(Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
Something seemed amiss when Troy Tulowitzki did not play in Saturday’s game, and when he was taken out of the game in the Rockies’ 8-1 victory over the White Sox Monday night. It’s early in the season to rest anyone when the season was a week old.
Now, we find out what’s going on with Tulowitzki. There was a story in The Denver Post about the Rockies shortstop having quad issues prior to last night’s Rockies’ 15-3 loss over the White Sox. Now we know why he was taken out of the game on Monday and why he didn’t play. It was only the eighth game of the season, and he is hurting.
This is discouraging. Yes, he played last night, but one has to wonder if it’s a matter of time until he lands on the disabled list for the umpteenth time.
When he ran to first couple of times after grounding out twice in last night’s game, he was clearly struggling to run to first. He was limping in the process. He also struggled to run to second after he hit a RBI double that scored Brandon Barnes in cutting the Rockies’ lead to 4-2 in the sixth inning. How can anyone feel confident that he will be able to play through an injury if he is not running full strength?
It’s so frustrating for the Rockies. They know how valuable Tulowitzki is to them when he contributes in ballgames. When he hit a home run on Monday night, one can also marvel how great he is. He is also a highlight reel on defense. He is hard to replace when it comes to production and skillset. This is why the Rockies can’t afford to lose him for any certain amount of time.
Tulowitzki missed time in June last season, and it wasn’t a coincidence the Rockies fell apart by losing many games. The Rockies never recovered, and Tulowitzki struggled after coming back.
The Rockies’ success would be predicated on Tulowitzki’s health. If he is healthy, the Rockies can have a winning season. If not, last place finish could be in the making again.
The Rockies are off to a decent start thanks to Tulowitzki’s play. It would be depressing if he is on the disabled list.
Maybe it’s nothing, but it’s hard to be optimistic when looking at his injury history in recent years. Rockies fans are already concerned about Tulowitzki’s health. Who can blame them? They know the score considering he missed 282 games over the last six seasons. It has become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
There was a reason the Rockies wanted the Cardinals to take Tulowitzki. There is a reason why they would be happy if the Yankees would want their shortstop next season. They don’t want to pay him anymore after watching him getting hurt.
Now, the Rockies are going to do everything possible to protect Tulowitzki’s health. He did not play in today’s ballgame against the White Sox since he played last night. Players rarely play a day game after a night game.
The Rockies can exercise caution with Tulowitzki all they want, but it won’t change the fact he is brittle to play baseball. Even in simple plays, his body hurts often.
There are suggestions the Rockies star overdo it with workouts. One fan tweeted to Denver Post’s Patrick Saunders that the Rockies shortstop’s injuries stem from taking steroids that causes leg injuries. Both theories sound stupid. That’s what happens when fans get frustrated with Tulowitzki’s injuries. They come up with theories that don’t make sense.
If Rockies and Rockies fans are frustrated with Tulowitzki, think about how he feels. He feels worse that he is on the disabled list often. He has done all he could to be in shape and ready to go. It hasn’t happened. With his talent, he is bothered he can’t go out there and help the Rockies since he is always hurt.
Everyone expected Tulowitzki to be hurt this season, but they did not know he would be in pain after eight games. Even the Rockies have to be surprised after they did everything possible to tell him not to overdo it when he is playing.
Maybe Tulowitzki can shake this injury off. Maybe this whole thing is overblown. The Rockies and Tulowitzki better hope that’s the case.
Maybe wishful thinking overcomes reality, but don’t bet on it.
Contact or follow Leslie Monteiro at @LightRodWriter
Leslie Monteiro
Leslie is a contributor for Lightning Rod Sports. He covered high school sports in Bergen County out in North Jersey, and has written op-ed columns on sports such as Bleacher Report and NY Sports Digest.
