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.