The Indians have claimed outfielder Joey Butler off waivers from the Rays, the team announced. Lefty Jayson Aquino was designated for assignment to create 40-man space.
Butler will be going into his age-30 campaign with less than 300 plate appearances to his name. But the vast majority of those came last year, when he put up a solid .276/.326/.416 batting line with eight home runs and five steals. He also drew solid marks on defense. On the whole, Butler looks like a plausible fourth outfielder and if nothing else could provide some insurance as Cleveland looks to add bats.
Aquino went to the Indians in a minor move at last year’s trade deadline. The 23-year-old spent all of last year at the High-A level, working to a strong 3.28 ERA in 137 1/3 innings with 5.6 K/9 against 2.0 BB/9. There have been a lot of travels already for the southpaw, who opened the year in the Blue Jays organization after previously being claimed from the Rockies.
This is a good claim imo. From what I see Butler was a solid player and could be a great addition to the Indians.
250 ABs 276/326/416. Not bad at all. Does anyone know if he was platooned with someone and this is what limited his playing time? Or what?
He had a hot stretch before the all star break but then started to falter and the Rays seemed less inclined to start him. His appearances then just started to dwindle.
It was a little of both. He started off his season with an incredible stat line, but as pitchers started to figure him out, he declined. His numbers are a little inflated because of his hot start. By the month of september, he hardly played to give younger guys a chance. I don’t think he’s anything more than a decent 4th OF, but I hope he proves me wrong now that he’s with Cleveland.
this^
couldnt have said it better myself. also a very poor defender. has trouble with changeups and high heat but i have never seen anyone stay on a curveball better than him.
That’s a bummer.
Wow. Aquino is bouncing on and off everyone’s rosters like crazy
Butler had a .377 BABIP and 30% K rate. He has nice power but isnt anything more than a 4th OF and should be platooned
Broke up Carrasco’s no hit bid last year with two outs in the ninth.
I’m amused.