clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Troy Tulowitzki out for two to three weeks with cracked shoulder blade, Darwin Barney acquired

Jack Murphy and his 'stache
Jack Murphy and his 'stache
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

In a morning gathering with the media, Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos announced that Troy Tulowitzki will have to remain inactive for two to three weeks to recover from the shoulder injury he suffered on Saturday when he collided with Kevin Pillar's chin on a popup. There is exactly three weeks remaining in the regular season, so it means he could be in time for the first round of the postseason.

Even if Tulowitzki manages to return within this time period, he will still be feeling discomfort, according to Anthopoulos but a second MRI or CT scan may be needed next week because internal bleeding is obscuring the exact nature of the "small crack" in his left shoulder blade.

Tulowitzki told the media that he will remain travelling with the club and stay with the clubhouse, not wanting the "close" club to lose anyone.

In order to bolster infield depth the Blue Jays have acquired Darwin Barney from the Dodgers for cash or a player to be named. The corresponding transaction to create room on the 40-man roster has yet to be announced.

Barney, who is somehow just 29, is an all-glove no-hit middle infielder who won a Gold Glove with the Cubs three years ago but has spent the majority of this season in triple-A for the Dodgers organization. Despite not playing much in the major leagues this season, his 50 defensive runs saved since 2010 still ranks fourth among all second basemen in baseball.

Since he was not acquired before September 1, Barney is not eligible for postseason play. He is already in uniform and is listed as available to play--he had flown red-eye from Oregon on Saturday to be in New York by this morning.

In other injury news, Anthopoulos told reporters that Devon Travis is working on strengthening his shoulder down in Dunedin but is progressing slowly. Travis has not swung a bat yet, so Anthopoulos does not think he will contribute much to the club this season.

Edwin Encarnacion's finger injury flared up but is only day-to-day. He is not on tonight's lineup, and with tomorrow's offday and two days in Atlanta where there is no designated hitter, Encarnacion will likely get a few days off to heal.

UPDATE

The player-to-be-named for Darwin Barney is minor league catcher Jack Murphy and his associated facial hair.

Murphy, 27, has spent his entire career in the Blue Jays system since he was drafted as a 21-year-old in the 31st round of the draft back in 2009. He was recognized by many of the young arms that have come up through the system as an excellent receiver and game caller. Murphy is also a legend in Australia Baseball League's Canberra Cavalry. He will be missed.

In addition, Scott Copeland was designated for assignment to make room for Barney. I was a little surprised that he was the one to go as he had had a solid season in triple-A Buffalo.

RR25