For James Loney, it’s time to move on.
Loney, the Rays’ first baseman for the past three seasons, has been told he will not be on the team’s opening-day roster, leaving Tampa Bay on the hook for his $8-million salary. He was told Wednesday he will be released or traded.
Loney hit .291 in his time with the Rays, and he was the star of the international victory over Cuba. But it figured to be difficult for Loney after the team acquired Steve Pearce and Logan Morrison to share first and Corey Dickerson to be the designated hitter in the off-season.
“This team is great,” Loney said. “I wish them the best. The guys are great. Loved my time here, loved the organization. At the end of the day, you want to play in the big leagues.”
The Rays also released catcher Rene Rivera and pitcher David Carpenter.