The Rays have designated outfielder Joey Butler for assignment, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports on Twitter. His roster spot will go to the just-acquired Hank Conger.
Butler finally got an extended look in the big leagues last year, his age-29 campaign, and showed the ability to hit in the majors. Over 276 plate appearances, he slashed .276/.326/.416. Butler also hit eight home runs and contributed five stolen bases.
It seems likely that Butler will get a chance to earn a reserve outfield role somewhere after that solid effort. He’s always hit in the minors, and while his thirty-percent strikeout rate in the bigs isn’t the most promising sign, that’s hardly a crippling figure in this day and age. And Butler graded out as a solid defender in the corner outfield, too, so even a slightly above-average bat would make him a useful piece.
He’s an ok player all things considered. Could be a platoon player somewhere
A target for Seattle, perhaps?
It seems like DiPoto’s motto is that you can never have too many outfielders, so I can see it
I see the Tigers potentially interested in him for a left fielder. That is provided that they do not go after a big name player.
Giants, Rockies, Royals should be interested.
Why Rockies? Unless they trade one of their corners, they’re pretty well set.
Seattle bound. Platoon with Aoki in RF.
Braves should grab him. Olivera/Swisher in LF seems iffy at best, especially consider Okivera will be at 3rd as well.
He probably won’t make it through the American League teams, but Butler could be a good pickup for the Reds.
This might be a good target for the Tigers.
Orioles, or a platoon in Seattle