Travis returns, lengthening Blue Jays’ lineup

NEW YORK — The Blue Jays received a much-needed boost to their struggling lineup on Wednesday afternoon with the long-awaited arrival of Devon Travis.

Toronto activated its second baseman from the 15-day disabled list prior to Wednesday’s game against the Yankees. Travis was in the starting lineup and hitting eighth in his first game since last July 28.

Travis had been out with a left shoulder injury that was initially diagnosed as inflammation. Travis later underwent surgery, however, to fuse an overgrown bone in his shoulder. The rehab was long and hard, but the most important thing is that Travis is back.

“Man, it has been tough,” Travis admitted. “These were the hardest 10 months of my life. I’ve never in my life doubted — not just doubted myself — but really doubted the fact that I could ever come back and just swing a baseball bat again.

“For the first three months, I couldn’t lift my arm over my shoulder in rehab. All of those little things, I’ve grown to appreciate, just having two working arms. It has been a really, really tough process … just countless hours of grinding mentally and physically. I’m just happy to be back here now.”

Toronto initially announced plans to have Travis play nine innings at second base for Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday, …

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