Report: Mariners have discussed Billy Butler with Royals
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At the All-Star break, the Seattle Mariners claim a tenuous hold on the second wild card playoff slot in the American League.
The team is reportedly in hot pursuit of another bat to add, and are leaving no stone unturned in search of assistance in the lineup.
#Mariners casting a wide net in search of a bat. They've even talked to #royals about Billy Butler (he of the .355 SLG%)
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 15, 2014
Two years removed from an All-Star appearance, Butler has struggled in 2014. His .273/.325/.355 line (87 OPS+) does not reflect the output expected of the Royals' designated hitter.
If the Mariners manage to make the move, Country Breakfast could be the order of the day for their lineup. They're 11th in the AL in runs scored, and 13th in doubles.