Lawrence Butler’s Surgery Might Just Make Him Stronger

     Lawrence Butler spent much of the 2025 season pushing through pain in his right knee, but few outside the Sacramento Athletics clubhouse knew just how serious it had become. On October 3, the team announced that their 25-year-old outfielder underwent surgery to repair a partial tear in his right patellar tendon and remove chronic scar tissue. The operation, performed by Dr. Mike Banffy at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Center in Los Angeles, was successful, and Butler is expected to return by spring training. He also received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his left knee to treat ongoing tendonitis, a procedure designed to strengthen tissue recovery. Playing through discomfort all year, Butler’s injury likely played a significant role in his streaky offensive performance during the second half of the season.

For a player so vital to the franchise’s rebuild, this setback feels more like a turning point than a derailment. Butler, who signed a seven-year, $65.5 million contract in March 2025, represents the future of Sacramento’s baseball identity. Through two full seasons in the majors, he has compiled a .242 batting average with 47 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 40 stolen bases. Even while battling pain in 2025, Butler appeared in 152 games, batting .234 with 21 home runs, 63 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases, a testament to both durability and determination. His slight decline at the plate now makes more sense, revealing not inconsistency but perseverance under physical strain.

The Athletics expect Butler to spend the offseason rehabbing with the goal of being fully healthy for spring training. Still, recovery from tendon surgery is unpredictable, and patience will be critical. His absence would reshape Sacramento’s outfield depth chart, possibly having to influence front-office decisions heading into 2026. Internal options like Denzel Clarke, Tyler Soderstrom, Colby Thomas, Carlos Cortes, and JJ Bleday give the A’s room to maneuver, but none provide Butler’s unique blend of speed, power, and energy. The franchise has worked to stabilize its roster since its move to Sacramento, and Butler’s recovery will likely determine how aggressive they are in offseason acquisitions.

While medical updates dominate headlines, Butler’s off-field impact continues to shine. This year, he was the Athletics nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, recognizing his leadership and community outreach. His calm confidence and grounded nature have made him one of the most respected voices in Sacramento’s clubhouse, a young player who carries himself like a veteran.

The timing of the procedure, conducted immediately after the season, gives Butler a real chance to return at full strength by spring. History shows that players who undergo patellar tendon surgery can make complete recoveries if managed carefully, especially those with Butler’s youth and athleticism. The A’s medical staff has built a tailored program focusing on controlled strengthening and gradual movement restoration, designed to prevent re-injury.

If all goes well, 2026 could be the season Butler reclaims his momentum and solidifies his role as the centerpiece of the Athletics new era. If not, it could force the front office to rethink its timeline for contention as the franchise settles on it's way into its new city. Either way, Butler’s surgery is more than just a medical update, it is a story of resilience, leadership, and the kind of grit that defines a player determined to turn a setback into the start of something greater.