Pirates release veterans to make room for candidates | News, Sports, Jobs

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday released first baseman Rowdy Tellez and infielder Michael A. Taylor and promoted infielder Liover Peguero and infielder Josh Palacios from Triple-A Indianapolis.

The changes came with six games remaining in the season, when Pittsburgh was eliminated from playoff contention.

Tellez rebounded from a slow start to hit .243 with 13 home runs and 56 RBI in 131 games. The Pirates signed Tellez to a one-year contract in the offseason.

Tellez fell four plate appearances short of receiving a $200,000 bonus Tuesday, though Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said the bonus had “no impact” on the decision to cut ties with the 29-year-old, who has become a fan favorite in Pittsburgh during a summer surge.

“We feel like we’ve given Rowdy a lot of opportunities this year,” Cherington told reporters before Pittsburgh hosted Milwaukee on Tuesday night. “The thing about him is that he’s fought through some tough spots earlier in the year and fought his way out of them. He’s had his moments of success and his moments of frustration. That’s where we’ve come this season.”

Taylor, like Tellez, who signed a one-year contract, has posted just a .193 average with five home runs, 21 RBIs and 12 stolen bases in 113 games. His playing time has decreased in recent weeks after the Pirates moved shortstop Oneil Cruz to center field.

Peguero, 23, led the Pirates in minor league hits (127), RBIs (79) and doubles (29) and was second in extra-base hits (46).

Earlier this season, Palacios had a .230 average, a pair of homeruns and seven RBIs in 20 games for Pittsburgh.