Ron Cey Is Given His Release by Athletics

Former Dodger Ron Cey, the 39-year-old third baseman with 316 home runs and 1,139 runs batted in during his major league career, was released Wednesday by the Oakland Athletics.

Cey’s roster spot was filled by former major league outfielder Steve Henderson, who was recalled from Tacoma of the Pacific Coast League.

Earlier in the day, the A’s acquired second baseman Tony Bernazard from the Cleveland Indians for two minor leaguers. To make room for Bernazard, the A’s sent infielder Walter Weiss to Tacoma.

Used mostly as a designated hitter by the A’s, Cey had a .221 average, 4 homers and 11 RBIs in 104 at-bats this season, his first in the American League. He was traded by the Chicago Cubs to the A’s Jan. 30.

An A’s spokesman said Cey was released because of a clause in the deal with the Cubs. Oakland would have had to pay a more substantial sum of Cey’s contract if the A’s kept him for the second half of the season.

Bernazard, 30, is expected to take over as the A’s starting second baseman, replacing Tony Phillips, who suffered a broken arm in a batting practice accident last week. Bernazard hit .301 with the Indians last season but is batting only .239 this season.