Jays' Tulowitzki takes BP, expects to be ready for playoffs

BALTIMORE (AP) Toronto shortstop Troy Tulowitzki tested his injured shoulder by taking batting practice Monday and expects to return in time for the postseason.

Tulowitzki hasn't played since Sept. 12, when he cracked his scapula and bruised muscles in his upper back after colliding with teammate Kevin Pillar in a game against the Yankees.

After taking between 30 and 40 swings, Tulowitzki said, ''Hitting is the last thing. This is pretty much the first time I have hit live.''

Tulowitzki took a few cuts outside before a rain shower forced him to conclude the session indoors.

The Blue Jays obtained Tulowitzki from Colorado on July 28 in a multi-player deal. He's batting just .232 with the Blue Jays, but they're 30-8 with him in the starting lineup.

Manager John Gibbons says Tulowitzki could return sometime this week. The Blue Jays entered Monday's game against the Orioles with a magic number of four to clinch the AL East title.

Asked if he expected to be ready for the postseason, Tulowitzki replied, ''Definitely.''