The Pittsburgh Pirates released first baseman and outfielder on Wednesday, promoting infielder Liover Peguero and outfielder Josh Palacios from Triple-A Indianapolis.
These roster changes come with only six games remaining in the season, as Pittsburgh is out of the playoff race.
Tellez rebounded from a sluggish beginning to finish the season with a .243 batting average, 13 home runs, and 56 RBIs over 131 games. The Pirates had signed him to a one-year contract in the offseason.
Before Tuesday’s game, Tellez was just four plate appearances shy of securing a $ 200,000 bonus. However, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington emphasized that the bonus played a “zero factor” in the decision to release the 29-year-old, who had gained popularity among fans due to a solid summer performance.
“We feel like we gave Rowdy lots of opportunity here this year,” Cherington told reporters before Pittsburgh faced Milwaukee on Tuesday night.
“To his credit, he fought through some difficult times earlier in the year and fought his way out of it. Had periods of success and periods of frustration. This is just where we got to in the season.”
Taylor, who also signed a one-year deal, faced challenges this season with a .193 batting average, five home runs, 21 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases over 113 games. His playing time diminished recently after the Pirates shifted shortstop Oneil Cruz to center field.
Peguero, age 23, topped all Pirates minor leaguers with 127 hits, 79 RBIs, and 29 doubles, while also tying for second in extra-base hits with 46.
Palacios recorded a .230 batting average with two home runs and seven RBIs in 20 games with Pittsburgh earlier this season.
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