OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland Athletics released designated hitter Billy Butler on Sunday despite owing him $10 million for next season.

Last month Butler went on the concussion disabled list after a clubhouse altercation with teammate Danny Valencia.

Butler, 30, was in the second season of a three-year, $30 million contract. He was batting .276 with four home runs and 31 RBI in 85 games this year.

“It was time to move on,” General Manager David Forst said. “The at-bats just weren’t there.”

Said Manager Bob Melvin: “We wish him the best, but it just never ended up being a great fit here.”

ROYALS: Kansas City and outfielder Lorenzo Cain agreed to wait a week before determining whether he’ll be shut down for the rest of the season because of his troublesome left wrist.

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Cain returned from a seven-game absence Friday but said he could basically only swing one-handed and hasn’t played since. He told Fox Sports Kansas City on Saturday he was likely finished for the season, while Manager Ned Yost said Cain was day to day.

The two met in Yost’s office, then Cain had agreed to hold off on a decision. Yost said Cain will see a hand specialist this week in Kansas City.

“Like what Skip said, wait a week and see what happens,” Cain said. “I’ve got to get back to K.C. I’ve been rehabbing and trying to get my hand stronger. We were working last night as well with the trainers, doing exercises and getting stronger.”

CARDINALS: St. Louis activated shortstop Aledmys Diaz.

Diaz had been on the disabled list with a right thumb fracture.

Diaz finished his rehab assignment Saturday with Double-A Springfield, starting in Game 4 of the Texas League playoffs. He went 0 for 5 in a 10-inning loss to Northwest Arkansas. Diaz broke his right thumb July 31.

BRAVES: Atlanta placed catcher A.J. Pierzynski on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring.

Pierzynski, 39, wouldn’t say after Saturday night’s 10-inning victory against the Mets if he’s played his last game.

“I don’t know the answer to that question,” he said. “It’s been discussed, obviously, but I don’t know.”


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