Travis thrilled to be back on the field
DUNEDIN — Blue Jays’ second baseman Devon Travis looked like a kid in a candy store when he took the field at Dunedin Stadium on Sunday.
Of course, Travis almost always has a smile on his face, but Sunday’s game was extra special as it was his first taste of real game action since last June 4, when he went down with a knee injury that eventually required surgery.
And not only did he get through five innings unscathed, he played well, picking up a hit, a walk and making some good plays on the field, though the Jays fell to the Detroit Tigers 6-3.
In the fifth inning, Travis ranged to his left to snag a chopper off the bat of Detroit short stop Niko Goodrum, before spinning around and firing it to first for the out.
“That was nice. That first grounder for sure is like that first hit, you just want to get it out of the way. (And then) take a deep breath. It was a nice little test and I’m glad I passed it.”
It’s no secret that for the Jays to have any chance of making it to the post season this year they need a healthy Travis at second. He has the kind of bat that his teammates rave about. Manager John Gibbons said last year that he expects Travis — if he can stay healthy — to win a batting title some day. For his part, Travis just wants to be able to get on the field on a consistent bases. He has been plagued by injuries throughout his career.
“It’s been a long time. Just happy I could get out there. It was awesome putting back on a uniform, putting on cleats and hear my name called,” said the 27-year-old. “It was an exciting day. I was looking forward to this day for a while now, since I found out five days ago that I was going to be playing (Sunday). Today was a real nice and I look forward to many more.”
Travis said playing with confidence and not worrying that he may get hurt again has been a big part of the process in returning to game action.
“I’m not afraid anymore,” he said. “And that’s so awesome. To be able to claw my way up the ladder now, working toward nine innings. To play five the first day, three at-bats, I think that was a nice little test for me. I’m excited to have a spring training as a baseball player.”
Veteran left-hander J.A. Happ started the game and pitched one inning, giving up one hit and striking out two. Three of his last four pitches in the first inning were high fastballs resulting in swinging strikes, including strikeout pitches to JaCoby Jones and John Hicks. The fastballs were clocked at 92, 92, and 93 mph on the stadium radar gun.
“We’re going to try to do a slow build this spring and start with one inning and work our way up, it should 85-90 pitches before it’s all said and done,” said Happ of his spring training plan. “Do a slow build instead of coming out and worrying about whatever else. Just being a little focused on the health and everything.”