Lane Thomas' 2025 season has been a durability test for the Guardians. A right wrist bone bruise from an April pitch was followed by plantar fasciitis, sending him to the IL and into rehab setbacks. A looming foot surgery could trigger a roughly three-month recovery and threaten his impending free-agent year, reshaping fantasy value and Guardians' outfield depth as they chase a wild-card spot.

With Thomas's health in limbo, fantasy managers must reassess rest‑of‑season upside, weighing potential late-season returns against long-term risk. Cleveland may rely on depth and platoons, while Thomas contemplates a winter contract and how a long rehab might affect his market value.