For the second time this season the Tampa Bay Rays have released relief pitcher Grant Balfour.
The 37-year-old Balfour asked for and was given his release from Triple-A Durham on Wednesday. Balfour was released by the Rays in April after allowing three runs in 4 1/3 innings of work despite the team still owing him $7 million.
Balfour opted to return to the Rays almost two weeks later on a minor league deal but it became increasingly clear that he was not in the teams plans going forward. Though 9 2/3 innings at Durham he struck out 11 while posting a 2.79 ERA.
If Balfour wants to try to latch on elsewhere he will likely have a few suitors however a run in the minors is to be expected.
It is safe to say the Baltimore Orioles are glad they pulled that two-year deal for Balfour back in the winter of 2013.
