Remember when Troy Tulowitzki went down with that injury earlier in the season? Remember when "they" (whoever that might be) said he'd be out until "at least after the All-Star break?" Well, he must be some kind of bad-ass, because now the Rockies are expecting him back on Friday. This Friday. As in June 20th.
He's already gotten in five games in Class-A without lingering complications and is headed to Triple-A this week to complete his rehab assignment.
So basically as fast as all the injured Rockies went down, they're coming back just as quickly ... after Brad Hawpe and Matt Holliday recently returned and having Clint Barmes back shortly as well. It sounds ridiculous to say, but with the entire NL West sputtering: they actually have a shot. The defending NL Champs are only 8.5 games out of first entering Monday night. Crazier things have happened, and we learned last year to not give up on this bunch.
Fantasy Spin: Tulo really struggled early in the season (.152, 1 HR, and a horrifying 19 OPS+ ... not a typo), but he's a better player than that. Last season he went .291-24-99 as a rookie. Yes, he also brings stellar defense ... but that's of no consequence in fantasy.
Regardless, he's a must-start shortstop in all but the shallowest fantasy leagues ever invented. Even in those he's a consideration. Rank him no worse than 10, and possibly higher; depending on the format.
