ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Devil Rays made their final roster cuts on Saturday, trimming their ranks to 25.

Prior to the game, outfielder Dee Brown was released and infielder Luis Ordaz was reassigned to minor-league camp.

After the game, the Rays designated left-handed pitcher Bobby Seay for assignment; placed catcher Kevin Cash on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 26 with right shoulder tendinitis; placed right-handed pitcher Franklin Nunez on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 25 with right shoulder tendinitis; placed outfielder Rocco Baldelli on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 25 after surgery to repair a torn ACL.

Outfielders Alex Sanchez and Chris Singleton were added to the roster.

The 25-man roster is subject to change on Monday when the Devil Rays plan to sign a catcher -- veteran Charles Johnson is the likely choice -- which would push Michael Restovich to waivers. Here's what it looks like as of Saturday.

Pitchers: Danys Baez, Rob Bell, Dewon Brazelton, Lance Carter, Jesus Colome, Casey Fossum, Travis Harper, Mark Hendrickson, Scott Kazmir, Seth McClung, Trever Miller and Hideo Nomo.

Catchers: Toby Hall

Infielders: Jorge Cantu, Nick Green, Alex Gonzalez, Travis Lee, Julio Lugo, Eduardo Perez and Josh Phelps.

Outfielders: Carl Crawford, Aubrey Huff, Michael Restovich, Alex Sanchez and Chris Singleton.

Disabled list: Rocco Baldelli, Kevin Cash and Franklin Nunez.

Throw strikes: Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella continues to chirp about the young staff's ability to throw strikes throughout Spring Training.

"Now we've got to continue to throw strikes, keep the ball around the strike zone," Piniella said. "We're not a big strikeout pitching staff so we've got to get the other team to hit the ball. Defense is going to be one of our strengths."

Throwing strikes sounds like a simple task.

"[But] sometimes guys try to get too perfect [with their pitches]," Piniella said. "The main thing is to just stay out of [the hitter's] power zone and let our guys go and get it."

Injury updates: Infielder Nick Green and outfielder Alex Sanchez are nursing minor leg problems, but according to Piniella, both "are OK" and will be ready to play Monday against the Toronto Blue Jays on Opening Day.

Sanchez hit a ball to the gap in left-center field in the first inning of the Devil Rays' game against the Nationals on Friday. With Sanchez's speed, it looked like a sure triple, but when he rounded first he had to downshift into second base after feeling a twinge in his left hamstring.

"Feels good," Sanchez said. "Just got a little scare. I'll be ready Monday."

Green has a sore left groin that began hurting Wednesday, the day before the Braves traded him to the Devil Rays.

"I could play today," Green said. "I can still feel it a little bit. Not when I hit but when I make quick movements."

Phelps ready: DH/1B Josh Phelps is hot at the right time, hitting home runs in three consecutive games this past week to give him a team-leading five for the spring.

Phelps said the home runs are nice, but he's more pleased with the quality of his at-bats, which comes from being selective about the pitches he swings at and being mechanically sound when he swings.

"[It's important] to stay with an approach," Phelps said. "Go up [to the plate] and execute."

Promotional schedule: A tribute to Hall of Fame inductee Wade Boggs will highlight the Devil Rays' 2005 promotional schedule.
On Saturday, July 23, Boggs will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to a game against the Baltimore Orioles. The first 7,500 fans will receive a Boggs Hall of Fame action figurine and the first 5,000 fans will receive a commemorative Boggs Hall of Fame poster. The following day, all kids 14 and under will receive a Boggs Hall of Fame Wiffle ball bat, courtesy of Tropicana Pure Premium.
Other promotions of note include:

  • June 17 vs. the St. Louis Cardinals the first 5,000 fans 21 and older will be given green Devil Rays visors; courtesy of Budweiser.
  • June 26 vs. the Florida Marlins, the first 5,000 fans 14 and under will receive a Devil Rays team autographed bat, courtesy of Tropicana.
  • Aug. 20 the Rays will host a Christian concert presented by "Somebody Cares Tampa Bay" featuring Christian performing artist Steven Curtis Chapman.
    The Devil Rays will also offer a number of discounted ticket promotions during the season. They are:
  • Two-for Tuesdays -- The Buy One Get One Free Outfield Tickets deal remains the same, but this year the Rays will have added a voucher for a Checkers Value Meal (up to $5). The offer is valid for every Tuesday home game, with a coupon found in the Tampa Tribune.
  • College Night -- Located in the Beach ($3 beach seats and $1 drafts with a valid college ID).
  • Family Value Pack -- Get four outfield tickets, two Devil Rays caps, a voucher for two large Papa John's pizzas for $49 (a $118 value). This offer is valid for select Saturday home games with a coupon found in the Tampa Tribune.
  • Family Fundays -- With a coupon found in the St. Petersburg Times and $12, fans can buy an outfield ticket, a hot dog, a Pepsi and a snack for any Sunday game (up to a $27 value).
  • Youth Baseball Day -- Special Devil Rays green youth hats to the first 5,000 kids under the age of 14, courtesy of New Era.
  • Senior Days -- For all weekday games starting before 5 p.m., seniors get an outfield seat, a Pepsi, a hot dog and a snack for $12, presented by St. Anthony's Healthcare.
  • Military Discounts -- On any date, outfield seats are half-priced with valid military ID.

    Coming up: The Devil Rays will work out Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Tropicana Field. The Toronto Blue Jays will conduct their workout at 4 p.m. Neither workout will be open to the public.