Rangers Call Up Veteran Slugger to Fill Void at First, Banking on Power Bat to Boost Lineup After Injury Setback
The Texas Rangers are set to promote veteran first baseman/designated hitter Rowdy Tellez to the major league roster to begin the second half of the season, per a report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Tellez will take the roster spot vacated by an injured first baseman who landed on the IL with a left quad strain. With a vacancy on the 40-man roster, Texas can add Tellez without needing a corresponding move.
Tellez, 30, began the year with division rival Seattle but was released after struggling to get on base and contributing below-average defense. Since signing a minor league deal with Texas on July 5, he’s flashed power again, going 5-for-15 with two home runs in Triple-A Round Rock. Though he brings pop from the left side—posting 11 homers in 185 plate appearances for the Mariners—his .208/.249/.434 slash line and pronounced platoon splits suggest he’ll need a right-handed complement. Ezequiel Duran, Justin Foscue, or Blaine Crim could fill that role from the right side.
Tellez brings experience and power potential, with eight MLB seasons under his belt and a career .232/.299/.436 line. His best year came in 2022 with Milwaukee, where he launched 35 homers. However, he’s struggled since, hitting just .226 with a .286 OBP over his last 957 plate appearances. Still, with the Rangers looking for offensive sparks and depth at first base, Tellez offers a familiar veteran swing and a chance to rekindle his home run threat in Arlington.
