Tellez joins Blue Jays in latest wave of September call-ups

Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins explains to Baseball Central how and why his club is trying a brand new approach and philosophy to the expanded September call-ups roster.

Five years after being drafted in the 30th round, Rowdy Tellez joined the Toronto Blue Jays‘ big-league roster for the first time Tuesday.

The left-handed hitting first baseman was one of four players added to the Blue Jays’ active roster, joining outfielders Jonathan Davis and Dwight Smith Jr., and infielder Richard Urena. Pitcher Mike Hauschild was designated for assignment.

Tellez generated plenty of excitement early in 2017, first by impressing in big-league spring training and then by homering twice in his first game at triple-A. He struggled from that point on, and finished with just six home runs and a .628 OPS.

The 23-year-old’s 2018 season was much better, as he finished with 13 home runs with a .270/.340/.425 batting line in 112 games at triple-A Buffalo this year.

While the Blue Jays won’t have much playing time for some of their call-ups, they’re hopeful that the experience at the MLB level will prepare them for success in future seasons.

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