Rays and A's? Well, better luck next year. Or the year after that.Major League Baseball is in a hurry these days, with record home runs and strikeouts the new norm.... [More]

Just the thought of Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge in the same lineup sent fans into a frenzy. Come opening day, all of baseball will see which teams really have the muscle.A season of haves and have-nots begins March 29 with Derek Jeter's pared-down Marlins playing the pumped-up Cubs. Later that day, the New York Yankees unleash their most potent pair of sluggers since Mantle & Maris.MVP Jose Altuve and the World Series champion Houston Astros added ace Gerrit Cole to a rotation with Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander. The Dodgers and Indians are still poised after coming within one win of that elusive crown. The Nationals hired a new manager to help free agent-to-be Bryce Harper, Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg reach the top. And the Red Sox got the bopper they needed.Where does that leave the Reds, Pirates, Tigers, Rays and A's? Well, better luck next year. Or the year after that.Major League Baseball is in a hurry these days, with record home runs and strikeouts the new norm.... [More]

Capsules of American League East teams, listed in order of finish last year:___Boston Red Sox2017: 93-69, first place, lost to Houston in ALDS.Manager: Alex Cora (first season).He's Here: DH J.D. Martinez.He's Outta Here: Manager John Farrell, RHP Doug Fister, OF Chris Young, RHP Addison Reed, OF Rajai Davis, LHP Henry Owens, LHP Fernando Abad.Projected Lineup: RF Mookie Betts (.264, 24 HRs, 102 RBIs), LF Andrew Benintendi (.271, 20, 90), 1B Hanley Ramirez (.242, 23, 62) or Mitch Moreland (.246, 22, 79), DH J.D. Martinez (.303, 45, 104 with Tigers and Diamondbacks), 3B Rafael Devers (.284, 10, 30 in 58 games), SS Xander Bogaerts (.273, 10, 62), CF Jackie Bradley Jr. (.245, 17, 63), C Christian Vazquez (.290, 5, 32) or Sandy Leon (.225, 7, 39), 2B Eduardo Nunez (.313, 12, 58, 24 SBs with Giants and Red Sox) or Dustin Pedroia (.293, 7, 62, .369 OBP in 105 games, expected to be out until late May following knee surgery).Rotation: LH Chris Sale (17-8, 2.90 ERA, MLB-best 308 Ks, MLB-high 214... [More]

DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons says he isn't counting on having shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in the lineup for opening day.Tulowitzki has been slowed by a bone spur in his right heel and hasn't played in any spring training games. The five-time All-Star didn't play after July 28 last year after injuring his right ankle."I don't expect he'll be ready," Gibbons said Sunday. "But he's moving in the right direction, so who knows?"The Blue Jays open on March 29 at home against the New York Yankees. If Tulowitzki can't play, Aledmys Diaz and Yangervis Solarte are potential replacements.The 33-year-old Tulowitzki batted .249 with seven home runs and 26 RBIs in 66 games last season. Sidelined by injuries, he hasn't played more than 131 games in any of the last six seasons.

TORONTO (AP) — The Blue Jays figure a healthy Aaron Sanchez can lead them back into the playoffs.Sanchez was an All-Star in 2016, when the right-hander went 15-2 with an American League-leading 3.00 ERA. But blisters on the middle finger of his pitching hand caused four stints on the disabled list. He went 1-3 with a 4.25 ERA and didn't pitch after July 19.Sanchez resumed throwing in early December and is confident his finger has healed"I'll have to maintain it like I have in years past, but no more of the disaster that it had last year," he said.Toronto used a club-record 14 starters last season en route to a 76-86 record and fourth-place finish in the AL East. Only Marcus Stroman and Marco Estrada made 30 starts, and the fill-ins weren't enough to make a playoff run.Some things to watch ahead of Blue Jays spring training in Florida:NEW LOOK: Outfielders Randal Grichuk and Curtis Granderson and infielders Aledmys Diaz and Yangervis Solarte are Toronto's primary offseason additions. Grichuk... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American League East entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Boston Red SoxManager: Alex Cora (first season).2017: 93-69, first place, lost to Houston in ALDS.Training Town: Fort Myers, Florida.Park: JetBlue Park.First Workout: Feb. 14/19.He's Here: Manager Alex Cora.He's Outta Here: Manager John Farrell, RHP Doug Fister, INF Eduardo Nunez, OF Chris Young, RHP Addison Reed, OF Rajai Davis, LHP Henry Owens, LHP Fernando Abad, RHP Blaine Boyer.Going campin': The Red Sox won 93 games for the second straight season and claimed the franchise's first back-to-back AL East titles. But Farrell was fired after they failed to advance in the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. They are virtually the same team as last year; boss Dave Dombrowski said he was looking for a bat with power and still might add one of the free agents remaining on the market, including... [More]

SS Troy Tulowitzki (right ankle) had the cast removed from his ankle Tuesday and wore a walking boot Wednesday when he discussed his injury at Rogers Centre. He suffered torn ligaments in the ankle July 28 when he stepped on the foot of Los Angeles Angels 1B C.J. Cron while running out a ground ball. He is out for the season but hopes to be ready for spring training. "As far as I know and what the doctors told me, no surgery (will be required)," Tulowitzki said. "Just kind of do the program that they give me, see how I feel. There are going to be some bumps in the road, I know that, but all signs point to a full comeback." Tulowitzki batted .249/.300/.378 with seven homers and 26 RBIs in 66 games this season.

SS Troy Tulowitzki (sprained right ankle) was put on the 60-day disabled list Wednesday to make room on the 40-man roster for RHP Nick Tepesch. Tulowitzki was put on the 10-day disabled list July 29 after injuring his ankle as he hit the bag at first base trying to beat out a grounder. The injury also involved ligament damage and he is likely out for the rest of the season.

SS Troy Tulowitzki (sprained right ankle), who went on the disabled list Saturday after he was injured in the third inning Friday, had an MRI that indicates ligament damage in the right ankle. He will be further evaluated by a foot-ankle specialist. Manager John Gibbons anticipates that Tulowitzki will be out for an extended period. "I would definitely anticipate that," he said. "You can see the play, he turned it pretty good, the way it's not supposed to bend. He's going to see a specialist somewhere and he'll have the final say on what's going to happen. But I mean it doesn't look good."

SS Troy Tulowitzki (sprained right ankle) was put on the 10-day disabled list Saturday and INF Rob Refsnyder was called up from Triple-A Buffalo. Tulowitzki was injured Friday in the 7-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels when he rolled over on his ankle when trying unsuccessfully to beat out a grounder. He fell after stepping on the bag at first and was helped off the field by two trainers. He also was on the DL from April 22-May 25 with a strained hamstring. He missed the games July 22 and 23 at Cleveland with a groin injury. Tulowitzki is batting .249/.300/.378 with seven home runs and 26 RBIs in 66 games this season.