Injured Tulowitzki welcomes competition as Blue Jays shortstop for 2019 season

“I have every intention to be healthy (for spring training). I’m going to put a lot of work in the off-season, I know I’m going to train at my college (California State University at Long Beach) a lot, try to get in games and do things. I’m excited for it, honestly.”

In Tulowitzki’s absence, the Blue Jays have used Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Aledmys Diaz at shortstop. Additionally, prospect Bo Bichette is progressing through the minor leagues as the club continues to build depth at the position.

Tulowitzki, a veteran of 12 big league seasons split between Toronto and Colorado, says he welcomes the competition in spring training.

“It really doesn’t matter to me, you don’t get to this point without competing,” he said in the Blue Jays dugout at Rogers Centre ahead of Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies. “I don’t make that decision. That’s why we have coaches, that’s why we have managers — they’ll tell you what’s going on. My job is to go out there every single day and win games. Find a way to beat you.

“I welcome anything. If there’s someone that’s better than me, I’ll be the first one to say it.”

Despite the injuries, and competition mounting, Tulowitzki has no interest in playing another position to remain in the lineup.

“I just said I’m a shortstop. If someone’s better than me, I’ll pack my bags and go home,” Tulowitzki said. “I do think I bring a lot more than what you see out there too and that’s part of baseball, there’s stuff behind the scenes that go on, there’s things I try to help teammates with.”

Tulowitzki has two years remaining on his contract that will pay him $20 million in 2019 and $14 million in 2020 plus a $15 million club option for 2021 with a $4 million buyout.

Dhiren Mahiban, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Injured Tulowitzki welcomes competition as Blue Jays shortstop for 2019 season

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