Tulowitzki's Return From DL Put On Hold

DENVER (AP) - Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki will not be ready to play for the Rockies when the rosters expand Saturday.

Tulowitzki said Tuesday he has not had pain associated with his surgically repaired groin muscle and his next hurdle is mental. He played three games with Double-A Tulsa and didn't experience any physical problems, but said he is "playing it safe."

He said he wants to play before the end of this season.

Tulowitzki has been sidelined since late May with the groin that eventually required surgery to remove scar tissue. He was injured the first week of the season but played through the pain until he was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 31.

He aggravated the injury during a rehab assignment in June.

Tulowitzki's hitting .287 with eight home runs and 27 RBIs in 47 games.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)