Rays DFA Balfour after rocky outing
Gomes recalled to replace veteran reliever in Tampa Bay's bullpen
ST. PETERSBURG -- Grant Balfour struggled mightily in Saturday's 9-0 loss to the Yankees, with the veteran reliever surrendering a grand slam to Chris Young, issuing three walks, hitting a batter and throwing a wild pitch.
Immediately following the game, the Rays designated Balfour for assignment and filled the roster spot by selecting right-hander Brandon Gomes from Triple-A Durham.
Balfour, who had pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings for the Rays prior to Saturday night's outing, was in the second year of a two-year, $12 million contract. The 37-year-old signed with the Rays as a free agent prior to the 2014 season.
Gomes, 30, has pitched for the Rays over parts of the past four seasons, all in relief, compiling a 9-6 record and a 4.17 ERA over 108 innings. Gomes' most productive season came in 2011, when he pitched 37 innings in 40 games -- both career highs -- with a 2-1 record and a 2.92 ERA.