The Pirates sent an evaluator to shortstop Troy Tulowitzki’s workout Tuesday, according to a source, the latest step in their evaluation of the 34-year-old free agent.
The Toronto Blue Jays released Tulowitzki, a 12-year veteran and five-time All-Star, last week with two years and $38 million guaranteed remaining on his contract. The team that signs him will only be responsible for the $555,000 major league minimum.
Tulowitzki has not played since July 2017 because of an ankle injury and bone spurs in both heels, the latest in a series of injuries that has kept him from consistently playing full seasons. He played only 47 games in 2012, 91 in 2014 and 66 in 2017 before the ankle injury.
From 2009-11, Tulowitzki finished in the top 10 in National League MVP voting while with the Colorado Rockies. He hit .304/.376/.554 in those seasons with 32, 27 and 30 home runs. From 2006-09, he played for Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, who managed the Rockies at the time.
Tulowitzki hit 24 homers in 2016 in Toronto, with a .254/.318/.443 line, but had a .678 OPS in 260 plate appearances this past season.
Currently, the Pirates have Erik Gonzalez and Kevin Newman at shortstop, so adding Tulowitzki for the minimum could upgrade their roster, provided he is healthy and still able to produce.
At least 10 teams in addition to the Pirates sent representatives to Tulowitzki’s workout, according to Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports, who first reported the list of teams.
Bill Brink: bbrink@post-gazette.com and Twitter @BrinkPG.
First Published: December 19, 2018, 10:31 p.m.