Rowdy arrives with eyes on World Series run

NEW YORK -- First baseman Rowdy Tellez joined the Brewers on Wednesday morning, just before the split seven-inning doubleheader against the Mets. He was not in the lineup in Game 1, but entered as a pinch-hitter when the game went into the eighth inning and struck out in a 4-3 loss to the Mets. However, Tellez saw action in the nightcap and went 1-for-4 in the 5-0 victory.

In need of a first baseman after Daniel Vogelbach injured his left hamstring while running the bases on June 22, the Brewers acquired Tellez from the Blue Jays in exchange for right-handers Trevor Richards and Bowden Francis. Tellez will likely split time at first base with Keston Hiura.

Prior to the trade, Tellez, 26, played his entire Major League career with Toronto (2018-21), hitting .241 with 37 homers and 99 RBIs in 219 games. He hit a career-high .283 with eight home runs and 23 RBIs in 2020.

“This team is in first place, and I’m here to contribute and play whatever role they need me to play,” Tellez said. “I know the National League is a little bit different than the American League. There are more pinch-hit opportunities and things like that. It’s something I have to understand and learn. But I’m trying to win a World Series with this team and help any way I can to get them there.”

Tellez found out about the trade on Tuesday while playing with Triple-A Buffalo, the Blue Jays’ affiliate, from manager Casey Candaele. Tellez thought his skipper was joking and said, “You hate me, huh?” Candaele started laughing and then became serious and told Tellez again that he was dealt.

Candaele then gave the first baseman the rundown about the Brewers, and Tellez came away excited to join the team.

“It really didn’t set in until I got on the flight this morning,” Tellez said. “I was like, ‘I’m going to be in a different organization, different team, different group of guys.’ It’s going to be nice.

“Over [in Toronto], a great group of guys. They can hit. The first baseman [Vladimir Guerrero Jr.] is one of the best players in baseball. It’s nice to come over [to the Brewers] and have an opportunity to play. The change of scenery is always good. It’s always nice to have good people around you, a great environment. I talked to [Brewers manager Craig] Counsell. He is awesome. Everybody came up to me before I said, ‘Hi’ to them. That said something to me. It’s a great environment and a great group of guys to welcome you to a brotherhood. It’s nice to be a part of.”