Reliever Grant Balfour returns to Tampa Bay Rays

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays crossed another potential arbitration case off their list Sunday, agreeing to a one-year deal with reliever Grant Balfour for $2.05 million.

Balfour made $1.4 million last season, going 5-4, 4.81 in 73 appearances.

Over the last week, the Rays have committed $11.2 million to their bullpen in signing Rafael Soriano, Lance Cormier, Randy Choate and Balfour, with Dan Wheeler under contract for $3.5 million and J.P. Howell eligible for arbitration.

That gives them a solid six, with a slot for a long man, but they are open to adding another arm. Expect them to check into some nontendered relievers such as Matt Capps and Mike MacDougal, and to explore other options.

With Balfour signed, five Rays remain eligible for arbitration heading to the January filing and exchange of figures: Jason Bartlett, Matt Garza, Howell, Kelly Shoppach and B.J. Upton.

Blue Jays: Former Ray Joey Gathright signed a minor-league contract, and utility player Jose Bautista ($2.4 million) and right-hander Dustin McGowan ($500,000) agreed to one-year deals. McGowan missed 2009 after right shoulder surgery.

Indians: Right-handers Anthony Reyes and Adam Miller signed minor-league contracts.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.