Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball reports that the Yankees have signed DH Billy Butler to a major league contract. He is expected to fit into the lineup against left-handed pitching. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports notes that the Yankees will face left-handed starters in seven of their next 11 games.
The Yankees, who were shut out 2-0 by the Dodgers on Wednesday evening, find themselves only two games out of the second American League Wild Card slot, so adding Butler can give them the slight push they need. Butler uncharacteristically showed a reverse platoon split this season, meaning he hit same-handed pitching better than opposite-handed. However, over his career dating back to 2007, Butler has an .872 OPS against lefties and .766 against right-handers.
Butler, 30, was recently released by the Athletics after hitting .276/.331/.403 in 242 plate appearances. He was involved in a clubhouse altercation with teammate Danny Valencia that ultimately resulted in a concussion for Butler.
