AL West: Butler with early opportunity in OAK

Oakland A's

As noted recently in our PTToday space, surgery for a torn meniscus will keep OF Miguel Andujar sidelined at least through April, terrible news following a torrid spring in which Andujar appeared to have won an Opening Day roster spot and likely his first extended MLB playing time run in years. In Andujar's place, rookie Lawrence Butler has earned the roster spot and opportunity following a very good 17-for-49 (6/6 BB/K) Cactus League showing. 

An athlete with legitimate power / speed upside, the 24-year-old Butler is likely to get April to show his spring training contact gains are for real. His presence now suggests that he will take early innings from a more “established” MLB group of Seth Brown, Esteury Ruiz and JJ...

Almost!

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