In a surprising move, the Pittsburgh Pirates parted ways with first baseman Rowdy Tellez and outfielder Michael A. Taylor on Tuesday, just six games shy of the season’s end. The team also promoted infielder Liover Peguero and outfielder Josh Palacios from Triple-A Indianapolis.
Tellez, a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, was just four plate appearances short of triggering a $200,000 bonus. However, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington insisted that the bonus had no bearing on the decision to release him. Cherington praised Tellez’s perseverance, saying he “fought through some difficult times earlier in the year and fought his way out of it.”
The Pirates’ GM acknowledged that the move was a tough one, but necessary for the team’s future. With the season all but over, Cherington emphasized the need to assess the roster and make adjustments for the years to come. “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,” he explained.
Taylor, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason, struggled at the plate, hitting just.193 with five home runs and 21 RBIs in 113 games. His playing time had decreased in recent weeks, particularly after the team shifted shortstop Oneil Cruz to center field.
The promoted players, Peguero and Palacios, bring a spark of excitement to the Pirates’ lineup. Peguero, 23, led the team’s minor league system in hits, RBIs, and doubles, while Palacios hit.230 with two homers and seven RBIs in 20 games with Pittsburgh earlier this season.
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