Could this injured Guardian help make an impact down the stretch?

At the end of the 2024 season, Lane Thomas was one of the bright spots for the Cleveland Guardians.

While the veteran hit just .209 across 53 games after being acquired at the trade deadline, he delivered one of the most memorable moments from the 2024 postseason when he mashed a grand slam off Tarik Skubal in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Unfortunately, he's had almost no chance to carry that momentum into this season, as he's spent most of the year on the injured list due a variety of injuries. But, even if those injuries have robbed him of most of his 2025 season, it looks like there's still a chance for him to make an impression in the last month of the season.

Could Lane Thomas make an impact down the stretch for the Guardians?

Thomas started the year healthy but ended up on the injured list for the first time on April 22 after being hit on the wrist by a pitch. initially ended up on the injured list on April 19 after sustaining a wrist injury the week prior. He returned to the Guardians at the end of May but went on the injured list a week later due to plantar fasciitis.

He returned a little more than a week later but went on the shelf again in the first week of July when that plantar fasciitis flared up again.

While he hasn't played in a game since, he's beginning to ramp up baseball activities, which could potentially lead for him making a return in September.

And even if Thomas hasn't been great this year (he hit just.160 in 39 games this year), the Guardians outfield is in dire need of some help.

Right fielder Nolan Jones is currently slashing .213/.307/.296 for a .603 OPS across 112 games, while prospects Johnathan Rodriguez and Jhonkensy Noel both failed their opportunities in right field.

Angel Martínez has held his own in center field and has posted a slash line of .213/.266/.376, but the team needs a veteran presence like Thomas to help out.

Martínez' first stint in the majors has gone well, but he's not ready to been everyday option next to Steven Kwan.

Thomas will be able to bring a blend of power, fielding and experience to the outfield that the Guardians desperately need.

The Guardians just limped through a rough road trip that has them on the outskirts of the American League's postseason picture, and getting production from a player like Thomas would be huge for them at this point in the season.

Plus, it would also help Thomas recoup some value ahead of him hitting free agency in the offseason.

Not much has gone right for Thomas this year, but there's no denying that a strong month from him would be a big help for all parties involved.