Elephant Rumblings: Butler’s hit streak making A’s history

MLB news roundup

Happy Friday, Athletics Nation!

Lawrence Butler went 1-for-4 in yesterday’s loss to the Astros, extending his active hitting streak to 20 games. This gives him the fifth longest hitting streak in Oakland Athletics history, and the longest since Eric Byrnes hit in 22 consecutive games over 20 years ago.

Butler is just six away from setting a new all-time mark, a record that may well live eternally given that the A’s are leaving Oakland after the 2024 season.

Law is making an aggressive push into the A’s record books this fall. On September 4th, he established a nine-game extra base hit streak, setting a new record for a franchise with legends such as Jimmie Foxx, Reggie Jackson, and Rickey Henderson who never equaled Butler’s feat.

The XBH streak ended on September 5th, but the hits kept on coming, and now Butler is on the precipice of setting yet another record.

Law has been absolutely en fuego since his return from Triple-A back in June. He was optioned after a rough spring through which he slashed just .179/.281/.274 with two home runs in 121 plate appearances. His second time around, he’s hit 19 homers in 270 plate appearances.

Law’s dominance at the plate in recent months has at times overshadowed the superlative season that A’s slugger and team MVP Brent Rooker is having. But Rook is on an impressive streak of his own.

The A’s are in Chicago to face off against the White Sox through the weekend, then it’s off to Wrigley on the other side of town for three against the Cubs to close out their current road trip. Have a wonderful weekend, AN.

A’s Coverage:

• Athletics drop finale 6-3 to Houston
• As concern grows, MLB asserts A’s will still play in Sacramento next season ($)
• Injuries & Moves: Soderstrom set to come off IL
• 3 takeaways after A’s shine in series win over Astros
• A’s, River Cats Plans in Sacramento for 2025

MLB News & Interest:

• Ten MLB prospects who are primed to make Jim Bowden’s top 50 ranking in 2025 ($)
• Loyalty, history and $5 beers: Why fans still come out to see the Chicago White Sox ($)
• Red Sox Likely To Shut Liam Hendriks Down For The Season
• Corey Seager To Undergo Sports Hernia Surgery
• Guardians Place Alex Cobb On Injured List, Select Andrew Walters
• Dodgers Sign Zach Logue To Minor League Deal
• Why The Nationals Could Pursue A Juan Soto Reunion
• Twins Activate Byron Buxton
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Roster moves.

Injury updates.

Been a long time since we had a .300 hitter.

Pitching lineup for White Sox series.

Bleday also earning marks of distinction.