The Atlanta Braves have acquired outfielder Lane Thomas and left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter from the Kansas City Royals, according to reports.
This transaction removes a right-handed hitting option from the pool of players that the New York Yankees might have pursued ahead of the trade deadline.
The Royals will receive minor-league pitchers Carter Holton and Lucas Braun in exchange for Thomas and Falter. Braun is currently ranked as the No. 8 prospect in Atlanta's system, according to MLB.com.
Thomas, in his first season with the Royals, was pulled from the team's game on Saturday. Entering that game, he had a .230 batting average with a .717 OPS and 10 home runs over the season. Last season, Thomas was limited to 39 games with Cleveland due to an injury.
Falter has experienced elbow inflammation this season, appearing in five games, including two starts, for the Royals. He holds a 13.97 ERA in his limited appearances.
The Braves, who currently lead the National League East by 8½ games, acquire Thomas as they prepare for another playoff push. Thomas will have an opportunity to bolster the Braves' lineup.