Yankees’ Tulowitzki Hits In First Simulated Game

TAMPA, Fla. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Troy Tulowitzki took a called third strike in his first simulated game of spring training and followed with a drive down the right-field line that would have been over Yankee Stadium’s right-field wall.

“Honestly I feel good, ready to go,” he said. “Just excited to play.”

Now 34, the five-time All-Star has not played in the major leagues since July 2017. He is projected to start at shortstop for the New York Yankees while Didi Gregorius recovers from Tommy John surgery.

Tulowitzki missed last season because of bone spurs in his right and left heels.

“Taking a full year off was tough for me,” he said. “But I think it’s built some character, it’s built some…