New York Yankees

Ailing Tulowitzki sent home by Yankees as his calf heals

Published Jun. 5, 2019 7:00 p.m. ET

TORONTO (AP) — New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that injured infielder Troy Tulowitzki has returned home as he attempts to recover from a strained left calf.

Boone said last weekend that Tulowitzki had pretty much recovered from his injury and the Yankees were discussing when the five-time All-Star might start a minor league injury rehabilitation assignment. However, Tulowiztki has not been working out at the Yankees' spring training facility in Tampa, Florida.

"We've given him a couple of days off as he just tried to get over that hump and kind of push through the finish line with getting exactly right," Boone said Wednesday. "Just not quite there yet, so a couple of days where he'll be down."

Tulowitzki last played April 3. He hit .182 with one homer and one RBI in five games before his injury.

New York's need for him will lessen with Didi Gregorius' expected return Friday following Tommy John surgery in October.

Tulowitzki sustained ligament damage to his right ankle when he stepped awkwardly on first base while playing for the Blue Jays in July 2017. He did not play at all last season after surgery in spring training to remove bone spurs from both heels.

Toronto released Tulowitzki last December with $38 million remaining over two years on his contract. He signed with the Yankees for the $555,000 minimum.