Braves predicted to be without $31M veteran, reliable bat for at least the first round of playoffs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves didn’t make that many moves at the trade deadline, which was kind of surprising considering their need for starting pitching. However, they did get what they needed to.
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One of the moves was adding an outfield bat. A few days before the deadline, they traded for platoon bat Lane Thomas.
“The Braves acquired outfielder Lane Thomas and minor league left-hander Bailey Falter from the Royals in exchange for two minor league pitchers Saturday. Thomas, 30, is slashing .232/.326/.393 in 97 games with the Royals this year. He has played mostly center field in Kansas City but will move over to left field in Atlanta and likely platoon with Mike Yastrzemski. Thomas is a career .288 hitter against left-handed pitching,” ESPN wrote.
Atlanta getting Thomas was a move the team felt would help them. However, Thomas did get hurt not too long ago.
“The Braves’ outfield depth took a hit on Thursday when Lane Thomas strained his left intercostal while taking batting practice. Thomas was scratched from the lineup approximately 20 minutes before the start of Thursday afternoon’s win over the Rays. On Friday, he was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Tuesday,” MLB.com’s Mark Bowman wrote.
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After clinching the NL East title on Sunday, the Braves can fully turn their attention to the playoffs. This means projecting their postseason rosters as well. Bowman has laid out who he thinks will make the postseason roster. For the first series, he doesn’t believe Thomas will be healthy enough to return.
“Hicklen gets the nod as a backup outfielder, with Lane Thomas expected to miss the Wild Card Series while recovering from a strained left intercostal muscle. While Thomas is sidelined, Dubón could play left field against left-handed starters. This would open the door for Kim to get a start at the shortstop position,” Bowman wrote.
While Thomas not being ready is not what fans want to hear, Hicklen has made the most of every opportunity this season. There is no doubt he can contribute in the playoffs when it matters most.
Thomas has made $31 million throughout his entire career. Atlanta will be ready whenever he becomes available, but the next-man-up mentality will continue for the Braves throughout the playoffs as well.
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