Lawrence Butler’s Recovery and 2026 Season Outlook

MESA, Ariz. – Oakland Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler is currently focused on recovery from surgery performed in early October to address a partial tear in his right patellar tendon and chronic scar tissue. Although he has not yet appeared in Cactus League games, including Monday’s 6-2 loss to the Giants, the 25-year-old is progressing towards a potential return to the lineup this spring. MLB.com reports that Butler is actively participating in drills, aiming for a full return by the start of the 2026 season.

Recovery Progress and Timeline

Butler is currently engaged in live batting practice, taking swings against A’s pitchers, and participating in light defensive drills, including shagging balls in the outfield. The primary hurdle remaining is regaining the ability to run the bases without exacerbating the injury. A’s manager Mark Kotsay emphasized the importance of a cautious approach to avoid re-injury. “The biggest thing is, we don’t want to start him too soon,” Kotsay said. “If he sustains an injury, then we’d lose him for the start of the season. We’d rather have to maybe receive him some at-bats on the Minor League side to make sure he’s prepared.”

The anticipated timeline for Butler’s first Cactus League appearance is mid-spring, potentially aligning with the A’s games against the Angels in Las Vegas from March 7-8. This would allow him sufficient time to prepare for the season opener in Toronto on March 27. MLB.com

2025 Season Review and 2026 Goals

Despite lingering knee issues throughout the 2025 season, Butler achieved a notable milestone, becoming the first A’s player since Coco Crisp in 2013 to record a 20-homer, 20-stolen base season. He finished the year with 21 home runs and 22 stolen bases. However, his overall batting average (.234) and OPS (.710) fell short of expectations following his seven-year, $65.5 million contract extension signed in March 2025.

Butler acknowledged that his knee discomfort limited his aggressiveness on the basepaths and impacted his swing at times. He expressed confidence that the surgery has resolved these issues, stating, “I’m glad I did [the surgery], and I’m just really ready to play to see how it holds up. I’m confident that it will hold up.”

Focus on Team Success

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Butler is prioritizing team success over individual accolades. He has shifted his focus towards helping the A’s return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. “I’m not too focused on goals for myself this year,” Butler said. “I’m more team-oriented this year. I just really want us to make the playoffs, have a deep run and possibly win a World Series. My mindset is more on winning this year than individual accolades.”

Butler also aims to maintain a more consistent emotional approach throughout the season, recognizing the importance of staying even-keeled amidst the inevitable ups and downs of a long campaign. “I’m going to try to do a better job of showing up every day and being the same person,” Butler said. “Just stay even keel. Knowing one at-bat doesn’t dictate the rest of my season or the team’s season.”

Player Profile

Lawrence Evan Butler was born on July 10, 2000, in Burlington, New Jersey. Wikipedia He was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the sixth round of the 2018 MLB June Amateur Draft. He made his Major League Baseball debut on August 11, 2023. Baseball-Reference.com