Cut by Pirates, Rowdy Tellez was 4 plate appearances from $200K US bonus

The Pittsburgh Pirates released first baseman Rowdy Tellez and promoted infielder Liover Peguero from triple-A Indianapolis.

The move comes with just six games left in the season and Pittsburgh eliminated from playoff contention.

Tellez, who signed a one-year, $3.2-million US deal last off-season, recovered from a slow start to hit .243 in 131 games with 13 home runs and 56 runs batted in.

The former Toronto Blue Jays first baseman/designated hitter entered Tuesday four plate appearances shy of a $200,000 bonus, though Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said the bonus had "zero factor" in the decision to cut ties with the 29-year-old, who had become a fan favourite in Pittsburgh during a summer surge.

"We feel like we gave Rowdy lots of opportunity here this year," Cherington told reporters before Pittsburgh hosted Milwaukee on Tuesday night. "To his credit, he fought through some difficult times earlier in the year and fought his way out of it. Had periods of success and periods of frustration. This is just where we got to in the season."

Tellez's deal with Pittsburgh included several incentives triggered by plate appearances, a potential all-star selection and post-season awards.

Rowdy Tellez was due a 200k bonus at 425 plate appearances this year. <br><br>The Pirates just DFA’d him. He was at 421 plate appearances.<br><br>Did him dirty. <a href="https://t.co/LqL53KBYOw">pic.twitter.com/LqL53KBYOw</a>

Cherington noted cutting players is a difficult part of the business, but he doesn't anticipate any issues within the team because of the timing of Tellez's release.

"Guys understand where we are," Cherington said. "In the old days of expanded rosters, we probably wouldn't be sitting here having this conversation. But