Brent

Butler

Manager Clint Hurdle no longer sees the need to use a defensive replacement for Stynes or Norton at third, so Butler has been reduced to pinch-hitting. He currently has no value.

Butler hit .332 following his late-June demotion to Triple-A Colorado Springs, but the Rockies felt they had an abundance of middle infield help. Butler will be a free agent this winter, and won’t be back with Colorado. Somebody will give him a minor league deal.

Butler, who is competing for the starting job at third base, hit off a tee yesterday.

It’s a split contract, with Butler making $100,000 if he plays in the minors. Butler, who hit .248 with a 665 OPS in 553 AB over three seasons with the Rockies, wasn’t worthy of a major league deal. He’ll compete for a roster spot as a utlity infielder next spring.

Butler should clear waivers, but since the Rockies have Mark Bellhorn in the majors and Pablo Ozuna in the minors, it’s unlikely they’re concerned about losing him.

Butler was able to clear waivers after being designated for assignment on Monday.

Butler went 0-for-1 before being removed.