Rangers’ left-handed slugger Rowdy Tellez sits out Wednesday vs. Yankees
The Texas Rangers have removed left-handed hitter Rowdy Tellez from the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the New York Yankees, handing the start at third base to Josh Smith while Josh Jung serves as the designated hitter for a second straight game. The move comes as the Rangers face left-handed starter Carlos Rodón; managers often avoid starting left-handed batters against tough lefty arms due to traditional platoon disadvantages.
Tellez had been starting at first base in each of Texas’ previous five games against right-handed pitchers, but his playing time against left-handers is expected to be limited. Once Jung is fully ready to return to third base after a recent calf issue, Smith will likely shift back across the diamond and Tellez’s opportunities against opposite-handed pitching could diminish further.
Commentary and context
– This is a matchup-driven decision rather than a reflection of Tellez’s overall standing with the club. Lefty-on-lefty matchups tend to favor the pitcher, so managers commonly sit left-handed bats in those spots.
– Tellez still provides roster depth as a left-handed power option and can be used as a pinch-hitter or in spot starts against right-handed starters.
– Jung’s continued ability to take the field at third would restore the Rangers’ preferred infield alignment and provide more consistency in the everyday lineup.
Short summary
Rowdy Tellez is out of the lineup Wednesday as the Rangers counter lefty Carlos Rodón by starting Josh Smith at third and using Josh Jung as DH; Tellez’s playing time vs. left-handed pitching is likely to remain limited while Jung returns from a calf issue.
Positive note
The decision reflects roster flexibility and matchup awareness; with Jung nearing full infield duty, Texas looks to balance defensive stability and offensive matchups as it manages player health and situational production.