Braves Place Lane Thomas on 10-Day Injured List
Braves Place Lane Thomas on 10-Day Injured List
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Key Points
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Thomas has hit .224/.318/.383 across 118 total games this season, including his time with both Atlanta and Kansas City.
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Thomas had primarily been used against left-handed pitchers, although manager Walt Weiss had also been giving him opportunities against right-handers; Thursday’s game would have been one of those chances because Tampa Bay starter Nick Martinez is right-handed.
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Brewer Hicklen has produced a .364 batting average and 1.045 OPS in 28 major-league plate appearances this season, though he is not considered an option against left-handed pitching.
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Kyle Farmer, who returned to Atlanta’s active roster, could receive more playing time against left-handers and has experience playing designated hitter in Triple-A this season.
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Atlanta entered Thursday with a three-game lead over Philadelphia in the National League East and was trying to avoid a three-game sweep by Tampa Bay after losing the first two games of the series.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Lane Thomas is headed to the 10-day injured list after straining his left intercostal muscle during batting practice before Thursday's game against Tampa Bay. MLB Trade Rumors reported the injury forced Thomas to be scratched shortly before first pitch. The Braves won 3-0 despite his absence, but Thomas's injury comes at a critical time with Atlanta holding only a three-game lead over Philadelphia in the National League East.
Thomas has struggled since joining Atlanta at the trade deadline, batting just .171 with a .578 OPS in 21 games. His season-long line across Kansas City and Atlanta stands at .224/.318/.383 through 118 total games. The severity of the intercostal strain and its recovery timeline remain unclear, though the injury threatens the rest of his regular season.
Thomas's Weak Offensive Output Before Injury
The trade for Thomas has not yet produced offensive results. In 21 games with Atlanta, he managed just seven hits in 41 at-bats with one home run. His .171 batting average and .578 OPS represent minimal impact compared to what the Braves hoped to add at the deadline. Thomas was primarily used against left-handed pitchers but had also begun receiving opportunities against right-handers.
Dominic Smith Steps In as Designated Hitter
Dominic Smith replaced Thomas as the designated hitter in Thursday's game. The Braves also shifted Brewer Hicklen to left field to fill the outfield void. Hicklen has been productive in limited action this season, posting a .364 batting average and 1.045 OPS in 28 major-league plate appearances, though he is not considered an option against left-handed pitching.
Kyle Farmer Gains Opportunity in Depleted Rotation
Kyle Farmer, who recently returned to Atlanta's active roster, could receive more playing time in Thomas's absence. Farmer has prior success against left-handed pitchers and has experience playing designated hitter in Triple-A this season. His addition provides manager Walt Weiss with another option as Atlanta navigates the pennant stretch without its recent trade acquisition.
Braves Win Despite Lineup Disruption
Atlanta defeated Tampa Bay 3-0 on Thursday despite the last-minute loss of Thomas. The victory helped the Braves avoid a three-game sweep after losing the first two contests of the series. The Braves now prepare to host Philadelphia, with their three-game National League East lead under constant pressure as the regular season winds down.
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