Elephant Rumblings: Lawrence Butler is latest A’s prospect to make major league debut

Lawrence Butler became the latest prospect to debut for the Oakland Athletics in Friday’s series opening loss to the Washington Nationals. Butler replaced Tony Kemp on the active roster as Kemp went on the paternity list. Butler started in right field and went 0-for-4 at the plate, but showed off his skills defensively. A’s manager Mark Kotsay was complementary of Butler’s debut following the game and said that he has had his eye on Butler since last year’s Arizona Fall League.

“We talked about all things that would help him get here,” Kotsay said. “That being the weight room, the recovery process, the discipline in the offseason, the guys you work out with. He took it to heart and it paid off. He’s here today. It’s an exciting day not just for himself but for the ballclub as well.”

Butler joined Tyler Soderstrom and Zack Gelof as prospects who have been called up since the All-Star break. Right-hander Mason Miller was called up early in the season before suffering an injury.

A’s Coverage

• A’s fall to Nationals 8-2
• Athletics promote Lawrence Butler, place Tony Kemp on paternity list
• Oakland Athletics 2023 mid-season community prospect list: No. 4

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