ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -Right-hander Grant Balfour was designated for assignment and fellow relievers Kurt Birkins and Chad Orvella were placed on the 15-day disabled list when the Tampa Bay Rays made their final cuts of spring training on Saturday.
The Rays also purchased the contract of infielder Eric Hinske from Triple-A Durham and said he will start Monday’s season opener at Baltimore in right field.
Catcher Josh Paul was released. Infielder Joel Guzman was optioned to Durham; right-handed reliever Juan Salas was optioned to Class-A Hudson Valley, and right-hander Scott Munter, infielders Andy Cannizaro and Chris Richard, outfielders John Rodriguez and Jon Weber and catcher Mike DiFelice were reassigned to minor league camp.
Left-hander Birkins (left elbow neuritis) and right-hander Orvella (right shoulder tendinitis) were placed on the DL retroactive to March 21.
Following the Rays’ 8-4 exhibition loss to the Cincinnati Reds, manager Joe Maddon revealed his lineup for the season opener.
Second baseman Akinori Iwamura will bat leadoff, followed by left fielder Carl Crawford, first baseman Carlos Pena, center fielder B.J. Upton, designated hitter Cliff Floyd, third baseman Willy Aybar, right fielder Hinske, catcher Dioner Navarro and shortstop Jason Bartlett.
Right-hander James Shields will be the pitcher.
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