"Martín Gallegos of MLB.com writes that the lefty batter has been cleared to take batting practice and do simple defensive drills. He has yet to get the sign-off to play defense at full effort or run the bases, which is holding him out of game action for the moment. Manager Mark Kotsay told Gallegos that the A's are hoping Butler will be able to make his Cactus League debut midway through the spring."
"Butler is coming off a .234/.306/.404 showing across 630 plate appearances. He had a 20-20 campaign and hit 30 doubles, but his rate metrics were around league average. Although it wasn't a bad season, it was a step back from the huge 2024 second half that established him as a core piece. Playing through the injury probably had something to do with that."
"The A's could ease him into the lineup early in the season to avoid placing too much stress on the knee. He'll be an everyday player once he's fully healthy. Butler should see the majority of his work in right field. He can kick into center if Denzel Clarke struggles enough at the plate."
Lawrence Butler underwent patellar tendon surgery in early October and entered spring training behind schedule. He has been cleared for batting practice and simple defensive drills but cannot yet play defense at full effort or run the bases. Manager Mark Kotsay expects Butler to make his Cactus League debut midway through spring, providing several weeks to prepare for the season. Butler posted a .234/.306/.404 line across 630 plate appearances last season with 20 stolen bases and 30 doubles, though his performance declined significantly after the All-Star Break. The A's may ease him into the lineup early in the season to protect his knee. Butler will primarily play right field, with potential flexibility to center field depending on Denzel Clarke's offensive performance.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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