Free-agent reliever Balfour may file grievance against O's

After his deal was nullified by the Orioles, Grant Balfour may seek a grievance against the team.

By Steph Bee Dec 20, 2013, 6:12pm EST

The Grant Balfour saga added a couple more twists Friday, as Ken Rosenthal reports the righty will discuss whether he should file a grievance against the Baltimore Orioles with the MLB Players Association.

Both Balfour's agent and several physicians are surprised by the O's decision to nullify their deal with Balfour. Balfour's agent, Sam Levinson, released a statement, asserting that his client is healthy, citing physical exam reviews by Dr. Koco Eaton, the Rays' team physician, and Dr. Tim Kremchek, the Reds' team physician. Drs. Eaton and Kremchek told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that there were "no red flags" in Balfour's medicals.

More: Deal hits snag O's won't sign Balfour Camden Chat

Levinson went on to say that the only reason the O's did not sign his client was a last-minute change of heart. Eaton agreed, saying the deal was a "no-brainer" for the Orioles.

Kremcheck, who performed Balfour's shoulder surgery, said he was "pleasantly surprised" with the lack of changes in Balfour's shoulder, while Eaton said he had a "reasonable degree of medical certainty" that there would be no issues with the shoulder going forward.

In the meantime, the Orioles have moved on in their search for a closer. Fernando Rodney, the former Rays closer, is said to be high on their list of targets.