Toronto Blue Jays: Should We Be Concerned About Devon Travis?

Given that Devon Travis may not be ready for opening day, along with his durability issues since joining the Toronto Blue Jays, is it possible he’s just injury prone?

When it comes to Devon Travis, the Toronto Blue Jays have taken a cautious approach and made a point of setting no timeline for his return from injury. Regardless, there is an increasing concern that he will have to start the season on the disabled list.

As reported by Sportsnet‘s Ben Nicholson-Smith, the Blue Jays genuinely believed Travis would be further along in his recovery process at this point. He has been out of action, since undergoing arthroscopic surgery for a bone bruise on his right knee last November.

The 2012 13th round draft pick has been taking regular batting practice, as well as limited fielding drills. However, manager John Gibbons admitted to Nicholson-Smith, that he doesn’t know when Travis will return:

"“To be honest I don’t know when he’s going to be back and ready to go. It’s one of those things where if it costs him a couple of weeks, or whatever it might be, at the beginning of the season, so be it. As long as we get him back and he can still get a full year in.”"

This is obviously frustrating for everyone concerned, as the Blue Jays look to take the next step this season, after consecutive ALCS appearances. In order to do this, Travis is a key component, after impressing during his first two years in Toronto.

In 163 games at the Major League level, the West Palm Beach, Florida native has an impressive .301 batting average, while hitting 19 homers and 85 RBIs. Combined with his excellent play at second base, you can see why he was named the sixth-best prospect at his position in 2015.

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However, there is some question surrounding the durability of Travis, after suffering a major injury for the second consecutive year. In 2015, he was limited to 62 games, due to a season-ending left shoulder injury, which required two surgeries.

In truth, the former Detroit Tiger has just been unfortunate in respect of the injuries he’s sustained. At 26-years old and after just two seasons in the Majors, it’s too soon to be calling him injury-prone.

Ironically, it is Travis’ injury, which helped fuel the speculation that the Blue Jays were interested in a reunion with Brett Lawrie. The Langley, B.C. native gained a reputation for being injury-prone himself, during his four years in Toronto.

As things stand though — pending Travis’ status — Ryan Goins and Darwin Barney will likely be the main options to start at second base. This is particularly significant for Goins, who is out of options but will avoid being exposed to waivers, if he starts the season on the Blue Jays’ roster.

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Are you worried Travis might be injury prone, or is it still too early to be having this type of concern? Further, would you prefer to start Goins or Barney in his absence, or bring back Lawrie? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.