Cleveland Guardians outfielder Lane Thomas is considering surgery to address persistent plantar fasciitis, a condition that has hampered his performance throughout the 2024 season.
Thomas detailed recent treatment attempts, including cortisone injections that initially provided relief before becoming ineffective. “I responded really well to it for a couple of weeks,” Thomas explained. “I ended up getting a different injection, tried the cortisone this last time and I just didn’t respond well to it and I would play an inning or so and it just could barely run or jog or walk.”
He indicated the potential surgery has “a good percentage outcome” and a recovery timeline of approximately three months before returning to “full go,” though he acknowledged recovery times can vary.
The plantar fasciitis issues began last year following his trade to Cleveland. What initially felt like a “bruise feeling” in his heel escalated into “a pretty bad bone bruise and some swelling in the heel bone” during the offseason. Despite managing through spring training, the condition has continued to bother him.
Thomas has consulted with other MLB players who have dealt with similar injuries, including Carlos Correa, harrison Bader, and jonathan India.
The 30-year-old native of Tennessee also missed time in April after being hit by a pitch on the wrist during Cleveland’s home opener against the White Sox.
Despite the challenges, Thomas remains optimistic, citing strong support from his family and teammates. “I’ve got a good support system at home,” Thomas said. “I have some really good friends in here (the Guardians clubhouse). It’s just been a rough season. Sitting at home by yourself is not always the best place to be.”
Thomas expressed a desire to return to Cleveland next season, stating, “Absolutely. I think we’ve gotten really close with these guys and it’s a great clubhouse and great organization, so I’ve liked every second of it.”
