Veteran first baseman Rowdy Tellez is on the verge of joining the Texas Rangers following a Thursday workout at Globe Life Field. With the second half of the season set to begin, the club is expected to officially add Tellez to the active roster ahead of Friday night’s series opener against the Detroit Tigers, according to Jon Heyman of the NY Post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Tellez signed a minor league contract with Texas on July 5th, just a week after being released by the Seattle Mariners. The 30-year-old was designated for assignment after he struggled at the plate, hitting just .208 with 11 home runs and 27 RBIs across 62 games.
Despite the down numbers, the Rangers are intrigued by Tellez’s power potential and veteran experience as they look to reignite their postseason push. Texas enters the second half with a 48-49 record, sitting in third place in the AL West.
The front office has an open slot on both the 26-man and 40-man rosters, making a transaction seamless should the club finalize the addition.
The timing lines up with a crucial three-game series against the Detroit Tigers, which holds the best record in baseball at 59-38 despite a four-game skid heading into the All-Star break. The series marks an important test for Texas, which has struggled with offensive inconsistency and injuries throughout the season.
Tellez, who hit 35 home runs with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2022, could offer a left-handed power option at first base or designated hitter, particularly with the team looking to shake up its lineup heading into a pivotal stretch.
Friday’s first pitch against Detroit is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT, with a decision on Tellez’s status expected before game time.