Former Indiana Hoosiers slugger Sam Travis called up by the Boston Red Sox

Former Indiana baseball player Sam Travis has been called up by the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday. Travis is listed as the No. 3 prospect in the Red Sox farm system.

We learned on Tuesday that another Indiana Hoosier will be making their debut in the big leagues. The Boston Red Sox have called No. 3 prospect Sam Travis up from Triple-A Pawtucket to help boost their offensive production against left-handed pitchers.

Travis told the local media in Boston on Tuesday that he received the phone call late on Monday night. “My first call was to my mom,” Travis said, “She didn’t really believe it at first but she was thrilled and on her way”.

It’s really no surprise that Travis is being called up to help a meddling Red Sox offense. Travis started his spring off hitting only .233 in April but since May 1 he is hitting an average of .333, an on-base percentage of .389 and slugging percent of .561. It’s safe to say that Travis was tearing the cover off the ball in Triple-A adding three home runs, six doubles and 13 RBI’s to his total. He brought his average up for the season nearly 50-points and seems to have everything clicking at the right time.

The former Hoosier led Indiana to their first College World Series appearance ever back in 2013. Sam Travis is following in the footsteps of his once former teammate and now Chicago Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber. Earlier in the month, Schwarber had high praise when asked about Sam Travis.

"“He’s all about baseball, 100 percent. I’ve never seen anybody like him. Since college, he’s been dedicated to getting to the big leagues and I think he’s going to be a great player. He’ll hit, man. I can’t wait until he gets up here. I loved playing with him. The Red Sox were smart to take him” – Kyle Schwarber, Chicago Cubs left fielder on playing with Sam Travis"

"Attention, @RedSox fans:We have a feeling you’ll enjoy this vintage Sam Travis (@DoctorChill6) feature. https://t.co/ZQL5ho6p0c— Indiana On BTN (@IndianaOnBTN) May 23, 2017"

Sam Travis was taken by the Boston Red Sox in the second round, No. 67 overall in the 2014 MLB Draft. The Red Sox are relying on Sam Travis to come in and help the offensive production against lefties. Travis has the ability to hit to all fields and has tremendous power.

We are still awaiting Sam Travis’ first appearance in the big leagues, but it should be coming relatively soon. It looks like Wednesday vs. the Texas Rangers where left-hander Martin Perez is scheduled to start. If the plan is to let Travis play against left-handers, we should see him in the lineup as soon as today. The Red Sox will also be traveling to Chicago to start a three-game series with the Chicago White Sox next week. Travis grew up and played high school baseball in Orland Park, IL which is less than 30 miles to the city.

Next: Robert Johnson returning for senior season at Indiana

The Red Sox will also be traveling to Chicago to start a three-game series with the Chicago White Sox next week. Travis grew up and played high school baseball in Orland Park, IL which is less than 30 miles to Guaranteed Rate Field where the White Sox play. It could be an opportunity for his family and friends to see him play. Kyle Schwarber similarly made his debut with the Cubs in Cleveland, Ohio about 230 miles from his hometown.