Joey Butler

On February 10, 2017, Butler signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals. He elected free agency on November 6, 2017.

On January 10, 2015 Butler signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. He hit his first MLB home run, May 4 against the Boston Red Sox.

Butler was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Indians on December 7, 2015. After failing to make the 25-man roster out of spring training, Butler was optioned to the AAA Columbus Clippers. Butler was designated for assignment on July 31, 2016 to make room on the 40-man roster for Andrew Miller.

He made his Cardinals' debut on May 10, 2014, after getting called up on May 9. He struck out, pinch-hitting in the seventh inning at Pittsburgh.

He was given his outright release by the Cardinals, and his contract purchased by the Orix Buffaloes of the Nippon Professional Baseball League of Japan on May 23, 2014. In 21 games as a right fielder for the Buffaloes, Butler hit .231 with two home runs and six RBIs.

The Rangers called Butler up to the majors for the first time on August 5, 2013. Butler was optioned back to the Triple-A Round Rock Express on August 10 to make room for Alex Ríos. He was recalled on September 3 when major league rosters expanded, and designated for assignment on September 30.

He was claimed off waivers by the St. Louis Cardinals on October 3, 2013.

Butler was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 15th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft, as a right fielder. Despite hitting exceptionally well in college, scouts were concerned with Butler's defensive abilities.

Joseph Frank Butler (born March 12, 1986) is an American former professional baseball designated hitter and left fielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Tampa Bay Rays, and St. Louis Cardinals, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Orix Buffaloes.