Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki placed on 60-day disabled list

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays transferred shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to the 60-day disabled list Wednesday, likely ending his season.

Tulowitzki suffered ankle ligament damage July 28 in a game against the Los Angeles Angels after landing awkwardly on first base while trying to run out a ground ball. He was initially placed on the 10-day disabled list.

Manager John Gibbons said the ankle would take a while to heal with Tulowitzki then needing rehab time to work his way back.

The Jays’ regular season ends Oct. 1. Gibbons said he expected Tulowitzki to be fully healthy come spring training.

The 32-year-old shortstop has appeared in just 66 games this season, having missed 31 games with an earlier hamstring and groin injury. He is hitting .249 with has seven homers and 26 RBIs.

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Toronto also called up right-handed pitcher Nick Tepesch from triple-A Buffalo, optioning left-hander Matt Dermody at the same time.

Tepesch was slated to make his Jays debut Wednesday night against the Yankees, becoming Toronto’s 11th starter of the season.

Gibbons said he did not know what to expect from the 28-year-old right-hander, whom he had only seen before in a relief role. Tepesch is filling in for the injured Cesar Valdez, who was filling in for the injured Aaron Sanchez.

“It’s an opportunity for someone to take advantage of, see what they can do the rest of the year,” Gibbons said of the pitching openings. 

Raffy Lopez got the start at catcher with Miguel Montero on the 10-day disabled list (groin) and Gibbons opting to give Russell Martin a day off early in the 10-day homestand.

Steve Pearce, who had his knee drained Tuesday, moved to designated hitter with Norichika Aoki getting the start in left field.

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Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press