Elephant Rumblings: Butler blasts 457-footer at Fenway

MLB news roundup

Happy Wednesday, Athletics Nation!

The A’s lost yesterday’s series opener against the Red Sox in Fenway, but not due to the sort of anemic offensive performance that has typified so many defeats this season. Oakland scored a very healthy nine runs, but unfortunately Joey Estes fell far short of last week’s complete game shutout performance and allowed eight runs in less than two innings before being relieved by Tyler Ferguson, who promptly allowed another three to leave the A’s with an insurmountable deficit.

Nevertheless, the A’s bats made a respectable comeback bid that made the remainder of the game enjoyable to watch for those who stuck around. Brent Rooker kept hitting like the All-Star he deserves to be, going 2-for-3 with a double and two walks as his season OPS popped the .900 threshold. Zack Gelof went 3-for-4 and homered for the first time in July.

But it was Lawrence Butler that provided the A’s highlight of the game with this mammoth three-run shot that carried 457 feet.

That dinger was actually an Athletics season highlight, as it set a new team bar for home run distance this season. Like many of his young teammates, Butler has flashed an abundance of potential, but has yet to realize it on a consistent basis. Hopefully last night’s longball is a sign that Law will come into his own with the bat before too much longer.

The series in Boston continues today with JP Sears starting on the mound for Oakland. The A’s lefty has struggled to stay in a groove lately but is coming off a strong five scoreless innings against the Angels on the Fourth of July. Let’s go, Oakland!

A’s Coverage:

• A’s comeback rally falls short in 12-9 loss
• A’s roster moves: Harris to paternity list, Otañez recalled
• A’s Final Game in Oakland Inching Towards a Sellout
• What ESPN Home Run Derby broadcast says about Mason Miller
• A’s No. 2 prospect Morales headed to Futures Game
• Three young flamethrowers named Miller share more than a last name

MLB News & Interest:

• MLB Power Rankings: Examining playoff odds; Guardians on the move, Mariners slipping ($)
• MLB trade deadline report: With 3 weeks to go, buyers’ needs coming into greater focus ($)
• Final 2024 MLB Draft top-100 prospect ranking: Condon No. 1; Waldschmidt makes leap ($)
• Dodgers Place Tyler Glasnow On Injured List
• Phillies Reinstate Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber; Designate David Dahl For Assignment
• Marlins Sign Adam Oller To Minor League Deal
• Marlins Unlikely To Move Jesus Luzardo, Bryan De La Cruz
• Reds Sign Tony Kemp To Minor League Contract
• Giants Designate Nick Ahmed For Assignment
• How a .158 hitter cut by the Giants in spring training became an All-Star ($)
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Roster moves.

Injury updates.

Solid line for Hoglund.

Ballers block party this Friday!

Kemp is now in the Reds system.