Toronto Blue Jays: Devon Travis sees time come to an end

The Toronto Blue Jays thought that Devon Travis would be the second baseman of the future. That future has already come to an end.

It was not that long ago that Devon Travis appeared to be the future for the Toronto Blue Jays at second base. He had enjoyed a strong 2016 campaign, posting a .300/.332/.454 batting line with 11 homers and 28 doubles. However, injuries derailed his postseason appearance that year, as a hamstring injury held him to just 12 plate appearances.

Those injury woes did not subside last year. Travis appeared in just 50 games, posting a disappointing .259/.291/.438 batting line. his power was still there, as he hit five homers and 18 doubles in his 197 plate appearances. However, the Blue Jays could not count on Travis to be a part of the lineup every day, necessitating trades for Aledmys Diaz and Yangervis Solarte to solidify the infield.

Those acquisitions, as well as the presence of prospect Lourdes Gurriel, made the 2018 campaign a critical one for Travis’ future. He was healthy once again, giving him a chance to reclaim his spot as the Blue Jays second baseman of the current and future. Instead, he started the season ice cold, with a .148/.212/.246 batting line, and three extra base hits in his 66 plate appearances. Considering his start, it is not a surprise that Travis is being sent to the minors.

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That slow start, as well as the promotion of Gurriel, left Travis on the bench, the odd man out in the Blue Jays infield shuffle. If he is to get back on track, he would need regular at bats, something that he was not getting in Toronto. Gurriel may not be off to a great start himself, with four hits in 18 plate appearances, but his performance in the minors has elevated his status as the potential future at second.

Travis may have seen his already limited playing time further decrease in Toronto in the coming days as well. Josh Donaldson is continuing to progress in his rehab, which could push Solarte to second. With two options ahead of him on the depth chart, Travis just was not going to find his way into the lineup any time soon.

There is the chance that Travis could get another look in Toronto this season. If he heads to Buffalo and begins to hit well, he could earn a call up to the majors, especially if Gurriel struggles. However, between the Blue Jays moves this offseason, and his lack of playing over the past week, it is apparent that Travis no longer has the future he once did with Toronto.

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The Toronto Blue Jays expected that Devon Travis would be the future at second base. Instead, he is not even the present.