Lawrence Butler Returns to the Outfield on Friday
Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (knees) is making the start in right field and will bat leadoff in Friday night's Cactus League game against the Chicago Cubs. Butler made his spring training debut on Tuesday as the designated hitter but will now return to the outfield after having surgery on his left knee in the offseason. The 25-year-old has also battled tendinitis in his right knee. Butler broke out in 2024 with 22 homers and 18 RBI in 125 games in his first full season in the major leagues before slashing .234/.306/.404 with a .710 OPS, 21 home runs, 63 RBI, 22 stolen bases, and 83 runs scored in 152 games played in 2025. He obviously has the potential to put up another 20-20 season in the bandbox in Sacramento, but ultimately, his 2026 value will depend on how his knees hold up over the course of the season. RotoBaller has Butler ranked as the No. 41 fantasy outfielder because of his power/speed upside, but plenty of swing and miss and injury concerns make him more volatile than others around the same price.
Source: A's Communications
Source: A's Communications
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