Pirates cut Rowdy Tellez, insist pending bonus wasn't reason

(Photo credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
The Pittsburgh Pirates designated first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment on Tuesday, a move that saved the team $200,000 in a performance bonus he just missed reaching.

Tellez was due the bonus if he received 425 plate appearances this season, and he had 421.

The Pirates, already eliminatedfrom postseason contention, started the day with six games remaining in their season.