Nick Punto is free to sign with any team. (Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports)
The Oakland Athletics released veteran utility infielder Nick Punto on Friday to clear to roster space.
The A’s acquired pitchers Jesse Hahn and A.J. Alvarez on Thursday in exchange for Derek Morris, giving them 41 players on the 40-man roster.
By letting the 36-year-old Punto go, the A’s will be responsible for his $2.75 million salary in 2015.
Punto played in 73 games last year for the A’s and batted .207 with two home runs and 14 RBIs. His is a career .245 hitter in 14 major league seasons.
Outfielder Shane Peterson, who was designated for assignment last week by the A’s, was claimed by the Chicago Cubs.
