Atlanta Braves Hitter Set to Rejoin Starting Lineup Against Blake Snell

The Atlanta Braves are getting outfielder Lane Thomas back in the starting lineup for Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

After making a pinch-hit appearance in Game 1, the 31-year-old outfielder is expected to return to the lineup for Game 2 against Blake Snell as Atlanta tries to even the series with the Dodgers.

Manager Walt Weiss said he wanted to give Thomas a day after he flew across the country Friday night, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com on X.

Thomas has been working his way back from a left intercostal strain that forced him to the injured list in September. He suffered the injury while taking batting practice on September 10th and missed the final weeks of the regular season before being added to the NLDS roster. He did not play during the wild card round against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Atlanta is facing another tough left-handed starter in Snell just one day after facing Tarik Skubal. Skubal dominated Braves hitters, striking out six hitters and allowing just one run in six innings of work.

Thomas has been a lot more productive against lefties throughout his career, making his right-handed bat valuable in Atlanta's lineup on Sunday.

Thomas has posted an .852 career OPS against left-handed pitching, compared to just a .664 OPS against right-handers. The split held up in 2026 as well. He recorded an .803 OPS in 165 plate appearances against lefties, while his OPS against right-handers was .623.

Weiss's lineup recorded just four hits during Saturday's 5-3 loss. Thomas' return also gives the Braves more flexibility in left field, where Mauricio Dubon started in Game 1.

The Braves acquired Thomas from the Kansas City Royals at the trade deadline specifically for this kind of matchup. He struggled after arriving in Atlanta, hitting .171 with a .578 OPS in 46 plate appearances before the intercostal injury ended his regular season.

But that small sample does not erase the larger reason Atlanta wanted him, and the Dodgers are putting that advantage directly in play by starting Snell.

Atlanta trails 1-0 in the best-of-five. Getting Thomas back in the lineup for Game 2 gives Weiss a tool he did not have on Saturday, and against a left-hander of Snell's caliber, that right-handed bat could be exactly what this offense needs.

Dubon should slot back in at shortstop now with Ha-Seong Kim shifting to the bench.