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Baseball-Major League Baseball roundup

April 3 (The Sports Xchange) - The Tampa Bay Rays officially released veteran first baseman James Loney shortly before Sunday's season-opening contest against the Toronto Blue Jays. Unable to work out a trade, the Rays released Loney as their final move to set a 25-man roster, meaning the Rays will pay him $8 million not to play for them this season. It's a tough hit for a low-budget team, but the Rays want to go with a platoon of newcomers Logan Morrison (who started Sunday's opener) and Steve Pearce. - - - Miami Marlins left-handed reliever Mike Dunn was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a strained left forearm. Dunn underwent an MRI exam and no significant damage was uncovered. The move was made retroactive to March 25. - - - The St. Louis Cardinals placed five more players on the disabled list to start the season. Right-hander Lance Lynn (Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery) was placed on the 60-day disabled list, while right-hander Mitch Harris (sore right arm), right-hander Jordan Walden (right shoulder strain), shortstop Miguel Tejada (right quadriceps strain) and shortstop Jhonny Peralta (torn left thumb ligament) were placed on the 15-day DL. All the moves were retroactive to March 29. On Saturday, the Cardinals announced backup catcher Brayan Pena was placed on the 15-day disabled list and will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Right-hander Jayson Aquino was designated for assignment. - - - The Cincinnati Reds placed six players on the disabled list and optioned four others to Triple-A Louisville to reach the 25-man roster limit. Right-handed pitchers Anthony DeSclafani (oblique), Michael Lorenzen (elbow) and Jon Moscot (ribcage) and left-handed pitcher John Lamb (back) were all placed on the 15-day disabled list. Joining them were outfielder Yorman Rodriguez (hamstring) and catcher Kyle Shipworth (ankle). Sent to Louisville were catcher Ramon Cabrera, infielder Jose Peraza, and right-handed pitchers Dayan Diaz and Tim Melville. Outfielder Jake Cave was designated for assignment. Cincinnati selected the contracts of outfielder Tyler Holt and catcher/infielder Jordan Pacheco to fill out the 25-man roster. The Reds are expected to put injured right-hander Homer Bailey (elbow) on the 60-day disabled list prior to Monday's season opener. (Editing by Andrew Both)