5 postseason keys for the Toronto Blue Jays

Jul 31, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) celebrates scoring a run with catcher Russell Martin (55) during the eighth inning in a game against the Kansas City Royals at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jul 29, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) strikes out swinging against Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Have a healthy and effective Troy Tulowitzki

Tulowitzki hasn’t played since suffering a cracked shoulder blade on a collision with Kevin Pillar on September 12, which stands out as the biggest concern for Toronto entering the last few days of the regular season. The star shortstop has a lengthy history with injuries, and depth in the middle infield isn’t exactly the Blue Jays’ strong suit.

However, Tulowitzki is progressing well from the injury and could be available before the start of the postseason. The Blue Jays are optimistic that Tulowitzki will be able to play sometime during the final series of the year against Tampa Bay, with no need to rush him before that.

Getting those two or three games in before the playoffs will be key, as there’s no telling how Tulowitzki will respond to the injury. When he is ready to return, the Blue Jays will be able to move Ryan Goins back to second base and relegate Darwin Barney to a bench role.

Having Tulowitzki back will improve the team at shortstop from a defensive standpoint. How he does at the plate could help determine just how far Toronto can go.

Even before the injury, Tulowitzki was hitting .232/.314/.382 in 39 games with the Blue Jays, well below his usual level. If he can get back to being his normal self during the postseason, Toronto’s already-potent lineup will be even scarier.

Next: Strong outings from R.A. Dickey and Marcus Stroman

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