Rowdy Tellez's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman and designated hitter smashed a two-run homer in a pinch-hit appearance during the Pirates' 5-3 loss on Saturday in the first game of their doubleheader. Tellez pinch-hit for Connor Joe in the bottom of the seventh and hit the two-run shot, his 13th of the season, off Nationals' right-hander Jacob Barnes. The lefty added on a walk in the bottom of the ninth before being pinch-ran for. The 29-year-old has started to turn things around after starting the season off very cold in April and May, hitting for an .853 OPS and knocking 11 of his 13 HR since June. Tellez's fantasy value is still somewhat subsided as he's mainly used as a platoon option vs right-handers, but he remains a solid option going forward. He's in the starting lineup for game two against Nationals left-hander Mitchell Parker and will likely sit on Sunday against Nationals' lefty Patrick Corbin. Fantasy managers should plan appropriately.

Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Rowdy Tellez finds himself on the bench for Game 1 of a doubleheader on Saturday at PNC Park against the Washington Nationals with a left-hander on the mound. Connor Joe will make the start at first base and will bat seventh for Pittsburgh against Nationals rookie left-hander DJ Herz. Tellez has only 42 plate appearances against southpaws in 2024 and has gone 8-for-37 (.216) against them with two of his 12 homers on the year, so it's no surprise he's on the bench in this one, especially with two games on tap on Saturday in Pittsburgh. Joe, 32, represents a low-upside, deep-sleeper option for DFS lineups in the first game of the twin bill to kick off the action on Saturday. He has never faced Herz in his career and is hitting .245 (34-for-139) with three of his nine home runs on the year against left-handed pitching.

Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Rowdy Tellez (undisclosed) was forced from Wednesday's loss to the division-rival Chicago Cubs at PNC Park early due to an undisclosed injury in the eighth inning. Before departing the 14-10 loss, Tellez had a strong day at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored. Tellez likely injured himself running to first base in the bottom of the seventh inning, but there is no word on the specific nature of his injury. The good news is Pittsburgh has an off day on Thursday, so if the 29-year-old's injury isn't serious, he could be back in action for Friday's series opener at Progressive Field against the Cleveland Guardians. If Tellez misses extended time with whatever is ailing him, Connor Joe, who replaced Tellez at first base on Wednesday, would benefit from extra playing time at the position.