Rays manager Joe Maddon announced on this afternoon’s pre-game show (on WDAE), that Grant Balfour has been relieved of his closing duties. The Rays will opt for a closer by committee type of scenario — at least for the time being. Maddon didn’t specifically mention who may spend the most time in that key position, though he did hint that Jake McGee could see more time in the ninth.
For Balfour, this isn’t the first time he has been relieved of the closer role. He lost his closing duties in Oakland, yet returned to form over the last two years. The A’s traded for the Baltimore closer Jim Johnson, allowing Balfour to depart in free agency. Per DRaysBay, as of this morning, both relievers have allowed 17 earned runs over 23-2/3 IP.