Grant Balfour
RP FA
Wed 5/27/15 11:20 AM1 Comment

Balfour was released by the Rays on Wednesday after opting out of his minor league contract, the Tampa Bay Times reports. Balfour posted a 2.79 ERA in eight appearances with Triple-A Durham after rejoining the Rays in early May, but it appears he was not optimistic about being called up anytime soon. Balfour is 37 years old and has not had much big league success since 2013, so his next step is uncertain.

Grant Balfour
RP FA
Fri 5/1/15 6:52 PM

Balfour re-signed with the Rays on a minor league deal, the Tampa Tribune's R. Mooney reports. He was released earlier in the week but he has hopes of pitching his way back to the big leagues. At 37 years old this could be Balfour's last dance as a professional baseball player. If he makes it back to the majors it is unlikely that he would occupy a high-leverage role.

Grant Balfour
RP FA
Wed 4/29/15 12:55 PM

Balfour was released by Tampa Bay, the Tampa Bay Times reports. Balfour was designated for assignment and cleared waivers. He's free to sign with any team now, but will likely need to spend time in the minors if another team takes a chance on the 37-year old.

Grant Balfour
RP FA
Sat 4/18/15 11:06 PM

Balfour was designated for assignment Saturday. Balfour has appeared in five games this season and pitched in 3.2 innings. Brandon Gomes will take his place with the Rays. Balfour has only allowed two hits and has yet to give up a run. Balfour has posted a .818 WHIP.

Grant Balfour
RP FA
Wed 3/25/15 4:58 PM

Balfour (personal) made his first appearance of the spring Monday, allowing one earned run on a home run but working a clean inning otherwise. Balfour returned home to Australia to attend to a family matter earlier in spring training. He's back with the club now, and should be good for the start of the regular season.

Grant Balfour
RP FA
Thu 3/19/15 10:44 AM

Balfour (personal) is expected to throw live batting practice Friday, Steve Carney of 620 WDAE reports. Balfour had been attending to a family matter in Australia, but should soon be resuming a regular spring schedule. He'll get in some work with live hitters this weekend, and if all goes well, he'll take the mound in a Grapefruit League game Monday. Balfour appears slated for middle relief duties in 2015 after a disappointing 2014 season.

Grant Balfour
RP FA
Wed 3/11/15 11:29 AM

Balfour (personal) is expected to return to the Rays on Sunday, the Tampa Tribune's R. Mooney reports. He was in Australia attending to his ailing father, but remains on track to be ready for the start of the season. Look for Balfour to get some looks in the mid-to-late innings, but it would be a surprise to see him accumulate many saves.

Grant Balfour
RP FA
Wed 2/25/15 9:18 AM

Balfour left the Rays' spring camp Wednesday to attend to his ailing father in Australia, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Balfour's father has been battling cancer, so look for the team to give the pitcher as much time as he needs to be with his family. Once he returns to spring training, he'll slot back into the competition for the closer's role, which also includes Brad Boxberger, Ernesto Frieri, and Kevin Jepsen. Given that Balfour's poor performance cost him the ninth-inning gig last season, it's difficult to imagine him reclaiming those duties unless he shows a dramatic improvement with his command, which betrayed him far too often in 2014.

Grant Balfour
RP FA
Sat 2/7/15 12:18 PM

Balfour has been throwing and working out with teammates prior to spring training, the Rays' official site reports. "I go into every offseason thinking I'm going to have a good year," Balfour said. "Last year wasn't what we wanted as a team. And personally ... wasn't what I wanted. But it's 2015 now. We've turned the page. [There have been] a lot of changes here, and we're excited about it all." Balfour pitched well in September after struggling for most of 2014, closing out the final month with a 2.89 ERA in 11 appearances. While Jake McGee is expected to miss the start of the season while recovering from elbow surgery, it's expected that Brad Boxberger will temporarily hold the closer role for the Rays.

Grant Balfour
RP FA
Mon 9/1/14 5:35 PM

Balfour earned the win Monday against he Red Sox, pitching a shutout 10th inning. Balfour allowed a hit in the inning, but nothing would come of it. The veteran's return to Tampa Bay this season hasn't gone too well, as Balfour has posted an unsightly 5.17 ERA this season. Things were no better in August, when he posted an even worse 5.93 ERA.