Blue Jays Morning Brew: Tulowitzki, Pearce and more

Mar 28, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) runs around the bases after he hit a home run during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) runs around the bases after he hit a home run during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Your Toronto Blue Jays news and notes for Tuesday, May 16th, 2017.

Troy Tulowitzki Begins Rehab Assignment

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki began his rehab assignment yesterday with the Single- A+ Dunedin Blue Jays. Tulowitzki batted second and went 1 for 3 with a single and run scored in the baby Jays 6-5 win over Charlotte.

Tulowitzki’s double play partner for the contest was Cavan Biggio son of Hall of Famer Craig Biggio.

Pearce Becomes The Latest Casualty

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

Steve Pearce officially became the latest Blue Jays casualty to hit the disabled list. Pearce was placed on the 10-day DL with calf tightness as the Jays recalled pitcher Leonel Campos to take his spot on the roster.

Donaldson Nearing Return

Manager John Gibbons opened the door that slugger Josh Donaldson could conceivably return to the lineup by the weekend. It would appear Tulo will be the first to be activated with J.D. to follow if neither suffers any setbacks while working toward their return.

Justin Smoak Has Evolved Into Just Smoak-Nacion

The first baseman is currently exceeding expectations and putting up better offensive numbers than that of Edwin Encarnacion. Smoak connected for his 8th home run last night and is slashing at a .283/.333/.535 clip with a team-leading 25 runs batted in. Maybe that signing last season isn’t looking so bad after all.

Next: Blue Jays’ skipper’s daughter to play Country Day

Things That Make You Go Hmmmmmm

As I was researching for an upcoming article I realized both Marcus Stroman and Marco Estrada were drafted by the Washington Nationals. Stroman was selected in the 18th round in 2009 and obviously did not sign foregoing the Nationals to attend Duke University. Estrada was taken in the 6th round of the 2005 draft and would make his debut with Washington in 2008.

As well John Gibbons and Kelly Gruber were both selected in the first round of the 1980 amateur draft. Gruber went 10th overall to the Cleveland Indians while Gibby went 24th overall to the New York Mets.

That will do it for this edition of the Morning Brew.