OAKLAND -- Battling back issues that landed him on the injured list in April, Marco Estrada was released by the A¡¯s on Tuesday. The right-hander had pitched in five Minor League games in an effort to return, but the pain in his back was limiting his effectiveness.

¡°After every start, he really struggled,¡± A's manager Bob Melvin said. ¡°I knew it was going to be a stretch to get him stretched out to start again. He¡¯s not a reliever, and he had issues from late April on. This is the position we had to be in because we need roster spots. We wish him the best. He¡¯s a great guy. I really enjoyed my time with him.¡±

Estrada began the season as the A¡¯s No. 2 starter, going 0-2 with a 6.85 ERA over five starts.