Blue Jays receive good news on Devon Travis, Alford, Schultz

Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Devon Travis is set to take at-bats against live pitching in an extended spring training game tomorrow for the first time since an offseason shoulder procedure.

There is no immediate plan for how the organization will proceed after Friday’s activities with Travis, but this is a significant step forward in his recovery. After missing all of spring training, the 25-year-old will need an extended rehab stint with the Blue Jays minor league affiliates.

Travis made his Major League debut with the Jays in 2015 after coming over from the Detroit Tigers in a trade for outfielder Anthony Gose. In 62 games, he his .304 with eight home runs, 35 RBIs and a .361 on-base percentage.

More good news on the prospect front as Anthony Alford is back in extended spring training action himself after injuring his knee in the first game of the season with the Dunedin Blue Jays (0-2, BB, SB).

The organization’s consensus number one prospect broke out in 2015 between Lansing and Dunedin, slashing .298 / .398 / .421 with four home runs, 25 doubles, and 27 stolen bases. A continuation of that performance should see Alford advance to the double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats at some time this season.

Elsewhere, a trio of Jays pitchers are beginning to work their way back towards the Major League roster from injuries.

Schultz enjoyed a moderate level of success in his first season with the Blue Jays in 2015, appearing in 31 games with a 3.56 ERA and striking out 6.5 batters per nine innings. The 30-year-old will provide Toronto with depth beyond the Major League level.

Loup’s return, along with Morales’, are especially important to the Jays as they currently have just Brett Cecil available in their bullpen as a left-handed option. Right-hander Ryan Tepera is currently filling the role of Toronto’s second lefty after being recalled for Pat Venditte on Wednesday.