The Cardinals have made another outfield change, as MLB.com’s Anne Rogers reports on Twitter. Lane Thomas has been diagnosed with a fractured wrist, sending him to the injured list. Taking his place is Tyler O’Neill, who’s returning from his own IL stint.
It’s not yet known how long Thomas will be sidelined, but it certainly doesn’t sound promising. With only a month left in the regular season, it seems unlikely he’ll have time to heal and strengthen the joint in time to gear back up and return this year.
Thomas, a first-time major-leaguer who recently turned 24, has hit quite well in limited duties this year with the Cards. Through 44 plate appearances spread over 34 games, he’s slashing .316/.409/.684 with four long balls. He hadn’t been quite as productive at Triple-A, where his .268/.352/.460 batting line was actually slightly below the league average in the offensively stout International League.
Thankfully for the Cards, the loss of Thomas coincides with O’Neill’s return. O’Neill has yet to play this month owing to his own wrist injury. He’s sporting a .279/.316/.434 batting line over 136 plate appearances for the season. He’ll take up a spot in what figures to be a deep rotation of St. Louis position players down the stretch.
Hit by pitch on the wrist a few nights ago. Stayed in the game, even. Hope it doesn’t affect him much going forward. I see him as a nice trade piece in a glut of outfielders.
What is with all these wrist injuries lately? You see this then the reason is from being hit by the pitch.
This weakens the bench.
I will no longer comment on your posts. I sincerely apologize for my previous
lame attempt to be funny.
I do love your screen name.
It’s awesome!
?? Ok. ??
The kid gets hit buy 90+ heaters two nights in a row stays in the game both nights he defiantly has heart.