BALTIMORE — Joey Butler is proving to be a welcome addition to the Tampa Bay Rays on the field and in the clubhouse.
The versatile outfielder was promoted from Triple-A Durham when outfielder Desmond Jennings was placed on the 15-day disabled list May 3 because of a bursitis in his left knee. Butler is making the most of the opportunity. He served as the designated hitter Sunday in the series final against the Baltimore Orioles and had a career-high four hits, including two doubles, in the Rays’ 9-5 win.
Butler, 29, is batting .342 with a .548 slugging percentage.
“He’s gotten a lot of big hits,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “You look at some of his at-bats early on, maybe he looks a little overmatched. Then he goes back up and he makes an adjustment. You don’t see many young hitters do that very often. I think he’s done it quite a few times.”
Butler joined the Rays as a minor league free agent in January after playing in the majors with the Texas Rangers in 2013 and the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014. He is optimistic he found a long-term home.
“As far as right now, it’s a good clubhouse to be in,” he said. “A lot of positive guys. Positive energy. I’m just trying to have fun.”
Butler, who has three home runs and eight RBIs in 23 games for Tampa Bay, is attempting to get some pop in his swing.
“Working in the cage, doing extra work,” Butler said. “Just trying to figure it out and understand the game. I think it’s all coming together.”
Cash likes the way Butler is jelling with the rest of the team.
“His personality is very steady, consistent,” Cash said. “I think he brings a lot of energy. We all enjoy having him. When he produces like he
does, it helps. We’re banged up a little bit. To fill some of the voids … with what we have on the DL, he’s done a tremendous job. He definitely provides some pop.”
Fantasy Update: Butler is hot right now and could be useful in daily leagues. Monitor the matchups and feel free to put him in the lineup.