Travis could return to Blue Jays this weekend

TORONTO -- Devon Travis appears to be one step closer to returning to the Blue Jays' lineup. The injured second baseman's rehab assignment will move to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, and he could rejoin the big league club as soon as this weekend, according to Blue Jays manager John Gibbons.

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"He's feeling good, now he just needs to get his swing going a little bit. He hasn't felt anything after the games, or during the games," Gibbons said ahead of Wednesday's contest against the Mets at Rogers Centre.

Left shoulder inflammation has kept Travis on the disabled list since May 17. The rookie infielder took a hard grounder off the collarbone on April 30, but initially tried to play through the pain. He originally went on a rehab assignment with the Bisons in late May, but discomfort in his injured shoulder shut him down for a week before he was sent to Double-A New Hampshire to restart his recovery.

In a pair of games with the Fisher Cats, Travis has gone hitless in seven at-bats while appearing at second base and designated hitter.

If Gibbons' timeline for his return is correct, Travis could be back with the team at some point during its home series against the Orioles this weekend. The Blue Jays are on the road for a three-game series against the Rays starting Monday.

Travis' return will provide an added boost to the bottom part of the Blue Jays' lineup. He burst onto the scene in April, capturing American League Rookie of the Month honours after hitting .325 with six homers and 19 RBIs in 22 games that month. Overall, he's hitting .271 with seven homers and 26 RBIs in 36 games.