TAMPA — Troy Tulowitzki looked good enough during a December workout that the Yankees signed him and gave him a no-trade clause. And the 34-year-old has impressed the team in spring training’s early going, as he attempts to resuscitate his career following two injury-plagued seasons in Toronto.
But just like everyone else, Tulowitzki knows there’s only one way to show he’s still a quality player.
“I’m just waiting for games, and they’re coming soon,” Tulowitzki said Tuesday at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “That’s what I need and I’m excited for it.”
The Yankees open their Grapefruit League schedule Saturday in Fort Myers against the Red Sox, but Aaron Boone has said the plan is to treat Tulowitzki with caution, since he missed all of 2018 for the Blue Jays following surgery to remove bone spurs from both heels. He’s also missed time due to hip, quad and hamstring injuries.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been out there,” Tulowitzki said. “The last memory I have is getting carried off the field, basically, when I broke my ankle.”
That was July 28, 2017, in a game against the Angels. He was trying to beat out a ground ball and caught first baseman C.J. Cron’s foot when he landed on the bag and went to the ground.
Tulowitzki was helped off the field and hasn’t returned, which played a role in the Blue Jays releasing him in December despite owing him $38 million over the next two years.
“I just want to be back out there,” said Tulowitzki, who will only cost the Yankees the veteran minimum of $555,000. “I love the game of baseball. I love competing. I’m looking forward to games. I don’t care if it’s a spring training game or whatever it is. I just want to be out there. It’s gonna be fun.”
He hasn’t stayed healthy for a full season since 2016 and was an All-Star most recently in 2015, the third of three straight appearances.
Gleyber Torres continues to take grounders at shortstop this spring, since at this point he’s the Yankees’ primary backup at the position while Didi Gregorius recovers from offseason Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow.
“The young guys are great,” Tulowitzki said of playing alongside Torres and Miguel Andujar. “I’ll obviously try to help them along, but they’re good already. I’ll talk the game with them and can share my experiences.”
After being a fan of Derek Jeter, Tulowitzki is ready to restart his career with the Yankees.
“The Yankees are a winning franchise,” Tulowitzki said. “That’s what they demand, and it’s cool to be a part of it. That’s kind of how I’ve approached my career. I’m focused on winning. That’s what I’m here for.”