10 MLB comeback candidates to watch in 2018

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 18: Noah Syndergaard
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 18: Noah Syndergaard /
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TORONTO, ON – JUNE 4: Devon Travis #29 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats with a Play Ball decal on the left chest of his jersey during MLB game action against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on June 4, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – JUNE 4: Devon Travis #29 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats with a Play Ball decal on the left chest of his jersey during MLB game action against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on June 4, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Shoulder and knee surgeries have wiped away most of the last two years for Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Devon Travis. When he has been able to get on the field, the 27-year-old has been one of the most productive players at his position. Travis hit .300/.332/.454 in 2016 with 28 doubles and 11 home runs in 101 games. He scuffled through the month of April last year, but had hit .364/.373/.646 in May before his knee injury.

The Jays are counting on Travis to make it through a full season and play a major role in their offense in 2018. He has the potential to be a dynamic presence anywhere in the lineup and hits plenty of doubles. There is still plenty of time for Travis to live up to his full potential as one of the best leadoff men in the game.

Toronto has a rapidly-aging lineup, and the team needs to get a full season out of their second baseman. Troy Tulowitzki is already severely hampered by injuries at shortstop, and the Blue Jays cannot afford to lose another middle infielder for long periods of time. Travis is young enough to figure out his health, unlike the veteran shortstop.

Travis looked poised for a breakout season last year before his injury and that potential remains. If he can stay on the field, look for an All-Star caliber year out of the Toronto second baseman.