Fansided

One prospect each MLB team should call up

By Joshua Sadlock

Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays infielder Rowdy Tellez reacts after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays infielder Rowdy Tellez reacts after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Blue Jays: Rowdy Tellez

With Justin Smoak continuing to struggle batting much higher than .200, the Blue Jays may be forced to continue finding another left-handed bat to work into their first base platoon. It just so happens that their most MLB-ready hitter, Rowdy Tellez, is a left-handed hitting first baseman. Obviously, Smoak would really have to struggle for the Jays to eat his money and turn the job over to Tellez.

Tellez was a 30th-round pick out of high school, but scouts thought highly of him and the Blue Jays gave him a big bonus to sign and skip college. Tellez hit 23 homers in his first season at Double-A in 2016 and was one of the top hitters in the Eastern League in terms of on-base and slugging percentage.

The 6-foot-4 first baseman is not a great defender, but has worked hard to improve his footwork around the bag and his body. His defense will at least be passable at the big-league level, and his approach at the plate oozes confidence. Tellez will hit his way to Toronto, but he will not embarrass himself in the field. When the first big injury strikes the Jays this year, Tellez could be the first one called up.

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