Blue Jays’ Devon Travis Set For Grapefruit League Debut

After undergoing right knee surgery this offseason, Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Devon Travis is all set to play some baseball.

The reunion of players continues to grow for the Toronto Blue Jays. According to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet, Devon Travis is set to make his Grapefruit League debut on Friday against the Boston Red Sox.

The 26-year old has been playing in minor leagues for the past week. Travis played five innings at second base in a Blue Jays minor league game earlier this afternoon.

Playing in the minor leagues is important since it gives Travis, like Josh Donaldson, a chance to get up to full speed by the time Opening Day arrives, which is two weeks away.

Once drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 2012 MLB Baseball Draft, injuries have limited Travis’ brief time in the majors. However, his offensive abilities are a tremendous asset when he’s healthy.

Between knee and shoulder surgeries, Travis has hit 19 home runs, 82 RBI while hitting .301 in 627 career at- bats. Last season, Travis continued to show his abilities at the plate.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Matt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

While the Blue Jays were continuously looking for the right player to be their lead-off hitter, Travis would eventually be their answer. He hit 11 home runs, 50 RBI and a batting average of .300.

Having Travis as the lead-off hitter makes perfect sense for the Blue Jays. His approach at the plate is confident while being aggressive in his swing as he hits the ball hard.

His effort and speed gave him 28 doubles last season and he will continue to build off that. The numbers are low from last season but expect a healthy Travis to have a breakthrough in 2017.

Next: Blue Jays need to seriously start thinking about who’s on first

It’s a big step for Travis after recovering from knee surgery that forced him out of the lineup during the American League Championship series last season. He’s progressed a little longer than expected after some thought he might have started the season on the disabled list. But with a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, he’s gearing into form in time for Opening Day.