Braves Place Lane Thomas On Injured List

Key Points:

• Braves outfielder Lane Thomas has been placed on the injured list due to an intercostal strain sustained during batting practice before a game against the Rays, leading to his removal from the lineup and replacement by Brewer Hicklen.
• Atlanta recalled outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr. to fill Thomas’ roster spot; Keirsey has MLB experience and was added to the 40-man roster in June after struggling in Triple-A but showing speed with 40 stolen bases.
• Thomas, acquired in a trade deadline deal with the Royals, has struggled offensively with the Braves, hitting .171 with one home run in 21 games, primarily facing left-handed pitching.
• Previously with Kansas City, Thomas had a bounce-back season, hitting .232 with 10 homers and seven steals, but defensive metrics suggest he is more comfortable playing corner outfield positions rather than center field.
• With Thomas sidelined, Mike Yastrzemski is expected to continue in left field against right-handed pitchers, while Mauricio Dubon may see increased playing time against lefties, allowing Ha-Seong Kim more opportunities at shortstop.