Billy Butler signs with Yankees, then bats fifth vs. Red Sox

BOSTON --Billy Butlermade his debut for the New York Yankees on Thursday night, collecting two RBIs in the team's 7-5 loss to the Boston Red Soxat Fenway Park.

Butler, signed earlier in the day, batted fifth and went 1-for-3.

The 30-year-old Butler was released by the Oakland Athletics on Sunday. He had one full season remaining on his $30 million, three-year contract.

Butler hit .276 with four home runs and 31 RBIs in 85 games for the A's. Last month, he was put on the concussion disabled list after a clubhouse skirmish with teammate Danny Valencia.

An All-Star in 2012 with Kansas City, the righty-hitting Butler could see a lot of action in the coming week.

After facing left-handed starters in only eight of their previous 41 games, the Yankees were set to oppose five lefties in six games, starting Thursday night against Eduardo Rodriguez.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.