Billy Butler was unavailable to play over the weekend after suffering complications following his fight with teammate Danny Valencia. Now we have an idea of what led to the fight.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser, the two Oakland A’s teammates fought on Friday night after Butler made some comments to a product rep about the cleats Valencia wears. The rep apparently noticed that Valencia had another company’s shoes in his locker, and Valencia dismissed the concern by saying he only wears them pregame. Butler apparently said otherwise to the rep and reportedly suggested the company drop Valencia.
Valencia then supposedly confronted Butler about messing with his endorsement deal, and Butler did not back down. They reportedly bumped heads in the clubhouse and Valencia punched Butler in the temple.
Butler was not scheduled to play on Friday night anyhow, but he missed games on Saturday and Sunday he otherwise would play in because of nausea and vomiting. Slusser says Valencia could face a suspension or even be released for the incident.
We doubt Valencia gets released. The infielder is batting .302 with 15 home runs and has put together two excellent seasons in Oakland. Butler has one more year left on his contract with the A’s.
