Valencia sends Butler to DL after Athletics clubhouse fight
The Oakland Athletics have disciplined Danny Valencia and Billy Butler after they scrapped it out in the clubhouse.
Two players, who spoke to The Chronicle's Susan Slusser on the condition of anonymity, said Valencia struck Butler in the temple with a punch after he was verbally provoked, which is why he missed both weekend games.
Oakland announced Butler has been placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list, while A's general manager David Forst said the situation has been addressed internally.
''There was an altercation in the clubhouse, we're aware of it, both players have been disciplined and fined and we're moving past it,'' Forst said in a press conference. ''That's it. From the organization's standpoint, it's resolved and we're moving past it.''
The incident reportedly happened before batting practice on Friday, when an equipment representative asked Valencia about off-brand cleats seen in his locker.
Valencia told the rep that he only wears the cleats pregame. Because of his endorsement deal, he's not allowed to wear them during games.
Butler then stepped in, telling the representative that Valencia was lying, and that he'd seen him wear the spikes in games on numerous occasions.
When the rep departed, Valencia took exception with Butler speaking up.
“Don’t you ever loud talk me in front of a rep. That was wrong,” he said as he walked aggressively toward Butler. Butler then took a couple steps toward Valencia, and according to both players, said, “I can say whatever I want and your b---- ass isn’t going to do anything about it.”
The two then began shoving each other with Valencia throwing punches, landing one to Butler's head.
Valencia and Butler have a relationship that includes constant bickering and banter, dating back to their days with the Kansas City Royals. But players said in this case, it was taken too far.
"Those two go at it every day, so in that way, it was pretty normal,” one player said. “If Bill had dropped it, Danny never would have done anything. But he kind of kept egging him on. I think it’s fair to say he was verbally provoked, very much so. I’m worried about what might happen to Danny now, but at the same time, you don’t want to see anyone get hurt.”
Butler hasn't played since the incident, with manager Bob Melvin stating that he's dealing with nausea and vomiting, though he specifically said the slugger doesn't have the flu.