The Atlanta Braves are doing their best to ensure the team's season doesn't end in the first round of the playoffs yet again. A win over the Phillies in game one of the NL Wild Card provided fans with a lot of hope that this trend is over.
A lot of that success has come from the core that fans know very well. However, some of the new faces have made a huge difference this season. No one could have imagined Tyler Mahle would be Atlanta's number two starter in the postseason. But here we are. He was fantastic in Game 2 of the Wild Card series despite some early trouble.
Unfortunately for the Braves, they've been plagued by inconsistency for most of the 2026 season. That inconsistency landed with the bullpen in Game 2. Now, all of the Braves' hard work to win the division and make the playoffs is threatened by a pending elimination after the bullpen collapsed.
Before that travesty of a game, the Braves reported an update on outfielder Lane Thomas. Thomas was one of Atlanta's key trade deadline acquisitions this Summer. Unfortunately, he has been out since September 8th with a strained left intercostal muscle.
Lane Thomas' encouraging injury update may not matter after Braves' tragic loss to the Phillies
Thomas' speed and great work against left-handed pitchers would have come in handy since the Braves have faced two southpaw starters in the first two games of the WC series. The team got encouraging news on Wednesday as Thomas took batting practice prior to the 2 p.m. game at Truist Park. He also ran some outfield drills a couple of days ago, and that went well.
Lane Thomas cage work. https://t.co/510eBdKND8 pic.twitter.com/LFmVP1d86W
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) September 30, 2026
It was explained by a few Braves insiders that Thomas could be ready for the NLDS should the Braves advance. There was a bit more confidence in Atlanta advancing before the gut-punch loss on Wednesday afternoon.
Now, it may be too little too late for the Braves. Having Thomas back in the lineup, especially against left-handers, would be a huge boost. He may not be the biggest name out there, but he's darn good in his platoon role.
Should Atlanta advance to face the Dodgers, Thomas' career .287/.360/.489 slash line with 50 doubles, 30 homers, and an .848 OPS would be very helpful. Let's hope he gets the chance to make an impact in October. His teammates will have to do everything they can to make it possible.
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