Blue Jays don't expect Tulowitzki to be ready for Opening Day

It's looking likely that Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki will miss Opening Day thanks to a nagging bone spur in his right heel.

"I don't expect he'll be ready," manager John Gibbons told Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling. "But he's moving in the right direction."

The injury has kept him out of action through the Blue Jays' nine Grapefruit League contests.

Tulowitzki's tenure with the Blue Jays has been marred by various injuries, culminating in him appearing in only 66 games in 2017. He didn't make much impact with the bat when he did get into the lineup, hitting .249/.300/.378 with seven home runs and 26 RBIs.

Either Aledmys Diaz or Yangervis Solarte could fill in if Tulowitzki isn't able to go March 29 against the New York Yankees. Both infielders were acquired this offseason in trades.