MLB Weekend News: Billy Butler to Face Lefties, Two Padres to DL
By Nick Fustor
Billy Butler to Likely Only Face Lefties
After faring far better against left-handed pitchers for most of his career, Athletics’ designated hitter Billy Butler may be relegated to only playing against lefty pitchers this season. Jane Lee of MLB.com noted that Butler has sat in the A’s last four contests after starting the first three games of the season against left-handers.
Athletics manager Bob Melvin said the team will decide who Butler faces on a day-to-day basis, but would not confirm a strict platoon.
"He says he’s going to do whatever he can to help the team. He told to me that he’s going to hit his way back into the lineup and the middle of the lineup like he’s used to doing and, for the time being, he’s going to do what’s best for the team and he’s going to be ready if I need him during the course of the game, and I really appreciate that,” Melvin said."
Butler is one of Oakland’s highest-paid players after signing a three-year, $30 million deal prior to last season, and is owner of a career .302 batting average against left-handers as compared to a .286 mark against righties.
Next: A pair of injured Padres