Braves Place Lane Thomas On Injured List

The Braves announced that outfielder Lane Thomas is headed to the IL with an intercostal strain. Thomas was injured while taking batting practice ahead of Thursday’s matchup against the Rays. He was scratched from the lineup and replaced by Brewer Hicklen in left field. Atlanta recalled outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr. to take Thomas’ spot on the active roster.

Atlanta acquired Thomas and lefty Bailey Falter in a trade deadline deal that sent minor league pitchers Carter Holton and Lucas Braun to the Royals. The veteran outfielder has hit just .171 with one home run in 21 games with the Braves. Thomas has been primarily deployed against left-handed pitching. He’s 7-for-27 against southpaws with his new team, though he’s struck out 10 times.

Thomas was having a bounce-back campaign in Kansas City. He joined the club on a modest one-year, $5.25MM contract over the offseason. He’d struggled to a 47 wRC+ while battling wrist and foot injuries in Cleveland the previous year. Thomas slashed .232/.326/.393 with 10 homers and seven steals as a near-regular with the Royals. He spent time in all three outfield spots, but primarily played center field.

The 30-year-old Thomas has only played corner outfield with the Braves, which seems like a more comfortable fit at this stage of his career. He recorded -9 Defensive Runs Saved in 458 2/3 innings in center field with the Royals. Thomas posted -2 DRS in left field and 3 DRS in right field. He’s been a slightly positive defender so far in Atlanta.

Mike Yastrzemski will likely continue to man left field against right-handed pitching. With his platoon mate sidelined, it could be Mauricio Dubon handling more work in left field vs. southpaws. That configuration would allow Ha-Seong Kim to see more opportunities at shortstop. Kim has struggled through an injury-plagued, ineffective campaign, but he’s been better lately. After entering September with seven hits on the year, he’s picked up six knocks already this month.

Keirsey joined the organization on a minor league deal this winter. He was added to the 40-man roster in June to prevent him from opting out of the agreement. The 29-year-old has struggled to a 72 wRC+ in 109 games with Triple-A Gwinnett. He’s racked up 40 steals, though. Keirsey has MLB experience at all three outfield spots. He stole 10 bases in 74 games with the Twins last year.