Tanielu has been released by the Rangers after hitting .252 with a .803 OPS at Double-A Frisco.
Tanielu seemed to be on the cusp of the majors after posting a .880 OPS at Triple-A in 2019, but his career has stalled since. He'll likely catch on elsewhere as minor-league depth.
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Padres' Nick Tanielu: Reassigned to minors
Rotowire
Tanielu was reassigned to minor-league camp Friday.
Tanielu was a non-roster invitee during spring training but was unable to secure an Opening Day roster spot. The 28-year-old hit .333 with two home runs and eight RBI in 12 spring games this year and will likely begin the year with Triple-A El Paso.
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Astros' Nick Tanielu: Added to player pool
Rotowire
Tanielu is part of the Astros' 60-man player pool.
Tanielu is not on the 40-man roster but can provide infield versatility if needed. He played first, second and third base at Triple-A Round Rock in 2019. Tanielu thumped a career-high 19 home runs with an .880 OPS in first season in the Pacific Coast League.
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Astros' Nick Tanielu: Reassigned to minor-league camp
Rotowire
Tanielu was sent to minor-league camp Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Tanielu had a very strong camp, hitting .343 with four homers in 39 plate appearances. The Astros' roster is very tough to crack, though, and his minor-league numbers don't suggest he's anything special, as he posted a modest 96 wRC+ for Triple-A Fresno last season.
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Astros' Nick Tanielu: Makes case for roster spot
Rotowire
Tanielu is hitting .345 (10-for-29) with four home runs and 12 RBI this spring.
Tanielu is finally healthy after a torn ACL in his right knee (suffered while playing football) cost him all but two games in 2017. He returned in 2018 but was still feeling the effects of the injury, so he shed weight to take the pressure off the knee. Now, fully healthy, he's showing off in the Grapefruit League while playing both second and third base. There doesn't appear to be room on the major-league roster for the New Zealand native, but he's put himself in position for a callup if injuries hit Jose Altuve or Alex Bregman.
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