Tulowitzki: I started career 'as a SS and I'll finish it as a SS'

Troy Tulowitzki hasn't played an inning of baseball since July 28 when he suffered an ankle injury against the Los Angeles Angels, and he likely won't play again until next spring.

Even if his offensive numbers have disappointed since joining the Toronto Blue Jays, his defensive prowess always helped buoy his value - until now. Before his injury, he was in the midst of his worst defensive season by ultimate zone rating (-1.0). That doesn't mean he's ready to shift positions, according to Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling.

"I look forward to the challenge of people asking that question," Tulowitzki said. "Because one thing that I always said since I stepped foot on a big-league field is that I'll start this thing as a shortstop and I'll finish it as a shortstop."

He added that he will be the first person to admit when he's past his prime at the position he's played for all 12 seasons of his career.

The 32-year-old Tulowitzki has had a trying time in his two years north of the border, suffering a variety of injuries since being acquired from the Colorado Rockies before the 2015 trade deadline.

His struggles aren't lost on him, either.

"I don't think it was up to my standards at all," he said. "If anything, I'll put some blame on myself that I should have been a better player this year. And I'll work hard to get better."

In 66 games this season, Tulowitzki batted .249/.300/.378 with seven home runs and 26 RBIs in addition to his reduced effectiveness in the field.