Toronto Blue Jays need Devon Travis to produce at the plate

Since returning from a stint in triple-A, Devon Travis has been finding his way back to being a consistent contributor for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Toronto Blue Jays have struggled to find consistency this season. Part of the problem has been injuries, as well as players who were expected to contribute but have struggled, especially in the month of May.

One player whose struggles were noticeable was Devon Travis, who has been working his way back from a tough 2017 when he appeared in only 50 games. The plan was for him get a rest day ever third day this season, in order to avoid overworking him.

Over his career, Travis has been a dependable hitter when in the lineup, but his tough injury history has limited his productivity. That has been more apparent this season, with his inability to get on base.

While it might be a small sample size, it is part of the reason why the Blue Jays are in the position they’re in. With Troy Tulowitzki on the DL, the shortstop position has struggled to produce, putting more pressure on whoever plays at second base to try and pick up the slack.

This brings us to Sunday’s 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. After being kept out of the first two games of the series, Travis was back in the lineup and came through with two hits, including a couple of RBIs to put Toronto ahead.

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As Sportsnet‘s Ben Nicholson-Smith noted in his post-game column, this was the first time this season where Travis reached base three times.

"“He desperately needs that,” manager John Gibbons said to reporters after the game. “He’s too good a hitter to be where he’s at now. They all battle that confidence, and he’s still considered a young guy (who’s) kind of green at this level in some ways … a day like that might really get somebody going.”"

Over his career, Travis has been put in different places in the lineup, from the leadoff spot to the nine-hole. He has been proven to be an effective hitter lower in the lineup. At this point, it would make sense for the John Gibbons to role out Travis in the eighth or ninth spot in the lineup.

At the same time, the 27-year-old will also need to show he can be a reliable defender at second and prove he can remain on the field, which has been tough for him with injuries.

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If he continues to get on-base and contribute lower in the lineup, expect better numbers for Travis, as he looks to get above .200 sooner rather than later.