He’s not a starting outfielder.
And he’s not the guy most fans want to replace a starting outfielder.
To some Cardinals fans, he’s the fifth wheel on a tricycle.
But Lane Thomas has an impact bat. Really, an impact everything. And the fear here is the shortened season will hurt Thomas’ chances to truly get his chance.
Sure, yes, he’ll probably begin the season as the Cardinals’ fourth outfielder. If any of the three starters struggle, he could get a shot. But come August (and August will come quickly), top prospect Dylan Carlson could get a promotion — should get a promotion — without losing a year of service time.