Blue Jays option Rowdy Tellez to Buffalo, call up outfielder Billy McKinney per reports

Sammi Silber

Blue Jays option Rowdy Tellez to Buffalo, call up outfielder Billy McKinney per reports image

Rowdy Tellez is on his way to Buffalo.

The Blue Jays optioned the first baseman and designated hitter to Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday, as first reported by the Toronto Star's Gregor Chrisholm.

Tellez, 24, got a longer trial than the 23 games he played in his 2018 rookie season, appearing in 77 games this year. He had the third-most at bats for Toronto (264), but his output wasn't impressive; despite 14 home runs, he recorded just 17 walks and 60 hits, resulting in a .228 batting average.

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Still just starting out his career, Tellez is bound to benefit from time in the minors. Not only will he get more opportunities at bat, but he can continue to build on what learned in the majors as he continues to craft his game and find his offensive touch.

No countermove has officially been announced, but OF Billy McKinney is expected to return to the main roster and take Tellez's place. 

In 46 appearances with the Blue Jays this season, McKinney had 32 hits and 19 runs in 149 at-bats for Toronto before being optioned in late June. There, he's registed 29 hits and 18 home runs in 30 games.

Sammi Silber