Gurriel out 2-6 weeks with knee, ankle sprains
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OAKLAND -- Blue Jays infielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will be out for 2-6 weeks after he was diagnosed with a high left ankle sprain and a Grade 1 left knee sprain on Tuesday.
Gurriel sustained the injuries while making an awkward slide into second base during Sunday's game against the White Sox. He was initially diagnosed with contusions on his left knee and left ankle, but his status was downgraded after the results from Monday's MRI were revealed.
The injuries come at an unfortunate time for Gurriel, who was one of the hottest hitters in the Majors when he went down in Chicago. Gurriel set a franchise record by recording multiple hits in 11 consecutive games, which is two away from the all-time record set by Rogers Hornsby in 1923.
"We don't know exactly how long it will be, but those ankles can be a little bit tricky, too," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "So it's best to let it heal up and get back to his normal self. The timing of it couldn't be worse because of what he was doing. Naturally, he's going to lose his timing at the plate but he still might come out and do it. It's pretty impressive."
Gurriel is batting .322/.340/.503 with seven home runs and 22 RBIs in 38 games this season. The Blue Jays will continue to use Brandon Drury, Devon Travis, Aledmys Díaz and Yangervis Solarte at second base, third and shortstop during Gurriel's absence.
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Tulo steps in
Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki hasn't played a game this season but that didn't stop him from making his voice heard during a closed-door meeting following Monday night's 10-1 loss to Oakland.
Toronto's clubhouse remained closed for approximately 40 minutes after the game as players held court inside. Tulowitzki, who has been out all year following surgery to remove bone spurs in both of his feet, joined his teammates on Friday and later that day was an active participant following the frustrating loss.
"I like talking about the game, let's put it that way," Tulowitzki said when asked whether he was involved in the meeting. "So any time things are talked about I'm definitely going to give my input because I care. I played a part. There was no rah-rah speech. ... It's about going about your business and playing the game the right way. Realize what's going on around here and not letting it get out of control.
"There's a way when you are two months left in the season and when you are at a certain point in the standings you still have to take to the field and represent the Blue Jays and organization. It should be important for these guys. Hopefully we can turn things around quickly and get back to our winning ways."
Tulowitzki wasn't able to provide much of an update on his health other than to say he is "doing better." The former All-Star wouldn't rule out a possible return before the end of the season but he also couldn't commit to getting back onto the field before the end of September.
"I know to get back out there and play every single day your body needs to be in a certain spot and as of right now I'm not there yet," Tulowitzki said. "Hopefully that time comes soon. For me, I'm trying to get my body better each and every day.
"It has been nice to come and see the guys and be around a big-league field again, especially here in Oakland. As far as my health is concerned, I'm feeling better but just not ready to get back out there quite yet."
Worth mentioning:
• New Blue Jays closer Ken Giles is expected to join Toronto on Thursday in Seattle for the start of a four-game series against the Mariners. Giles was acquired alongside right-handers David Paulino and Hector Perez from the Astros in Monday's trade of Roberto Osuna.
• The Blue Jays selected the contracts of right-hander Brandon Cumpton and outfielder Darnell Sweeney prior to Tuesday night's game against Oakland. Cumpton is a candiate to start Thursday vs. the Mariners, but it will depend on how the bullpen is used over the final two games of the current series in Oakland.