Atlanta Braves Outfielder Could Return After Wild Card Series Against Phillies

The Atlanta Braves could get Lane Thomas back if they advance beyond the National League Wild Card Series. The outfielder was seen taking batting practice at Truist Park on Wednesday, a positive sign for a team that has been without him since September.

Thomas has been on the 10-day injured list with a strained left intercostal muscle. He suffered the injury while taking batting practice on Sept. 10 and was placed on the injured list the next day, retroactive to Sept. 8. The Braves expected him to miss at least four weeks, making a return during the wild card round unlikely.

Chad Bishop of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution shared the update on X, noting that Thomas would not commit to being available Saturday if the Braves advance to Los Angeles, but suggested there is a very good chance he is available if Atlanta moves on.

The Braves would face the Dodgers in the NLDS if they eliminate Philadelphia. Atlanta and Philadelphia are tied one game apiece after the Phillies won Game 2 in extra innings, setting up a decisive Game 3 on Thursday.

Thomas would give the Braves a right-handed option in the outfield if he can return. Atlanta acquired him from the Kansas City Royals at the trade deadline specifically to add a right-handed bat who could platoon in left field. His .803 OPS against left-handed pitching was the primary reason the Braves wanted him.

The results were disappointing after the trade. Thomas hit .171 with a .261 on-base percentage and .578 OPS in 21 games for Atlanta, but his overall 2026 season was more encouraging. He hit .224 with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs across 118 games between Kansas City and Atlanta.

Without Thomas, the Braves have leaned on Mauricio Dubon in left field against left-handed starters, with Ha-Seong Kim shifting to shortstop. Mike Yastrzemski has also remained part of the outfield mix, while Brewer Hicklen provides depth off the bench.

Thomas will not be available for the wild card round regardless of how Thursday goes. But if Atlanta advances, his potential return gives Walt Weiss another experienced right-handed bat. Even though the results have been disappointing, the history is there for Thomas to hit against lefties and he has done so in the postseason before during his time with the Cleveland Guardians.

First things first though. The Braves need to win Game 3 before any of that matters. He is a free agent after this offseason if the Braves are eliminated.