Rays Notes: Balfour move had to be made, Cash says

Rays

ST. PETERSBURG — Grant Balfour literally pitched himself off the Rays roster on Saturday night.

Manager Kevin Cash said Sunday the decision to designate the veteran reliever for assignment was largely the result of the 33 pitches Balfour threw during a 9-0 loss to the Yankees.

“It was a very difficult decision with Grant, just because of what he’s meant to the organization and the way he’s pitched here in a lot of big games, big moments,’’ Cash said.

“But it was kind of out of need for our team going forward. We were getting a little short. We need innings, so that was kind of the deciding factor.’’

Balfour’s effectiveness, or lack thereof, no doubt played a role in the decision as well. He…