A's release reliever Rodney; Martini optioned

OAKLAND -- The A’s released right-handed pitcher Fernando Rodney, the club announced today. The A’s also reinstated outfielder Nick Martini from the injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Rodney was 0-2 with a 9.42 ERA and .345 opponents batting average in 17 relief appearances with Oakland when he was designated for assignment on Saturday. This is his 17th season in the Majors and he is 48-68 with 325 saves and a 3.79 ERA in 913 career appearances. The saves rank 18th in Major League history and the games pitched are 23rd. The 42-year-old right-hander was the oldest active player in the Majors.

Martini began the season on the injured list with a sprained right knee. He was sent to Las Vegas on a rehab assignment May 8 and hit .302 with no extra-base hits and 10 RBIs in 12 games. Martini also walked seven times for a .392 on-base percentage. He started seven games in left field and five at designated hitter.