The Atlanta Braves have officially placed outfielder Lane Thomas on the 10-day injured list after he was removed from Thursday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays because of left-side tightness.
Braves manager Walt Weiss revealed after the game that Thomas was expected to land on the IL, and the team confirmed the move on Friday. Atlanta also recalled outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr. from the minors to fill Thomas’ spot on the roster.
“The #Braves today recalled OF DaShawn Keirsey Jr. to Atlanta and placed OF Lane Thomas on the 10-day injured list, backdated to September 8, with a strained left intercostal muscle,” the team announced.
Keirsey, 29, joins Atlanta after spending parts of the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Minnesota Twins. He has appeared in 80 major league games during his career, posting a .113 batting average and a .355 OPS. In Triple-A this season, Keirsey has played 109 games while hitting .247 with a .649 OPS.
Thomas has been an important addition for the Braves since arriving in a trade before the August deadline. The veteran outfielder has recorded a .224 batting average and a .702 OPS across 118 games between the Kansas City Royals and Atlanta during the 2026 season.
The injury comes at a critical point in the Braves’ season as they continue their push for the National League East title. Atlanta enters Friday with an 86-61 record and a four-game advantage over the Philadelphia Phillies in the division standings.
The Braves and Phillies are set to begin a crucial three-game series on Friday night, a matchup that could have major implications in determining the NL East champion. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 PM ET, with Atlanta looking to strengthen its lead while Philadelphia attempts to close the gap.