Lane Thomas

The Cardinals recalled OF Lane Thomas from their alternate training site.

Fantasy Impact

Thomas is in center field for Sunday's game. He's taking the spot of Tyler O'Neill, who just went on the injured list with a groin strain.

Cardinals manager Mike Shildt says OF Lane Thomas is poised for an increased role this season.

Fantasy Impact

Shildt noted that Thomas was battling the lingering effects of COVID-19 last season. The team has an opening in left field, and it'll likely be Thomas and Tyler O'Neill competing for at bats.

Lane Thomas took Joe Jimenez deep in the third inning for a two-run home run as the Cardinals thrashed the Tigers 12-2 in Game One on Thursday. Thomas finished the game 1-3 with two RBI, one run scored and two strike outs. The Cardinals moved to 19-17 after the victory.

Fantasy Impact

Thomas is slashing .148/.258/.333 in 27 at-bats for the Cardinals this season. He is playing part-time and hitting in the bottom third of the line-up when he does play. If he were to ever get regular playing time he would be a sneaky power-speed play for fantasy owners in deep, 15-team+, leagues. Owners in standard 12-team redraft leagues can leave him on the waiver wire.

The Cardinals announced that OF Lane Thomas has tested positive for COVID-19.

Fantasy Impact

Thomas is the 17th Cardinal to test positive, 10 of which are players. The other seven are staff members. The team hasn't played since July 29th and their upcoming series against the Pirates has already been cancelled. It's very unclear how they're going to make up all these games.

Lane Thomas is competing with Tyler O'Neill for the left field starting job. Top prospect Dylan Carlson is expected to start the season at the Cardinals' alternate site.

Fantasy Impact

Thomas can play all three outfield spots, so he will probably find his way to at least 150 at-bats this season. Thomas doesn't do anything spectacular, but has consistent tools across the board. He's only draftable in NL-only leagues.