A's part ways with Punto

Dec 19, 2014 - 8:43 PM Oakland, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Oakland Athletics released veteran infielder Nick Punto on Friday in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.

The A's needed to make room on the 40-man for pitchers Jesse Hahn and R.J. Alvarez, both of whom were acquired from the San Diego Padres Thursday in exchange for All-Star catcher Derek Norris.

Punto signed a one-year contract with Oakland last offseason that included a 2015 option that vested due to time spent on the active roster. The 37-year- old journeyman hit a career-low .207 in 73 games, however, with two home runs and 14 RBI.

The 14-year major leaguer owns a .245 average over 1,163 career games with Philadelphia, Minnesota, St. Louis, Boston, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland.