Athletics' Billy Butler: Gets released Sunday

Butler was released by the Athletics on Sunday.

Though Butler was holding down a respectable .331 on-base percentage for the season, he had only slugged four homers and 16 doubles in 242 plate appearances. That lack of pop and Butler's inability to play the field made him expendable, despite the fact he was under contract through 2017. It's unclear if he'll be able to latch on with another team before the season ends, but he should find a home somewhere before the start of spring training.