Blue Jays activate Troy Tulowitzki from DL, Burns optioned

The Toronto Blue Jays have activated shortstop Troy Tulowitzki from the 15-day disabled list ahead of Satrurday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Tulowitzki had been on a rehab stint with the the Advanced-A Dunedin Blue Jays, who are now on their All-Star Break. The 31-year-old last played on May 27th.

Returning Tulowitzki to the lineup finally gives the Blue Jays their full middle infield including Devon Travis, Darwin Barney, and Ryan Goins. With Tulowitzki taking back over at shortstop, the situation at second base will be worth monitoring as Barney has been enjoying one of his finest stretches as a pro.

On the season, Tulowitzki is hitting just .204 with eight home runs and a .673 OPS. He’d been turning a corner prior to the injury, however, hitting .286 with an OPS of .874 over his last 15 games.

In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays have sent the versatile Andy Burns back to the triple-A Buffalo Bisons after his second stint with the big club. Burns subbed in for the eighth inning three separate times for the Jays this time around, going 0-for-2 but making a very strong play at third base last night.

Given his ability to play around the infield and experience playing the corner outfield positions, expect Burns to be next in line for any future roster needs should he continue to perform well at the triple-A level.