Following a disastrous outing against the Yankees on April 18, reliever Grant Balfour was designated for assignment by the Rays. He was granted his release several days ago, as the Rays chose to eat his $7 million salary for the 2015 season.
Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, however, reports that the Rays have signed the 37-year-old Balfour again, this time to a minor league deal. He is expected to report to Triple-A Durham.
Balfour on re-signing with #Rays: “I want to be able to pitch back in the show with the Rays.”
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) May 1, 2015
More Balfour on rejoining #Rays “Yeah, mate, would like to pitch with Tampa (Bay). We will see how it goes.”
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) May 1, 2015
Over the last two seasons, Balfour’s fastball velocity declined precipitously, going from 93.4 MPH on average in 2013 to 91.6 MPH last season and 89.4 MPH in a handful of innings to begin the 2015 campaign. He finished with a 4.91 ERA and a 57/41 K/BB ratio in 62 1/3 innings last year.
