Norton Traded To Braves

Surprised after being designated for assignment, Greg Norton is traded by the Mariners to the Atlanta Braves.

The Mariners today traded infielder Greg Norton to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash or a player to be named later. In limited action with the M's, Norton batted 7-for-16 (.438) with 4 RBI. He was the offensive catalyst in an April 26 victory over Oakland, in which he was 3-for-4 with 3 RBI. Norton was designated for assignment on April 30 when the Mariners called up prospects Jeff Clement and Wladimir Balentien from AAA Tacoma. Norton will likely fill the role of pinch hitter and spot starter with the Braves.