OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) The Athletics fined Billy Butler and Danny Valencia on Monday after they were involved in a clubhouse fight last week that led to Butler being placed on the seven-day concussion list.
“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,” Oakland general manager David Forst said. “That’s it. From the organization’s standpoint, it’s resolved and we’re moving past it.”
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Monday that Butler and Valencia began fighting over comments Butler made to an equipment representative prior to a game Friday at the Chicago White Sox. During the exchange, Valencia hit Butler in the temple before multiple teammates stepped in to end the altercation.
Butler sat out the series in Chicago with headaches and nausea.
Forst said Oakland – among the worst teams in the American League – would not suspend the players.
“This is not the first time guys have gotten into a fight in the clubhouse,” Forst said. “Unfortunately, when you’re having the kind of season that we’re having, it’s a big story. If we were winning, it would be colorful, but we’re not.”
Forst was asked if he considered it colorful for one player to injure another. He quietly replied “I don’t know.”
Butler was seen by A’s medical staff over the weekend but was not in the clubhouse when Oakland began a three-game homestand with the Indians on Monday.
Valencia did not start but was available off the bench.
A’s manager Bob Melvin addressed the team without Valencia and Butler present on Sunday. Melvin said he stands by the decision to fine and not suspend the players.
“You’re not always going to get along great, but I expect us to be fine going forward,” Melvin said. “I think this is the easiest way to move forward.”
