The Pittsburgh Pirates released first baseman Rowdy Tellez and promoted infielder Liover Peguero from triple-A Indianapolis.
The move comes with just six games left in the season and Pittsburgh eliminated from playoff contention.
Tellez, who signed a one-year, $3.2-million US deal last off-season, recovered from a slow start to hit .243 in 131 games with 13 home runs and 56 runs batted in.
The former Toronto Blue Jays first baseman/designated hitter entered Tuesday four plate appearances shy of a $200,000 bonus, though Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said the bonus had “zero factor” in the decision to cut ties with the 29-year-old, who had become a fan favourite in Pittsburgh during a summer surge.
“We feel like we gave Rowdy lots of opportunity here this year,” Cherington told reporters before Pittsburgh hosted 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.”
Tellez’s deal with Pittsburgh included several incentives triggered by plate appearances, a potential all-star selection and post-season awards.
Cherington noted cutting players is a difficult part of the business, but he doesn’t anticipate any issues within the team because of the timing of Tellez’s release.
“Guys understand where we are,” Cherington said. “In the old days of expanded rosters, we probably wouldn’t be sitting here having this conversation. But there are 28 spots, and 14 are going to go to position players.
“We feel like we have to get the 14 guys on the team, wherever we can, who have the best chance to contribute past this year. I think our players understand that.
“Doesn’t mean it’s easy,” Cherington continued. “Players have relationships. I think you can be appreciative of who those guys are and respectful and be a good teammate to them … and understand that this is a part of the game. It does happen. It’s one of those things where I think two things can be true at the same time.”
Tellez has hit .234 with 105 home runs and 319 RBI over seven seasons with the Blue Jays (2018-21), Milwaukee (2021-23) and Pittsburgh, spanning 664 games.
The 23-year-old Peguero led all Pirates minor leaguers in hits (127), RBI (79) and doubles (29) and tied for second in extra-base hits (46).
