The Cardinals announced (on Twitter) that 28-year-old outfielder Joey Butler was released so that his contract could be purchased by the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball.
Butler, who was claimed off waivers from the Rangers this offseason, batted .360/.481/.547 in 106 plate appearances for Triple-A Memphis this season and owns an impressive .304/.397/.472 batting line in 1669 career plate appearances at the Triple-A level. However, despite strong numbers in the minor leagues, an opportunity with the Major League club wasn’t likely to present itself. St. Louis has Matt Holliday entrenched in left field, with Peter Bourjos, Jon Jay and Allen Craig all splitting time in center field and right field at this point. Additionally, top prospect Oscar Taveras looms in Triple-A, as do outfielders Randal Grichuk and Stephen Piscotty.
