The A's announced (via Twitter) that they have released left-hander Jordan Norberto to create a 40-man roster spot for Daric Barton. Barton is returning to the A's to take the 25-man roster spot of the injured Josh Reddick.
Norberto, 26, is currently on the minor league disabled list with an elbow strain that will not require surgery, as noted by the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser back in April. He was an important member of manager Bob Melvin's bullpen last season, firing 52 innings of 2.77 ERA ball with an 8.0 K/9, 3.8 BB/9 and 45.7 percent ground-ball rate.
Norberto appeared in just three minor league games this season. He totaled 1 1/3 innings and allowed six runs on five hits and seven walks, so clearly the injury hampered him significantly.