PITTSBURGH — First baseman Rowdy Tellez, who was four plate appearances into his $200,000 bonus, was released by the Pittsburgh Pirates before Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Pirates also released outfielder Michael A. Taylor and promoted infielder Liover Peguero and outfielder Josh Palacios from Triple-A Indianapolis. The moves came with just six games left in the season and Pittsburgh eliminated from playoff contention.
The Pirates, who had signed Tellez to a one-year contract in the offseason, would have owed Tellez the performance bonus if he had reached 425 plate appearances this season; he began the day with 421.
Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said the bonus had “no impact” on the decision to cut ties with Tellez, who had become a fan favorite in Pittsburgh during the summer surge.
“We felt like we gave Rowdy a lot of opportunities this year,” Cherington told reporters before Pittsburgh hosted Milwaukee on Tuesday night. “To his credit, he overcame some tough times early in the year and fought his way out of them. He had periods of success and periods of frustration. That's just what we've accomplished this season.”
Taylor, who also had signed a one-year contract, hit just .193 with five homers, 21 RBIs and 12 stolen bases in 113 games. His playing time has diminished in recent weeks after the Pirates moved shortstop Oneil Cruz to center field.
Peguero, 23, led all Pirates minor leaguers in hits (127), RBIs (79) and doubles (29) and tied for second in extra-base hits (46).
Palacios hit .230 with a pair of homers and seven RBIs in 20 games with Pittsburgh earlier this season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
