Jordan Norberto had a 2.77 ERA and 46/22 K/BB ratio in 52 innings out of Oakland’s bullpen last season, but he failed to crack the Opening Day roster this year and today the A’s released him.
The move cleared room on the 40-man roster for first baseman Daric Barton, who’s rejoining the A’s after previously being designated for assignment and passing through waivers unclaimed last week. He’s getting another opportunity because of injuries to Coco Crisp, Chris Young, and Josh Reddick.
Releasing a 26-year-old reliever with just one season of service time coming off a very useful year is unusual, but Norberto has been limited to just three appearances in the minors because of elbow problems and the A’s clearly think they have plenty of bullpen depth.
