.
On Thursday, we once again saw the A’s top hitters leading the charge in Oakland’s 6-5 win over the Angels. Butler
and Rooker wasted no time getting the A’s started with early fireworks in the first inning.
Leading off the game, Butler doubled the opposite way after falling behind 0-2. He
then proceeded to steal third and come around to score on a throwing error
from Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe. Two innings later, Butler crushed a 413-foot, two-run home run to center field.
Butler’s excellent effort came just two days after the A’s outfielder finished a single shy of the cycle.
“I have to give this my top month ever in life. This is for sure. It’s probably the
most fun I’ve had playing baseball,” Butler said. “My team is just playing
great behind me. We’re playing great defense. Pitching has been great. Everyone is clicking on offense.”
Butler entered Thursday’s game with 1.9 Wins Above Replacement (FanGraphs’
version) in July, second only to Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. ‘s 2.1 fWAR. Butler’s
291 wRC+ was tops among players with at least 50 plate appearances this month
prior to Thursday, while his 1.408 OPS only trailed Witt. After struggling as a 22-
year-old rookie in 2023, Butler has blossomed into a genuinely great building block for the A’s.
“I’m just trying to simplify things and not do too much at the plate,” Butler said about what’s led to this incredible
month. “Just get good pitches to hit and have good at-bats, especially in the leadoff spot to set the tone for the team.”
