Center fielder Lane Thomas has been a big reason why the Cleveland Guardians’ outfield has looked so bad in 2025.
He is, after all, the owner of a sad .165/.239/.237 line with two homers and a rough 36 wRC+.
He hit a meager .115 (3-for-26) in a tough stretch against West Coast teams, such as the Seattle Mariners, the San Francisco Giants, and the Athletics.
However, he had a huge game on Tuesday’s opener vs. the Toronto Blue Jays, going 2-for-4 with a homer, three RBI, and a 395-foot flyout.
It could be the start of a nice run, because he is getting (and feeling) healthier.
Speaking with MLB.com after the game, the inconsistent, yet dynamic center fielder said his confidence is on the way up.
“This game is hard enough when you’re completely healthy, so having some downtime twice already and trying to work through some things hasn’t been easy,” he said.
“But I think I’m in a good spot and moving in the right direction, so I feel good about it.”
Luck hasn’t been on Thomas’ side this season, a contract year to make things worse.
A bone bruise in his right wrist forced him out of action for a month.
Then, after playing just four games upon returning, he had to visit the 10-day injured list again with plantar fasciitis.
But he is finally starting to turn the corner.
“Yeah, absolutely, I kind of felt good that whole road trip,” he said. “Maybe a couple of balls didn’t fall here and there, but I think I’m moving in the right direction.”
Thomas has a long way to go to convince the Guardians that he should play every day instead of just against lefties.
He is on the right path, though.
NEXT: Guardians Activate Top Prospect Off Triple-A's Injured List
