Oakland A’s release Billy Butler weeks after clubhouse fight
Just weeks after being involved in a brawl in the Oakland clubhouse, Billy Butler was released by the A’s on Sunday.
The A’s didn’t sugarcoat the news:
#Athletics release Billy Butler.
— Oakland Athletics (@Athletics) September 11, 2016
Butler, who was with the Royals from 2008-2014, suffered concussion-like symptoms when he was hit in the temple after a dispute with Danny Valencia, another former Royal.
Days after the incident, Butler apologized for his actions. On Sunday, Butler told reporters that he didn’t think the fight influenced Oakland’s decision.
Butler says doesn't believe fight w/Valencia played into his release. Says if that was case, team would have done it right away.
— Joe Stiglich (@JoeStiglichCSN) September 11, 2016
In six games after returning to the team, Butler batted .091 (1 for 11) with two walks and an RBI. For the season, Butler has a slash line of .276/.331/.403 in 242 plate appearances over 85 games.
Butler signed a three-year, $30 million contract with Oakland a few weeks after the Royals advanced to the World Series in 2014. USA Today’s Jorge L. Ortiz reported that the A’s still owe Butler $11.67 million
The A’s made the move a day before the team is set to open a four-game series against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Butler told reporters he was happy for the timing.
Butler glad happened now rather than back at KC this week. His wife is at the Chiefs game right now. "And they're not doing well," he says.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) September 11, 2016
Pete Grathoff: 816-234-4330, @pgrathoff
This story was originally published September 11, 2016 at 1:11 PM with the headline "Oakland A’s release Billy Butler weeks after clubhouse fight."