ATLANTA -- 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, backdated to Sept. 8.
A timetable for Thomas’ return hasn’t been revealed. But with just two weeks left in the regular season, there is a strong possibility he won’t be available before the start of the postseason.
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to take Thomas’ roster spot. Keirsey is a left-handed hitter who will likely be used primarily as a late-inning defensive replacement and pinch-runner. The 29-year-old hit .107 with a .317 OPS in 88 plate appearances for the Twins last year. He produced a .649 OPS and was successful with 40 of 43 stolen-base attempts for Gwinnett this year.
Thomas was acquired from the Royals before the Trade Deadline to give the Braves a right-handed hitter who could platoon with Mike Yastrzemski in left field. Thomas has hit just .171 with a .578 OPS in 46 plate appearances for Atlanta.
With Thomas sidelined, the Braves could use Brewer Hicklen as the right-handed platoon partner with Yastrzemski in left field. They also could utilize Mauricio Dubón as their left fielder against left-handed starters, opening the door for Ha-Seong Kim to serve as the shortstop during those games.