The Tampa Bay Rays, who will open their season Tuesday night against the Orioles, trimmed their roster to the 25-man limit by placing relief pitcher J.P. Howell on the 15-day disabled list (left shoulder strain) and reassigning pitcher Joaquin Benoit and infielder Hank Blalock to the minor leagues. Blalock, a former Texas Ranger, signed a minor league deal last month; the deal included a clause allowing him to try to sign with other teams if he was not going to be part of the roster coming out of spring training.

Nationals: Washington placed four players on the disabled list, including right-hander Chien-Ming Wang. Joining him on the 60-day DL were left-hander Ross Detwiler and catcher Jesus Flores, while catcher Chris Coste was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

Orioles: The club added WOSC 95.9 FM in Bethany Beach, Del., to its radio network.

- From Sun staff and news services