Blue Jays acquire relievers Richards, Francis from Brewers for Tellez

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired right-handed pitchers Trevor Richards and Bowden Francis from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for infielder Rowdy Tellez.

The 28-year-old Richards is on the move for a second time after being traded from Tampa Bay to Milwaukee as part of a four-player deal on May 21.

The six-foot-two, 195-pound right-hander made six relief appearances for the Rays and 15 for the Brewers this season, posting a 3-0 record with a 3.69 earned-run average and 41 strikeouts.

Francis, 25, has gone 7-3 with a 3.62 ERA in 11 starts between double-A Biloxi and triple-A Nashville this season. 

The 26-year-old Tellez struggled to find a spot on the Jays roster this season. He has been with triple-A Buffalo since June 22. 

Tellez batted .209 with four doubles, one triple, four home runs, and eight runs batted in across 50 games for the Blue Jays this season. 

The 6-4, 255-pound left-handed hitter is in his fourth Major League season and has a .241 career average with 37 doubles, one triple, 37 home runs, and 99 RBI over 219 games.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 6, 2021.

The Canadian Press