The Washington Nationals recalled outfielder Lane Thomas and placed right-handed pitcher Joe Ross on the 10-day Injured List (retroactive to Aug. 12) with a partial tear of his right elbow ulnar collateral ligament on Sunday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.
Thomas, 25, was acquired by the Washington Nationals from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for left-handed pitcher Jon Lester on July 30. He hit .385 (5-for-13) with a double, homer, three RBI and two runs scored in three games with Triple-A Rochester. On August 4, he led off the bottom of the first inning with a homer, his first with the Red Wings.
Prior to the trade, Thomas was ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the Cardinals organization and was recognized as the “Fastest Baserunner” and “Best Defensive Outfielder” in the organization by Baseball America. He had appeared in 32 games for the Cardinals this season hitting .104 with one double, one RBI, 10 walks, two stolen bases and two runs scored.
The 6-foot, 185-pound outfielder made his Major League debut in 2019. Thomas became the 10th player in Cardinals history to hit a home run in his first Major League plate appearance. He has appeared in 84 games across three Major League seasons (2019-2021) hitting .172 with three doubles, one triple, five home runs, 15 RBI, 18 walks, three stolen bases and 13 runs scored.
Ross, 28, went 5-9 with a 4.17 ERA in 20 games (19 starts) for the Nationals in 2021. He struck out 109 batters and issued 34 walks in a career-high 108.0 innings pitched.
