fbpx
Skip to main content

A’s DH Billy Butler injured in altercation with teammate

Oakland Athletics designated hitter Billy Butler has missed each of the team’s past three games. The reason, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, is that Butler was injured in a clubhouse altercation with teammate Danny Valencia.

Who or what caused the incident remains to be seen. Valencia and Butler, however, have been teammates since 2014 and are known for “loud banter.”

“Butler and Valencia were teammates with Kansas City in 2014 as well as the second half of last year and this year in Oakland,” Slusser said. “And they are known to engage in a great deal of loud banter in the clubhouse and on the field.”

Valencia would not comment, except to say “No comment. What happens in the clubhouse stays in the clubhouse.” Oakland manager Bob Melvin, as with the the rest of the Oakland clubhouse, was similarly hushed.

Wrapping up a down year, this is certainly not the kind of news that anyone associated with the A’s wanted.

Dealing with a bad season is one thing. A fight suggests that the clubhouse could be less than harmonious. It’s a problem that goes beyond a bad record. When it’s between two veteran players in their 30’s, it’s even worse.

Butler has one more year remaining in his contract in Oakland. Valencia is also controlled by the A’s in 2017, his final year of arbitration before becoming a free agent.

Mentioned in this article:

More About: