September 12, 2008 Clete Thomas underwent successful Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, according to the Detroit Free Press. The procedure was performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama.
Our View:Thomas is expected to recover fully in six to eight months. If he needs the full eight months, he will not be game-ready until the second Sunday in May, hindering his chance to be a starting outfielder for the Tigers in 2009.
September 11, 2008 Clete Thomas will miss the remainder of the 2008 season following Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Our View:Thomas will not be a full participant when the Tigers begin full-squad workouts in February. If he needs exactly eight months, he will not be game-ready until the second Sunday in May, hindering his chance to be a starting outfielder in 2009.
July 16, 2008 The Tigers optioned Clete Thomas to Triple-A Toledo Wednesday. The move was made to clear a roster spot for Magglio Ordonez, who will be activated from the DL Thursday.
Our View:Thomas has held his own in his time in the bigs, but he'll likely continue to shuffle back and forth between Triple-A and Detroit.
July 13, 2008 Clete Thomas hit a double and his first career home run while driving in two in the Tigers 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Our View:Thomas is now hitting .287 on the season, and has seen increased playing time in right field due to the injury to Magglio Ordonez. Seeing as how Ordonez will be back soon, Thomas holds little fantasy value at this point.
June 30, 2008 Clete Thomas is expected to handle most of the work in right field while Magglio Ordonez is out of action, according to MLive.com.
Our View:Manager Jim Leyland is going to use Matt Joyce and Ryan Raburn in right field as well, but Thomas is going to remain the starter while he is hot. Thomas is currently hitting .529 (9-for-17) during a six-game hitting streak.
