Reminiscent of Carlos Pena, who was not supposed to make the 2007 roster, Butler started the year in triple-A Durham, was later called up, and has done nothing but hit the ball well. In 41 games, Butler is hitting .329 with a .368 OBP and a .386 wOBA which suggests his other numbers are not a fluke.
Rays hitting coach Derek Shelton was recently a guest on MLB Network’s “High Heat” when he was asked about Butler.
“We are very fortunate Kevin Cash, our manager, had a previous relationship with [Butler] and Kevin came in in spring training and said the guy can hit and he’s right on.