Tulowitzki helps pace Blue Jays to win in return from injury

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Troy Tulowitzki doubled and singled in his return to the Toronto Blue Jays lineup after missing three weeks with injuries, and the AL East champions rallied past the Tampa Bay Rays 8-4 Friday night.

Tulowitzki went 2-for-5 and scored a run. Earlier in the day, the star shortstop homered and doubled twice in a simulated game against Toronto minor league pitchers at Tropicana Field.

Edwin Encarnacion and Russell Martin homered for the Blue Jays, who started the day tied with Kansas City in the race for the AL's best record and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

Mark Buehrle (15-7) gave up four runs and six hits in 6 2-3 innings. He is two innings away from reaching 200 for the 15th consecutive season.

Tampa Bay starter Erasmo Ramirez allowed four runs and 10 hits over 5 1-3 innings. Enny Romero (0-2) took the loss.

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

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons plans to give Tulowitzki Saturday night's game off and then have him play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Rays.