Lawrence Butler
Breakdown
Performance
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April 4, 2026
Swats first homer of season
Butler went 3-for-5 with a three-run home run, an additional RBI and two total runs scored in Friday's 11-4 win over the Astros.
Analysis
Butler had an RBI single in the third inning before taking Houston reliever Roddery Munoz deep in the fourth. This was Butler's first big game of the season -- he had gone just 1-for-12 over his first five contests. The outfielder is now hitting .235 with three strikeouts over 18 plate appearances. Butler had a 20-20 season (21 long balls, 22 stolen bases) in 152 games last year, so he'll offer both power and speed from the middle of the order against right-handed pitchers once he gets his hitting on track.
April 1, 2026
Sitting against left-hander
Butler is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's contest in Atlanta.
Analysis
Atlanta is sending left-hander Chris Sale to the mound, and this marks the second time in three games versus southpaws this season that the lefty-swinging Butler is out of the lineup. Brent Rooker is getting a start in right field and Shea Langeliers will be the designated hitter for the Athletics.
March 30, 2026
Back in lineup Monday
Butler is starting in center field and batting sixth for Monday's game against Atlanta.
Analysis
Butler made a defensive miscue in the outfield on Opening Day and went 0-for-3 at the plate. He then was omitted from the starting lineup in each of the final two contests against the Blue Jays, but Butler is back in there for a homecoming game in Atlanta.
March 29, 2026
Sitting again Sunday
Butler is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.
Analysis
The 25-year-old went 0-for-3 with a strikeout Opening Day and made a defensive miscue after shifting from right field to center that led to an Andres Gimenez triple, and Butler now finds himself on the bench for a second consecutive contest. He sat against Toronto righty Dylan Cease on Saturday, but it's lefty Eric Lauer on the bump for the home team Sunday. Denzel Clarke is back in center Sunday while Brent Rooker starts in right field, allowing catcher Shea Langeliers to receive some rest as the designated hitter.