What happens when a player is DFA'd? Are they eligible to play in MLB Playoffs? All you need to know

Several veterans have been designated for assignment (DFA) in the last couple of weeks as the regular season nears its end. Rowdy Tellez, Michael A. Taylor and Craig Kimbrel are a few examples, leaving some fans wondering what this means for their near future.

If a player is "DFA'd" (Designated for Assignment), they no longer remain on the team's 40-man roster, rendering them ineligible to play in the postseason. The club then has a seven-day window following the DFA to decide whether to trade them, release them, or option them to minors.

Veteran players with more than five years of service time can reject the team's decision to outright them to the minors in favor of free agency. They will then need to clear unconditional release waivers; if they do, they will become free agents.

Are DFA'd players eligible for the playoffs?

Players such as Rowdy Tellez, who was designated for assignment on Tuesday, could find himself claimed by another club to help them push for a playoff berth. However, if the team that were to claim the former Pittsburgh Pirates slugger were to reach the postseason, Tellez would not be eligible to play for them throughout the playoffs.

According to the MLB's rules, any player on a team's 40-man roster on August 31st is eligible for the postseason. A player acquired by the club after that date is technically ineligible for the playoffs, which would be the case for Tellez.

When it comes to the likes of Tommy Pham and Robbie Grossman, who were claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals on August 31st, they will be eligible for their roster.

Pirates saves themselves $200K after Rowdy Tellez gets DFA'd

While designating veterans for assignment near the end of the regular season is not uncommon, the Pittsburgh Pirates front office has suffered some blowback when it comes to Rowdy Tellez.

The veteran first baseman has a clause in his contract that guarantees him an extra $200,000 if he were to have 425 plate appearances this season.

At the time of his designation, Rowdy Tellez had 421 plate appearances. This means the decision to remove him from that roster right before he could have potentially earned his contract incentive has drawn the ire of some fans across the MLB.

While being DFA'd is part of the business, this one has sparked backlash.