The Oakland Athletics’ miserable season hit a new low over the weekend, and it’s going to keep one of the team’s best sluggers out of action for at least a week.
The A’s placed designated hitter Billy Butler on Major League Baseball’s seven-day concussion disabled list after teammate Danny Valencia hit him in the temple during a clubhouse fight Friday.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, which cited unnamed players, both Valencia and Butler share responsibility in sparking the bout.
The altercation, according to the Chronicle report, started after Butler essentially ratted out Valencia to an equipment representative for not using the right spikes during a game. Butler reportedly even told the rep that the company should end its endorsement deal with the infielder.
That obviously didn’t sit well with Valencia, and he confronted Butler after the rep left, according to the Chronicle. The players eventually came to blows, which is when Valencia ended up hitting Butler in the head, leading to the concussion.
A’s general manager David Forst acknowledged the team’s seemingly obvious chemistry issues.
“Look, it’s something we’re constantly addressing,” Forst told reporters, per the San Francisco Chronicle. “Again, there’s a little bit of a chicken-and-egg thing. Winning and good chemistry, and losing and bad chemistry. But it’s something we’re always talking with (manager Bob Melvin) about and will constantly address.”
The A’s have lost eight of their last 10 games and now are just a half-game out of last place in the American League West with a 53-72 record.
Thumbnail photo via Evan Habeeb/USA TODAY Sports Images
