Braves’ outfield may receive boost during MLB playoffs

With the Atlanta Braves off the back of winning the NL East once again, the team is now ramping up for the postseason, hoping to be as fully healthy as possible. While the Braves prepare for the playoffs, the latest news on this key player could bode well for the chances of a return.

According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, outfielder Lane Thomas “received a cortisone injection last week,” as the 31-year-old is on the 10-day injured list (IL) with an intercostal muscle injury, which is between the ribs. Also, Thomas was “able to take swings off a tee” on Tuesday, and while an official timeline for return isn’t known, it could be during the early portions of the upcoming postseason.

“Lane Thomas (intercostal muscle) received a cortisone injection last week,” Bowman wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “He was able to take swings off of a tee today. No specific timetable, but he could be available during the early part of the playoffs.”

On top of that news, Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Thomas signaled that he “feels like he’s a little bit ahead of schedule,” showing his positive progression.

“Lane Thomas said he took some light swings off a tee today, is progressing well, and feels like he’s a little bit ahead of schedule,” Bishop wrote on X.

At any rate, it remains to be seen when Thomas returns to the lineup, as he currently has a .224 batting average with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs in 118 games combined with his time with the Kansas City Royals, as he was traded to Atlanta on Aug. 1.