The Cleveland Guardians have been without center fielder Lane Thomas since he was removed from Tuesday’s home opener against the Chicago White Sox.
The talented outfielder was hit by a pitch in his right wrist and hasn’t been able to return since then.
The Guards managed to hold on and win a pair of one-run games without Thomas in the lineup.
Still, they need him to patrol center field and offer manager Stephen Vogt an interesting blend of speed and power.
Vogt offered an update on the state of Thomas’ wrist, and it’s encouraging.
“Stephen Vogt said Lane Thomas (right wrist) was feeling “much better” Wednesday night after undergoing treatment. Still a day to day situation, and he could be available off the bench today,” Guardians insider Tim Stebbins posted on X.
Stephen Vogt said Lane Thomas (right wrist) was feeling "much better" Wednesday night after undergoing treatment. Still a day to day situation, and he could be available off the bench today.
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) April 10, 2025
The Guardians are facing Chicago again on Thursday, and Thomas remains out of the lineup.
Nolan Jones is manning center field on the matinee, with Jhonkensy Noel in right field.
If the Guardians manage to build a sizable lead early, maybe they will try to give Thomas’ wrist another day of rest.
The fact that he is available off the bench tells us he is starting to turn a corner in the last few hours, though.
So far there hasn’t been any mention of going to the injured list, so the expectation is that we see Thomas on the field soon, as soon as Thursday.
He is off to a slow start with the Guardians this year, batting .167 with a .412 OPS.
The 2024 postseason hero is slated to test free agency after the World Series.
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