what is designated for assignment baseball

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What does designated for assignment mean in baseball? Explaining MLB's 'DFA' and contract implications

There are numerous transactions that can happen to an MLB player. They can be optioned down to the minors. They can be traded to another team. They can even just simply be cut.

One of the more unique-to-baseball transaction types is to be designated for assignment. If a big leaguer is underperforming significantly, a team might decide that it is time to hit the DFA button, which can have several different outcomes.

During the course of the MLB season, fans will often see players DFA'd by their teams. It is a particularly common process for players who are a bit more on the experienced side and in the middle of contracts.

Much of the other processes are more self explanatory. Trades and releases are obviously simple. Even options are fairly common knowledge. But what exactly does it mean to be designated for assignment? 

MORE: How to watch 'Friday Night Baseball' on Apple TV+

Here's what you need to know.

What does designated for assignment mean in baseball?

Teams are only allowed to have 40 players on their roster at all times, with 26 of them active in the majors. Sometimes, teams make decisions to add someone to that 40-man roster, which means removing someone else.

In order to take someone off the 40-man roster, they must be designated for assignment. When that happens, a player is taken off the roster immediately and sits in a holding pattern for seven days. During that time frame, the team can trade the player away or place him on waivers.

Another team can claim the player on waivers, but it would require immediately placing that player on their own 40-man roster and taking on the remainder of that contract. Because waiver claims operate in a particular order, teams will sometimes trade for a DFA'd player rather than wait until waivers to make sure no one ahead of them in the order is able to claim that player.

There is always a chance the players go through waivers unclaimed. If that happens, teams have a few different options for what comes next. The team can release them or can outright them to the minors. However, not all DFA'd players have to go to the minors. A player can reject the minor-league assignment and head to free agency if he's been in the majors for at least three years or if he has been outrighted to the minors previously.

Being designated for assignment is different than being optioned to the minors, though sometimes the two can overlap. Players early in their careers have option years, during which they can be sent back to the minors five times per season after MLB promotions. Being optioned to the minors does not mean a player has to be designated for assignment unless he runs out of options. 

If a team claims a player that has been designated for assignment, and that player still has minor league options left, the team can choose to use one to send the player to the minors, so long as he is still on the 40-man roster.

MORE: MLB pitch clock rules, explained

DFA contract implications

There are often talented players that hit waivers that will go unclaimed for one big reason: the contract. 

If a player is claimed on waivers or acquired via trade, the team that added him would be taking on the remainder of the contract as well. Often, part of the reason a team would make the decision to DFA a player is in the hopes another might claim them and take the contract off the books.

However, if the player reaches free agency, he can sign a deal with any other team on a prorated portion of the MLB minimum, which is $720,000. The team that DFA'd would then pay that player the remaining salary owed to him on his original deal minus the prorated MLB minimum paid by the acquiring team.

Edward Sutelan is a content producer at The Sporting News.

What does 'DFA' mean in baseball? It's not an endearing abbreviation.

Albert Pujols . David Ortiz. Alex Rodriguez. Manny Ramirez. Nelson Cruz. Robinson Cano. Justin Upton.

Ortiz is enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Pujols is a lock for the Hall. Cruz is a future candidate for Cooperstown. And all were former major league All-Stars.

What do they all have in common?

Each of them have been DFA'd during their major league baseball career.

Ultimately, it means the player is cut from a team. It's one of several transactions that can happen to an MLB player. But it's a more common process for players who are in the latter years of their career and in the middle of a contract.

What does DFA mean in baseball?

Designated for assignment.

It's one of the more unique transaction types in baseball, where unlike being traded, the player is optioned to the minor leagues or simply cut from the roster.

What does being designated for assignment mean?

Teams are allowed to have 40 players on their roster, with 26 of them active on the major league roster. Over the course of the season, teams make roster moves, which sometimes involves cutting a player. In order to take someone off the 40-man roster, they must be designated for assignment.

MLB.com explains the process: "When a player's contract is designated for assignment — often abbreviated "DFA" — that player is immediately removed from his club's 40-man roster. Within seven days of the transaction (had been 10 days under the 2012-16 Collective Bargaining Agreement), the player can either be traded or placed on irrevocable outright waivers."

Can another team claim a DFA'd player?

Yes, any team can pick up a player off waivers. However, if that team claims the player, they would have to add the player to their 40-man roster.

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What Does Designate for Assignment (DFA) mean in Baseball?

Two days ago I was watching a TV show with my son. Actually, I was watching the show, and my son was busy with his iPhone. Suddenly, out of nowhere, he asked me, “Dad, What does DFA mean in Baseball?

My son is a teenager. So, it was not a “My father knows everything” type question. I am a baseball coach, and my Son is a die-hard supporter of the ‘Texas Rangers.’ Most probably, he was reading anything on Chris Gimenez. 

Then I realized I hear this question quite often. That prompted me to write an article on this topic. As I operate a blog on baseball, why not answer the question on the blog? That will help many to know this large but important term of baseball.  

Table of Contents

What does Designate for Assignment (DFA) mean in Major League Baseball?

First thing first, what is the full form of DFA? DFA means Designated for Assignment . When a player falls into this term, the team will immediately remove him from the 40-man roster. However, the team can replace that player with another one to fulfill its 40-player roster.

One crucial thing I should mention, DFA does not mean out-and-out release. Out and out release means permanently releasing a player, but if a player is DFAed, he has the chance to come back into the team.  

Suppose you are completely new in this sector and trying to understand the entire scenario. Don’t be ashamed. I know how it feels when you don’t understand a term and google it because you are ashamed to ask someone about that. So, let’s start with the basics: 

What is the 40-man roster? 

40-man Roster – If you don’t know what does 40 man roster means, then let me clear it for you. In the major league service time, every team can sign 40 players. Among these 40 MLB players, 26 players are active. What happens to the rest 14 players? They play in the minor leagues or stay on the injured list. 

What are Waivers? 

In the previous section, you learned about the 40-man roster. So, now you can understand a team does not require all 40 players for the entire major league service time. Here come waivers handy. 

Waivers give a player to play for any team. If a player gets a waiver, he is unconditionally free, and any team can take him in their team. 

So, now you understand both the term ’40-man roster’ and ‘waiver.’ Now, it will be easy for me to clear the concept of DFA. 

As I stated earlier, when a player is regarded as Designated for Assignment or DFA, he is immediately removed from the 40 man roaster. But that doesn’t make him a free agent. This means a DFAed player is not entirely released from the team. 

The team gets seven days to decide on the fate of the DFAed player. The team can trade the player, can place him on irrevocable outright waivers, or make him a free agent. 

In case of a waiver, if the DFAed player clears waivers, he might be sent to the minors. There are two options in the case of waivers. 

The player must provide his consent before sending to the minors if he has been playing MLB for five or more years. If he does not fall into that category, he will be immediately sent to the minors.

Why a player gets DFA while active in the Major League Service? 

So, now you know what does DFA means in baseball. But what makes a player fall into DFA in the middle of a season? There could be many, but here I will tell you the top four reasons a player gets DFA. 

• If the team wants to move in a minor league player into the team. 
• If a player from the injured list recovers. 
• If the team wants to trade a new player or free agent. 
• If a team wants to clear a spot in the 40-man roster by a player recently added to the team via trade or free agency

Options for a Major League Baseball Team with a DFAed Player 

Now, the most important question. What happens to the player who receives DFA? I have stated earlier a player is not immediately released if he has been DFA.

The team gets seven days to make a decision about the player before he is sent to the minor leagues. 

Here are the things a team can do with the DFAed player within the seven days limit: 

• Take back the player to its 40-player roster
• Most common practice – place the player on a waiver. 
• Trade the player 
• Make the player a free agent 
• Send the player to the minor league (There is a player consent condition which I have stated earlier)

Let’s discuss some of the points in brief so that I don’t have to tell the same thing over and over to all. 

Place the player on waivers 

Placing in the waiver is the most common phenomenon for a DFA player. Though a team gets seven days limit to take any decision about the player, if the team wants to claim the waiver, they have to claim that within three days. 

When a team waves a player, any team can claim him. But what happens when more than one team claims that player? In that case, the team (If the team is in the same league) with the lowest record will claim the player. 

If the occurrence happens during the first month of the season, then the previous year’s standing is considered. 

If no team from the same league claims the player and lower league teams claim, then the team with the highest record will claim the player. 

Trade the player

Trading the player with another team is another option for a team when a player is designated for DFA. 

Sometimes teams imply DFA upon a player to lure a team that is not in a good position in the point table and pursues that team to buy that player.  

For example, Rangers implied DFA on Brian Shouse in May 2006 and was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers 4 days later. The rangers didn’t put him in the waiver (remember, three days rule for the waiver?)

Because then 13 more other teams would have claimed for Brian Shouse. And there is another interesting rule called five to ten rules. According to the five to ten rule, if a player has been playing MLB for more than ten years and the last five years for the current team, he can not be traded without consent. 

Release the player

When a DFA player is not traded nor waived, the team has to release him. The player becomes a free agent, and he is free to sign any team in the major league. On an interesting note, he can even sign the team just released him! 

The team that releases him is responsible for the player’s salary, less what he is paid by the team that signs him.

Option a Baseball Player – What does it mean? 

The term “Option” is related to the minor leagues. Let me give you the exact quotation from the baseball glossary

 “An option allows that player to be sent to the Minor Leagues (“optioned”) without first being subjected to waivers.”

If a player is sent to the minor leagues he must clear waiver so that no team can put a waiver claim on that player. 

Here a player is removed from the 26-man roster on which the main team is formed but keeps him in the ultimate 40-man roster. 

If you are a baseball fan, then “sent down to the minors” or “optioned to the minor leagues” should be a familiar term to you. It means the club moves the player to the minors according to the eligibility. 

If a player has 5 or more than 5 years of major league service time, he can be optioned and called back any time. But that is not the case; if the player has less than three years of service. 

If a player with less than three years of service is optioned and sent to the minor leagues, the team can not call him immediately. The team has to wait at least ten days for that player if they want him to play again in the major league.  

This rule is created to prevent constant back and forth major and minor league shuffling of players. 

What Happens When Major League Player is Released?

I talked about this matter in a short scope earlier in this article. But sometimes, I asked this question, the difference between DFA and Release . 

Release completely differs from the term DFA. Release means a player is out of the team, and there is no string attached between the player and the team. 

A Release doesn’t happen in the middle of the season. It often happens in the offseason. It’s because there is a contract issue and that it is better to perform in the offseason. And by the spring training, most teams organize their team and decide which players will be in the roster spot. 

When a team takes a 40-man roster decision, they have to make many decisions. The team management takes the decision on the 40-man roster and decides on the 26-man roster. 

Major DFA incidents in the History of the Major League 

Albert pujols.

The most recent incident of DFA is Albert Pujols which was also very shocking also. When Los Angels declared Alber Pujols designated for assignment in the last season of a 10-year contract .

Albert Pujols was one of the most prolific hitters in the history of the MLB. His highest batting average was .245 in 2016. But since then his form was declining. When he was DFAed, then his average was just .198.   

Though he was one of the greatest players on the team, the team management had to take the tough decision. Angels team president John Carpino said, 

“It never ends the way you want it to. This is baseball, and this is how it happens sometimes.” 

Albert Pujols has won two world series championships and three league MVP awards. He was only the ninth player in the history of MLB to hit 600 career home runs. He was 41 years old when Los Angles took the decision to DFA him. 

Chris Gimenez

Once Texas Rangers catcher Chris Gimenez was DFAed four times in his career. Teams he played for were Seattle mariners, Cleaveland Indians, Oakland Athletic.

He was finally DFAed frim Texas Rangers in 2014, and finally, Minnesota twins DFA him. He played in the minors and became a free agent a number of times. I was personally a fan of Chriz Gimenez, and the number of times teams implied DFA on him was really surprising to me. 

Chris Young

Chirs Young was another player who was DFAed with a great record. In his career, he played for Red Sox, Los Angels, and Yankees. 

Chris Young had a record of 25 base steals and 30 home runs in 2007. He was released after being DFAed from New Tork mates in 2014. The second DFA incident happened in 2017 after he joined Red Sox in 2015. He was declared a free agent in 2017. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why is it called designated for assignment.

DFA or Designated for Assignment is a different term used in baseball because here the team has various options. The team can place that player to waiver. In addition, the team can trade or send him to the minor leagues. 

When a player is declared as designated for assignment, the team gets seven days window to make a decision. If they decide to waiver, they get three days to declare that. Otherwise, they can trade, release or send him to the minors. Moreover, if the team thinks they need that player again, they also can call him back to the team. 

What does DFAed mean? 

If a team declares DFA upon a player, we call that player DFAed. It’s just another expression of telling a team has imposed DFA on a player. 

Is there any DFA in Minor Leagues?

No, DFA is a term used in the Major league. If a player DFAed he can be transferred to the minor leagues but there is no DFA in the minor leagues. 

Conclusion 

There are many abbreviations in baseball that baseball followers should know. ERA, Cycles, FPS , WHIP are some of them. DFA is less common among other abbreviations, but it is a vital abbreviation that every baseball fan should know. 

Also, if you are a baseball fan, you should understand what happens to a DFA player. You should know options for both the player and the team. When Albert Pujols was DFAed, many baseball fans were confused about “what will happen now!” as they didn’t know the term. 

As a coach, it’s my duty to make people understand the rules and terminology of baseball. These are the basics. When you follow a game, you should know the game from the inside. 

So, what does DFA mean in baseball? I hope you won’t ask me this question next time you see me. Have a nice day, and I hope your favorite player never faces DFA in baseball.

Hello everyone. My name is  Jason Butler, and I live in California, America. I was a professional AAA Minor League Baseball player.  I lost my chance of playing MLB for injury issues, but I did not lose my love for baseball. I attended the coaching training program and am now working as a coach in a small school in San Diego. 

I always love to share my experience and knowledge if that can help you. Play baseball, and stay fit. 

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Understanding DFA in Baseball: Implications, Options, and Opportunities

Have you ever heard the term “DFA” in baseball and wondered what it meant? Well, you’re not alone. DFA stands for “Designated for Assignment,” and it’s a term used when a team removes a player from its 40-man roster. But what does that really mean? In this article, I’ll break down the ins and outs of DFA in baseball, explaining why teams use it and what happens to players who are designated for assignment.

When a player is DFA’d, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of their career. In fact, it’s often just the beginning of a new chapter. Being designated for assignment gives the team a few options – they can trade the player, release them, or send them to the minor leagues if they clear waivers. It’s a strategic move that teams make to free up roster spots or to give struggling players a chance to work on their skills without taking up a valuable spot on the active roster. So, let’s dive deeper into the world of DFA in baseball and explore its significance in the game.

Key Takeaways

What is dfa in baseball.

Designated for Assignment (DFA) is a term commonly used in baseball when a player is removed from a team’s 40-man roster. It’s a strategic move made by teams to either free up roster spots or give struggling players a chance to improve their skills. But what exactly does it mean?

DFA is a valuable tool for teams as it allows them to make necessary adjustments to their roster. It’s often used when a team needs to make room for a new addition or when a player is underperforming and the team wants to give them an opportunity to work on their skills in a less pressurized environment.

So, while DFA may signify a player’s removal from a team’s roster, it’s not the end of the road for their baseball career. It’s an opportunity for them to reassess, improve, and potentially find success with another team.

The Meaning of DFA

When a player is DFA’d, the team typically has a few options. They can trade the player to another team, release them, or send them to the minor leagues if they clear waivers. These options give the player a chance to continue their career elsewhere or to work on their skills and make a comeback.

In the world of baseball, DFA may seem like a harsh term, but it’s an essential tool for teams to make adjustments and give struggling players a chance to improve. Rather than the end, DFA is often the beginning of a new chapter for players, where they can redefine themselves and find success once again.

Why Teams use DFA

Options for players designated for assignment.

When a player is designated for assignment (DFA), it doesn’t necessarily mean that their career is over. Teams have several options for dealing with players who have been DFA’d, depending on their unique circumstances. In this section, I will explore these options and shed light on what they mean for the players involved.

The Significance of DFA in Baseball

When and why is a player dfa’d.

Teams designate a player for assignment when they need to make room on their active roster for a new addition, typically from the minor leagues or through a trade. Players can also be DFA’d if they are underperforming, injured, or no longer fitting into the team’s long-term plans.

An Opportunity for Change

Dfa: a player’s options.

The designation for assignment is a significant moment in a player’s baseball journey. It represents a crossroads where their future is uncertain, yet filled with potential for positive change. Whether it’s a chance to be traded, reclaim a spot on the roster, or find a new team, DFA serves as a turning point for players to redefine their careers.

While being DFA’d can be disheartening, it’s important for players to remember that it’s not the end of their careers. Instead, it’s a turning point that allows them to redefine their paths and seek new opportunities. With determination and a willingness to adapt, players can bounce back and make a comeback.

In the world of baseball, DFA represents a moment of change. It’s a time when players must reassess their skills, mindset, and goals. By embracing the challenges and seizing the opportunities that come their way, players can use DFA as a stepping stone towards a brighter future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is dfa in baseball, q: why would a player be dfa’d.

A: Players might be DFA’d if the team needs to make room on the roster, or if the player is underperforming or no longer fitting into the team’s plans.

Q: What happens to a player after being DFA’d?

Q: what implications does dfa have for a player’s career, q: how can dfa be seen as a turning point for players.

A: DFA represents a turning point for players to redefine their careers and seek new opportunities. It’s a chance to make adjustments and potentially find success with a different team or in a different role.

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MLB options, waivers and outright assignments, explained

Here’s a glossary of what MLB transaction terms really mean.

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Now that the 2017 World Series is over, Major League Baseball teams are wasting no time in making moves to adjust their rosters for the 2018 season.

Andrew Romine was placed on waivers and claimed by the Seattle Mariners . Jim Adduci cleared waivers and was outrighted to the minor leagues. Alex Presley cleared waivers, was outrighted, and elected free agency. Tyler Collins cleared waivers, was outrighted, and might elect free agency. Kyle Ryan, Myles Jaye , Bryan Holaday , and Efren Navarro were also placed on outright waivers. Eight players, all placed on waivers, with different situations.

Here is how they work.

What are waivers?

Waivers are a way for a major league team to take a player off its 40-man roster in order to send him outright to the minor leagues, or release him and let him become a free agent. A player cannot be removed from the 40-man roster without first clearing waivers, where all 29 other teams have a chance to claim that player, and his existing contract, for a modest waiver fee.

What are MLB options?

An option (optional assignment) allows a club to move a player on its 40-man roster to and from the minor leagues without exposing him to other teams.

Once a player is added to a team’s 40-man roster, his team has three options, or three different seasons in which the club may to send him to the minor leagues without having to clear waivers. A player on the 40-man roster playing in the minors is on optional assignment. There is no limit on the number of times a club may promote and demote a player during one option season.

A player must spend at least 20 days total in the minor leagues during one season (not including rehabilitation assignments) in order to be charged with an option. John Hicks was sent up and down a half dozen times during the 2017 season, but used just one option.

When a player is out of options, he cannot be sent to the minors without first clearing waivers. Also, a player who has accrued at least five years of major league service time may not be optioned to the minors without his consent. Hicks , as well as Bruce Rondon , Drew VerHagen , Matt Boyd and Buck Farmer are now out of options, so they will have to go on waivers if they don’t make the team in the spring.

There are three types of waivers.

Outright waivers

Outright waivers are used when a team wants to send a player to the minors but he is out of options. If the player clears waivers, he may be outrighted to the minor leagues.

However, a player may only be outrighted once during his career without his consent. When a player is outrighted for the second time or more, he may elect to become a free agent either immediately, if during the season, or as soon as the season is over, unless he is added back to the 40-man roster. This is why Tyler Collins can — and probably will — elect free agency.

A player with three years of major league service may also refuse an outright assignment and choose to become a free agent immediately or at the end of the season. Alex Presley, who has over four years of service time in the majors, rejected his outright assignment and chose free agency.

Release waivers

Release waivers are requested when a team wants to give a player his unconditional release.

Special waivers

Special Waivers , also known as revocable waivers or major league waivers, are used only between July 31 and the end of each season. These waivers are required in order to trade a player who is on the 40-man roster to another major league team after the trade deadline. Justin Verlander cleared waivers and was traded to the Houston Astros on August 31 in one of the most famous post-deadline trades ever.

What does it mean for a player to be designated for assignment?

A player may be designated for assignment (DFA) , giving the team 10 days to either trade him, or send him to the minor leagues, provided he clears waivers.

Romine and Presley were eligible for arbitration this offseason, and the Tigers were not prepared to risk going through that process with them. The same fate may await Bruce Rondon or Blaine Hardy, who are also eligible for arbitration this winter. BYB posted the projected salaries for the Tigers’ arbitration eligible players here .

Hardy still has an option year remaining, whereas Presley, Romine, and Rondon are all out of options.

The Tigers have until December 1 to offer a contract to their arbitration-eligible players. If they don’t make an offer, the player is said to be “non-tendered” and becomes a free agent.

Teams have until November 20 to submit their reserve lists of up to 40 players to the MLB office in advance of the Rule 5 draft. The Tigers will be adding some young players to the roster by that date, and will want to keep a spot or two open so that they may make a selection with their first pick in the draft on December 14.

Thursday was the day that players who are eligible for free agency became free agents, but the Tigers had no such players, having traded any would-be free agents during the season. Detroit formally declined their $16 million option on Anibal Sanchez on Thursday, paying him a $5 million buyout and making him a free agent.

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What does designated for assignment mean? Phils’ Harper, Schwarber news have fans asking

Two of the most popular Phillies — and most-important to their World Series hopes — are back in the lineup after sitting out 10 days for injuries.

Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper came back on the teams roster  in time for Tuesday’s game.

But, it meant that the Phillies had to jettison two players.

Kody Clemens was sent to the team’s Lehigh Valley club, but outfielder David Dahl was designated for assignment.

What does designated for assignment mean?

For Dahl, being designated for assignment likely means his time with the Phillies is over.

But what does it actually mean when a player is designated for assignment?

A player designated for assignment is effectively removed from their team’s active roster, providing flexibility to address roster needs.

During this period, the team can trade the player to another team, place them on waivers for other teams to claim, release them outright, or even assign them to their minor league affiliate if they clear waivers.

Dahl, though, has enough MLB experience that he can’t be traded unless he agrees to the move. So, he’ll be designated for assignment while Phillies look for  an agreeable trade or put him on waivers for another team to claim .

Here are some other MLB roster-move terms to know:

• Waivers: Players who are designated for assignment must go through waivers before they can be assigned to a minor league team or released outright. Once on waivers, another team can claim the player.
• Optioning: When a team sends a player on its 40-man roster down to the minors, it’s called optioning the player. But teams can only option a player so many times before they’re forced to use waivers instead.
• Recall: A recall is when a team brings a player back up to the MLB after being sent down to the minors.
• Release: If a player clears waivers or is not claimed, the team can release the player from their contract. The player is then a free agent who can sign with any other club.

Home » What Is Designated for Assignment (DFA)?

What Is Designated for Assignment (DFA)?

Designated for assignment (DFA) is a term used in Major League Baseball (MLB) that refers to a situation in which a team’s management decides to remove a player from the 40-man roster. This is done by the team’s general manager in order to allow the team to make room for a different player or to give the team flexibility in making a trade.

When a player is designated for assignment, he is immediately removed from the 40-man roster and is placed on waivers. This means that any MLB team can claim the player, and if no team claims him, he becomes a free agent.

What Happens When a Player Is Designated For Assignment?

When a player is designated for assignment, the team’s management has 10 days to make a decision about what to do with the player. During that time, the team may decide to trade the player, release him, or outright him to the minor leagues.

If the team decides to trade the player, they have seven days to find a trade partner. If no trade is found, the player must be released or outrighted to the minors.

If the player is released, he is immediately a free agent and can sign with any team that he chooses. If the player is outrighted to the minors, the team must pay the player his full salary for the remainder of the season. Additionally, the player must remain in the minors for at least 10 days before he is eligible to be recalled to the major league roster.

The Impact Of Being Designated For Assignment

Being designated for assignment can be a difficult situation for a player. While it is sometimes necessary for a team to make changes to its roster, it is not an easy situation for a player to go through. Here are some of the ways that being DFA can impact a player’s career.

1. Loss of Salary: When a player is designated for assignment, he can be outrighted to the minors, which means he will still be paid his full salary for the remainder of the season. However, if he is released, he will no longer receive his salary and will need to look for a new team to sign with if he wants to continue playing.

2. Loss of Playing Time: When a player is designated for assignment, he is often sent down to the minors. This means that he will no longer be playing in the major leagues and will have to work his way back up if he wants to get back to the majors.

3. Loss of Job Security: When a player is designated for assignment, he can be released at any time, which means that he no longer has job security. This can be a difficult situation for players who were counting on their salary to support themselves and their families.

4. Loss of Prestige: When a player is designated for assignment, it can be seen as a sign that he is no longer good enough to be on a major league roster. This can be a difficult situation for players who have worked hard to get to the major leagues, as it can be seen as a sign that they are not good enough.

5. Impact on Future Earnings: Being designated for assignment can have an impact on a player’s future earnings potential. If a player is released or outrighted to the minors, it can be seen as a sign that he is no longer capable of playing at the major league level, which can hurt his chances of getting a major league contract in the future.

Strategies For Avoiding Being Designated For Assignment

1. Stay Healthy: One of the best ways to avoid being designated for assignment is to stay healthy. If a player is injured, it can make it more likely that he will be DFA, as teams are always looking for healthy players who can contribute on the field.

2. Be Flexible: It is important for players to be flexible when it comes to their roles on a team. If a player is willing to move to different positions or take on different roles, it can make it less likely that he will be DFA.

3. Improve Performance: It is important for players to stay on top of their performance. If a player is not performing at the level expected, it can make it more likely that he will be DFA.

4. Develop Relationships: It is important for players to develop relationships with their coaches and teammates. If a player is well-liked and respected, it can make it less likely that he will be DFA.

5. Show Loyalty: It is important for players to show loyalty to their teams. If a player is seen as being loyal and dedicated to the team, it can make it less likely that he will be DFA.

The Benefits of Being Designated For Assignment

1. Fresh Start: For some players, being designated for assignment can be a blessing in disguise, as it can give them a fresh start with a new team. This can be beneficial for players who are looking to revitalize their careers and prove themselves on the field.

2. Minor Leagues: For some players, being designated for assignment and outrighted to the minors can be beneficial, as it can give them an opportunity to play in the minors and work on their game. This can be beneficial for players who are looking to improve their skills and become better players.

3. New Opportunities: Being designated for assignment can open up new opportunities for players. This can be beneficial for players who are looking to make a change and find a new team that they can be successful with.

Designated for assignment is a term used in Major League Baseball that refers to a situation in which a team’s management decides to remove a player from the 40-man roster. This can have a major impact on a player’s career, as he can lose salary, playing time, job security, and prestige. However, for some players, being designated for assignment can provide them with a fresh start and new opportunities. It is important for players to stay healthy, be flexible, improve their performance, develop relationships, and show loyalty in order to avoid being designated for assignment.

Force out: What happens to players who are designated for assignment?

This has been a big year for one of baseball's most mundane transactions.

From Hanley Ramirez to Matt Harvey, from Phil Hughes to Melky Cabrera, from Adrian Gonzalez to Pedro Alvarez, there may never have been a season with more big names listed in the depths of the newspaper agate pages under those three cruel words: Designated for assignment.

When a team decides to DFA a player, he's taken off the 40-man roster immediately, and the team has seven days - a change this season, as previously it was 10 days - to trade him, send him outright to the minor leagues after he clears waivers, or release him. That is what happens from an official standpoint, but it's easy to forget that there is an actual person whose life is turned upside down when the DFA comes.

Imagine being a professional baseball player, but all of a sudden you have nowhere to play baseball. What do you do?

"It's a complete case-by-case basis," said Angels outfielder Chris Young, who was DFA'd by the Mets in August of 2014, then released before signing with the Yankees and rejuvenating his career.

"I went home, continued to work out and hit, and then I got the phone call from the Yankees. You don't know anything. I didn't know anything. I was just hopeful that another opportunity would come my way, and when it did, try to take advantage of it."

Young makes it sound fairly simple, but just going home and working out to stay in game shape is a challenge. If and when another team comes calling, the opportunity to make an impression can be fleeting.

The best way to prepare for that would be to head to the organization's minor league facility, hit the gym, and get some reps on the field with minor leaguers. When a player is designated for assignment, though, that is not an option - even if the team's plan is for an outright assignment to the minors. During that week, the player is not part of the team, but also not free.

"You're in limbo," said former Cubs infielder Jeff Huson, now a Rockies broadcaster, remembering when he was designated for assignment in 1996 by the Orioles . "You either go home, or you stay in the city for a few days. In my case, I waited around for a few days because I got DFA'd by Baltimore, and I stayed there because I didn't want to go home, because what if it's an East Coast team that claims me? Then I'd have to go all the way back.

"You literally sit there not knowing what your future's gonna hold. It's the worst possible case for a player, because you have no home, and you're trying to stay in shape - where do you go? You maybe go to a high school field? Play some video games and the quarters you have left over, go in the cage? Think about playing in a major-league game, then going to some warehouse and hitting off a machine, or even if you can find somebody to throw to you, they're not going to be as good as what you get in the major leagues.”

At the same time that physical challenge is foisted upon a player, there's also the mental one. It's not just the potential ennui of being without a team, but of having been cut from a 40-man roster. How a player handles that can have a lot to do with what happens next, and seizing that opportunity.

"I never took it as anything bad or looked too far into it when all I could do was just keep working on stuff," said Yankees reliever A.J. Cole, who had a 13.06 ERA when the Nationals designated him for assignment in April, and has posted a 0.69 mark in seven appearances with New York since a trade for cash considerations. "I needed to keep doing what I need to do as a pitcher.

"Everyone says it's always good to get a good start in a different place, and sometimes it is. Right now, it's really helping me, and there's some great guys here that help me out. It's a fun place to play here."

Not every player gets to land with a team as good as this year's Yankees, but there can be positives in other ways. Cubs catcher Chris Gimenez has been DFA'd four times in his career, thrice during the season. His experiences have varied from heading to the minors - "once you decide to accept the assignment, you're champing at the bit to get there" - to being traded to a Cleveland team in 2016 that wound up going to the World Series.

That was Gimenez's third time with Cleveland, having made his debut there in 2009, with stops in Seattle , Tampa Bay , and Texas before returning to Ohio in 2014.

"That was the one that kind of sticks with me," Gimenez said. "In that case, it worked out good, because my wife was basically ready to have our second son. We had two times where we went into the hospital and nothing happened, and that kind of gave me an extra three days. The terrible thing was, we were building our house where we live now, so we were staying with her parents, and our 3-year-old son, at the time, was there. It was a little bit of a crowded spot, and I appreciate her parents letting us stay there, because it wasn't the original plan the way everything happened.

"I ended up spending six days at home - three on the paternity leave, and three after I (was designated for assignment). Then I got the next flight to Texas, and ended up coming home like four days after that anyway - I got traded, was there for a day, then my wife had our son. It was a lot of travel for a few days, but that's alright.

"Every possible way that could've happened to me, it's happened in my career, but that's how it goes, and you can either let it affect you, or just suck it up and go about your business."

Jesse Spector is the sports business columnist for Dealbreaker, a columnist for Rockies Magazine, the host of "Jesse Spector Is..." on Lightning Power Play Radio, and one of the hosts of the Locked On Yankees podcast. He previously was the national baseball and hockey writer for Sporting News, covered the New York Rangers for the Daily News, and worked for SportsTicker, the Associated Press, and the Brooklyn Eagle. He lives in New York.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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The Designated for Assignment (DFA) Process in Major League Baseball: Implications, Procedures, and Examples

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What does it mean to be designated for assignment?

To be designated for assignment in baseball means that a player has been removed from his team’s 40-man roster. This move is typically made when a team wants to make room for another player, or if the player’s performance has been disappointing or if he has become injured. Once a player is designated for assignment, the team has 7 days to trade him, release him, or place him on waivers. During this time, other teams have the opportunity to claim the player off waivers and assume his contract. If the player clears waivers, he can be assigned to the team’s minor league system or remain on the 40-man roster. Being designated for assignment can be a difficult and uncertain time for a player, as it often means he is at risk of losing his spot on the team and potentially even his career.

Why do teams designate players for assignment?

Teams designate players for assignment for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is to clear a roster spot for another player, either from their own minor league system or via a trade or free agent signing. Another reason could be due to a player’s poor performance, as a team may want to remove them from the active roster and give another player a chance to contribute. In some cases, a player may be designated for assignment if they become injured and the team needs to free up a roster spot for a healthy player. Finally, a team may designate a player for assignment if they are looking to trade the player and want to remove them from the active roster while negotiations are taking place. Regardless of the reason, being designated for assignment can be a difficult and uncertain time for a player, as their future with the team and in baseball is put into question.

What happens to a player who is designated for assignment?

When a player is designated for assignment, he is immediately removed from the team’s active roster and placed on the 40-man roster’s “designated for assignment” list. The team then has 7 days to make a decision on the player’s future. During this time, the team can trade the player, release him, or place him on waivers. If the player clears waivers, the team can choose to assign him to their minor league system or keep him on the 40-man roster. If another team claims the player off waivers, they assume the player’s contract and roster spot.

For the player who has been designated for assignment, this can be a stressful and uncertain time, as their future with the team and in baseball is up in the air. They may be traded to another team, released and become a free agent, or sent to the minors, where they will need to work their way back up to the majors. The DFA process can have a significant impact on a player’s career and earning potential, as well as their confidence and morale.

The difference between designated for assignment and outright assignment While the terms “designated for assignment” (DFA) and “outright assignment” may seem similar, there is a key difference between the two. DFA is the process by which a player is removed from his team’s 40-man roster and given a 7-day window for the team to trade him, release him, or place him on waivers. If the player is not claimed off waivers, he can be assigned to the minor leagues or kept on the 40-man roster. On the other hand, outright assignment is the process by which a player is removed from both the 25-man and 40-man rosters and sent directly to the minor leagues. There is no 7-day window for a team to make a decision, and the player does not need to clear waivers. In other words, DFA is a more flexible process that allows the team to potentially retain the player or trade him, while outright assignment is a more direct demotion to the minor leagues. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but it’s important to understand the differences between the two. The impact of designated for assignment on a player’s career and future opportunities Being designated for assignment can have a significant impact on a player’s career and future opportunities. If a player is claimed off waivers by another team, he may be given a fresh start and the opportunity to contribute at the major league level. However, if the player clears waivers and is sent to the minors, his future in baseball may be uncertain. DFA can also have financial implications for both the player and the team. If the player is released, he becomes a free agent and can sign with any team, but may not receive the same salary he had with his previous team. Additionally, if a team is unable to trade a player who has been designated for assignment, they may be responsible for paying a portion of the player’s salary. The DFA process can be emotionally challenging for players, as it can be difficult to see their careers and livelihoods put into question. However, some players have been able to bounce back from DFA and use the experience as motivation to improve and succeed at the major league level. Examples of notable players who have been designated for assignment Throughout baseball history, many notable players have been designated for assignment at some point in their careers. One example is David Ortiz, who was designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins in 2002 before being released and signing with the Boston Red Sox, where he went on to become one of the greatest designated hitters of all time. Another example is Jose Bautista, who was designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2004 before being picked up by the Toronto Blue Jays and transforming into a two-time MLB home run champion. More recently, Albert Pujols, a three-time MVP and 10-time All-Star, was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels in 2021 before being picked up by the Los Angeles Dodgers. These players’ experiences illustrate that being designated for assignment does not necessarily mean the end of a player’s career, and that they can use the experience as motivation to succeed in the future. The role of waivers in the designated for assignment process Waivers play a crucial role in the DFA process. When a player is designated for assignment, he must be placed on waivers before he can be traded or outright released. Waivers give other teams in the league the opportunity to claim the player and assume his contract and roster spot. The waiver process is designed to promote competitive balance in the league by giving all teams an opportunity to claim players who have been designated for assignment, regardless of their place in the standings. However, the process can also be complex and unpredictable, as teams must weigh the potential benefits of claiming a player against the risks and costs associated with doing so. Waivers can be an especially important factor in the DFA process for players with larger contracts or for teams with limited payroll flexibility. In these cases, a player who clears waivers and is outright released may be more likely to be picked up by another team, as they would not be responsible for assuming the player’s full contract. How a player can appeal a DFA decision While it is rare for a player to successfully appeal a DFA decision, there are a few situations in which a player may have grounds for an appeal. For example, if a team designates a player for assignment due to an injury that was not disclosed or properly diagnosed, the player may be able to appeal the decision and potentially be reinstated on the team’s active roster. In order to appeal a DFA decision, the player must file a grievance with the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) within 45 days of the transaction. The appeal will then be heard by an independent arbitrator, who will review the evidence presented by both the player and the team before making a final decision. While the appeal process can be time-consuming and expensive, it can provide a player with an opportunity to challenge a DFA decision and potentially continue his career at the major league level. The potential financial implications of designated for assignment for both players and teams Designating a player for assignment can have significant financial implications for both the player and the team. If the player is claimed off waivers, the team may be responsible for paying a portion of the player’s salary or may be relieved of the obligation entirely. If the player clears waivers and is outright released, the team may still be responsible for paying the remainder of the player’s contract, depending on the terms of the agreement. For the player, being designated for assignment can have long-term financial implications as well. If the player is released and becomes a free agent, he may struggle to find a team willing to offer him a similar contract. Additionally, if the player is sent to the minors, he may be paid a lower salary than he was making at the major league level. Overall, the financial impact of DFA can be significant and is an important factor for both players and teams to consider when making decisions about roster moves. The designated for assignment process in relation to the MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement The DFA process is governed by the Major League Baseball Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which outlines the rights and responsibilities of players and teams in relation to roster moves. The CBA includes provisions related to waivers, including the waiver claim process, which gives all teams in the league an opportunity to claim players who have been designated for assignment. The CBA also sets forth procedures for players to file grievances and challenge roster decisions, including DFA decisions, through the MLBPA. The CBA also sets minimum salary and service time requirements for players, which can impact a team’s decision to designate a player for assignment or keep him on the roster. Additionally, the CBA includes provisions related to arbitration, which can be used to resolve disputes between players and teams regarding contracts, salaries, and roster decisions. Overall, the DFA process is an important aspect of the MLB CBA, which governs many aspects of player contracts, salaries, and roster moves. Conclusion Being designated for assignment is a significant event in a player’s career that can have long-lasting implications. While the designated for assignment process is designed to give teams flexibility in managing their rosters, it can also be challenging for players who may be faced with uncertainty about their future. Waivers and financial considerations can also play important roles in the DFA process, and the procedures outlined in the MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement provide a framework for resolving disputes and ensuring fair treatment of players. Ultimately, the DFA process is an important aspect of the MLB landscape that requires careful consideration by teams and players alike. FAQs

1. what happens to a player who is designated for assignment.

A player who is designated for assignment is removed from his team’s 40-man roster and can be placed on waivers or outright released. If the player is not claimed by another team within the designated time frame, he can be sent to the minor leagues or become a free agent.

2. What is the difference between DFA and outright assignment?

DFA refers to the process of designating a player for assignment and placing him on waivers, while outright assignment refers to the process of removing a player from the 40-man roster and sending him to the minor leagues without passing through waivers.

3. How can a player appeal a DFA decision?

days of the transaction, and an independent arbitrator will review the evidence before making a final decision.

4. What are the financial implications of DFA for players and teams?

DFA can have significant financial implications for both players and teams. Teams may be responsible for paying a portion of the player’s salary or may be relieved of the obligation entirely if the player is claimed off waivers. For the player, being designated for assignment can impact his salary and long-term earning potential.

5. What is the role of waivers in the DFA process?

Waivers are used to give all teams in the league an opportunity to claim players who have been designated for assignment. If the player is claimed, the team claiming him assumes the responsibility for his contract. If the player clears waivers, he can be outright released or sent to the minor leagues.

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What does designated for assignment mean in MLB? What to know about Madison Bumgarner

The Arizona Diamondbacks designated pitcher Madison Bumgarner for assignment on Thursday after his latest rough outing on Wednesday.

Bumgarner is 0-3 on the season with a 10.26 ERA in 16.2 innings over four starts. He has given up 25 hits and 19 earned runs, while walking 15 and striking out 10.

What's next for the pitcher and the Arizona Diamondbacks?

Here's a look at the designated for assignment process and what it means for Bumgarner and his MLB team.

What does designated for assignment (DFA) mean in baseball?

The MLB.com glossary explains the process as follows: "When a player's contract is designated for assignment — often abbreviated "DFA" — that player is immediately removed from his club's 40-man roster. Within seven days of the transaction (had been 10 days under the 2012-16 Collective Bargaining Agreement), the player can either be traded or placed on irrevocable outright waivers."

What happens if the player is claimed off waivers by another team?

The glossary explains the process as follows: "If the player is claimed off said waivers by another club, he is immediately added to that team's 40-man roster, at which point he can be optioned to the Minor Leagues (if he has Minor League options remaining) or assigned to his new team's 26-man roster. If the player clears waivers, he may be sent outright to the Minor Leagues or released. Players with more than three years of Major League service time or who have been previously outrighted may reject the outright assignment in favor of free agency. Clubs may utilize this option to clear a spot on the 40-man roster — typically with the intention of adding a newly acquired player (via trade or free agency), a Minor Leaguer or a player being activated from the 60-day injured list."

What are the specifics of Madison Bumgarner's DFA?

The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro explained the specifics regarding the situation for Bumgarner and the Diamondbacks in his story detailing the pitcher being designated for assignment on Thursday.

He wrote: "Bumgarner is likely to be placed on waivers soon, if he hasn't been already, and would become a free agent once he clears. He could then sign with another team for a prorated portion of the league minimum ($720,000). He is not likely to be claimed or traded given the amount of money still owed to him by the Diamondbacks."

How much do the Diamondbacks owe Madison Bumgarner?

Bumgarner signed a 5-year, $85 million contract with the Diamondbacks in December of 2019. He is still owed $34 million through next season. In cutting ties with Bumgarner, the Diamondbacks are setting a new club record for dead money, exceeding the $22 million they ate when releasing right-hander Russ Ortiz during the 2006 season.

More on Madison Bumgarner and the Diamondbacks

Madison Bumgarner designated for assignment by Diamondbacks

Why the Diamondbacks did not call up Brandon Pfaadt to replace Madison Bumgarner

With sense of urgency, Diamondbacks move on from struggling Madison Bumgarner

Arizona Diamondbacks fans sound off: Madison Bumgarner must be removed from rotation

Reach Jeremy Cluff at  [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter  @Jeremy_Cluff.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to  azcentral.com  today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What does DFA mean in baseball? What's next for Madison Bumgarner

Designated for assignment

Designated for assignment is a contractual term used in Major League Baseball . When a player is designated for assignment, he is immediately removed from the club's 40-man roster . This gives the club 10 days to decide what to do with the player while freeing up a roster spot for another transaction, if needed. After designating a player for assignment, the club must make one of the following contractual moves.

Place the player on waivers [ ]

Typically a player is placed on waivers after being designated for assignment for the purpose of outrighting him to one of the club's minor league teams. However, a player must clear waivers (that is, no other team may place a waiver claim on the player) to be sent to a minor league team. Also, if the player has five or more full years of major league service, he must give consent to be assigned to the minors. If the player withholds consent, the team must either release him or keep him on the major league roster. In either case, the player must continue to be paid under the terms of his contract.

Trade the player [ ]

Once a player is designated for assignment, he may be traded. Some teams have been known to designate players for assignment to increase interest in the player, especially among teams that are not at the top of the list for waivers. For example, in May 2006, Rangers reliever Brian Shouse was designated for assignment, and was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers 4 days later. The Brewers could have waited until Shouse was placed on waivers so they would not have had to give up a player in a trade, but according to the waiver rules , the other 13 AL teams would have preference in claiming him. Also, under the "five and ten rule," if a player has ten years of Major League service, the last five of which with his current team, he cannot be traded without his consent.

Release the player [ ]

If a player is not traded, and clears waivers, he may be released from the team. The player is then a free agent and is able to sign with any of the 30 Major League teams, including the team that just released him. The team that releases him is responsible for the salary the player is owed, less what he is paid by the team that signs him.

7 Interesting Facts About Designated For Assignment Rule in MLB

• Strategic Roster Management : Designating a player for assignment (DFA) allows MLB teams to free up a spot on their 40-man roster and provides a period of seven days to trade, release, or waive the player, making it a crucial tool for managing roster flexibility and team performance
• Financial and Development Considerations : DFA decisions involve significant financial implications, as the original team remains responsible for the player’s salary if unclaimed. It also allows teams to promote promising talent and manage payroll effectively, balancing immediate needs with long-term development.

It’s midseason, and the team just DFA’d their star third baseman. Fans are buzzing, wondering why the front office would cut ties with a player they signed to a multi-million dollar deal just last year. In the clubhouse, teammates are packing for a road trip, whispering about trade rumors and roster moves. The manager has a tough call to make, balancing the team’s future with the pressure to win now. Why would a team pay a player to leave in the middle of a playoff race? Let’s unravel the strategy behind these high-stakes decisions in MLB.

What is Designated For Assignment (DFA)?

DFA is a procedural term in Major League Baseball (MLB) used when a team wants to remove a player from their 40-man roster. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

• Removal from Roster : When a player is DFA’d, they are immediately removed from the team’s 40-man roster. This move is often made to clear space for another player, such as a prospect being called up or a newly acquired player.
• Seven-Day Window : After being DFA’d, the team has seven days to decide what to do with the player. During this period, the team can trade the player, release him, or place him on waivers.
• Waivers : If placed on waivers, other MLB teams have the opportunity to claim the player. If another team claims him, they assume responsibility for the remainder of his contract.
• Outright Assignment : If the player clears waivers (meaning no other team claims him), the original team can outright him to the minor leagues. The player can accept this assignment or reject it if he has enough service time (more than three years in MLB) or has been outrighted before. Rejecting the assignment makes him a free agent.
• Release : If the team releases the player, he becomes a free agent and can sign with any team. The original team remains responsible for the remainder of his contract, minus any amount the player earns from a new team, which is usually the league minimum.
• Financial Responsibility : Regardless of whether the player is traded, outrighted, or released, the original team is generally on the hook for the remaining salary unless another team claims him off waivers.

DFA decisions are complex and strategic, balancing roster flexibility, player performance, and financial considerations.

7 Interesting Facts about DFA

Sure, here are seven interesting facts about the Designated for Assignment (DFA) process in Major League Baseball (MLB):

• DFA Clock : Once a player is designated for assignment, the team has seven days (reduced from ten days as of the 2017-2021 collective bargaining agreement) to decide the player’s fate. During this time, the team can trade the player, release him, or place him on waivers.
• Roster Flexibility : DFA’ing a player immediately frees up a spot on the team’s 40-man roster. This can be crucial for teams needing to make room for a returning player from the injured list, a new acquisition, or a minor league prospect ready for the majors.
• Waiver Claims : If a player is placed on waivers during the DFA period, other teams have the opportunity to claim him. If a team claims the player, they assume responsibility for the remainder of his contract, which can be a significant financial consideration.
• Outright Assignment : If the player clears waivers (meaning no team claims him), the original team can outright him to the minor leagues. However, players with more than three years of MLB service time or who have been previously outrighted can reject this assignment and choose free agency instead.
• Financial Implications : When a player is outrighted or released, the original team is still responsible for paying the remainder of his contract, unless another team claims him off waivers. If the player signs with a new team after being released, the new team only needs to pay the league minimum, with the original team covering the rest of the owed salary.
• Second Chance : DFA can sometimes act as a wake-up call or second chance for players. Some players who clear waivers and accept an outright assignment to the minors can work on their performance and eventually make a successful return to the majors.
• Strategic Moves : Teams often use the DFA process strategically, not only to improve their roster but also to manage their payroll and future talent pipeline. By DFA’ing underperforming or redundant players, teams can make way for promising talent and better allocate their financial resources.

These facts highlight the complexity and strategic importance of the DFA process in MLB, illustrating how teams balance performance, finances, and player development in their roster decisions.

Can a team DFA at any time?

A team can designate a player for assignment (DFA) at any time during the season. Here are some key points about the timing and circumstances under which a player can be DFA’d:

• Regular Season : Teams frequently use the DFA process during the regular season to manage their 40-man roster. This can happen at any point during the season when they need to make room for a new player, be it due to a trade, a player returning from the injured list, or a minor leaguer being called up.
• Offseason : Players can also be DFA’d during the offseason. This often occurs when teams need to make roster adjustments to protect certain players from the Rule 5 Draft or to prepare for free-agent signings and trades.
• Injuries and Performance : DFA can be used when a player is underperforming or returning from an injury and the team decides they need to adjust their roster. This allows the team to replace underperforming players with potentially better options.
• Contractual Considerations : Sometimes, financial strategy plays a role. A team might DFA a player to manage payroll or to strategically position themselves for future transactions.
• Roster Crunch : In moments of roster crunch, such as just before the trade deadline or during playoff pushes, DFA is a tool to optimize the roster for immediate needs.

DFA During Playoffs

During the playoffs, the rules regarding Designated for Assignment (DFA) are slightly different:

• Postseason Roster Rules : MLB teams must set their postseason rosters before the start of each playoff series. Once a player is on the playoff roster, they generally remain on it for the duration of that series unless they are injured.
• DFA in Playoffs : While a player can technically be DFA’d during the playoffs, it is uncommon. Teams are more likely to make such moves in the lead-up to the playoffs rather than during them, as the postseason roster is more stable. Any player DFA’d during the playoffs would not be eligible to be replaced on the postseason roster unless they are injured.
• Injury Replacements : If a player on the playoff roster is injured and unable to continue, the team can replace him with another player from the 40-man roster. This is one of the few scenarios where roster adjustments, including DFA decisions, might happen during the playoffs.
• Strategic Considerations : Teams are more strategic and cautious about roster moves during the playoffs. The focus is on maximizing the current roster’s potential rather than making long-term adjustments.

In summary, while DFA is possible during the playoffs, it is rare and usually only considered in specific circumstances, such as injuries, where roster adjustments are necessary. The postseason roster rules and the strategic nature of playoff baseball typically lead teams to make their DFA decisions before the playoffs begin.

Designated for Assignment: What Does It Mean in Baseball?

What is ‘designated for assignment’ in baseball, how does the ‘designated for assignment’ rule work in baseball, what are the benefits of the ‘designated for assignment’ rule in baseball, what are the drawbacks of the ‘designated for assignment’ rule in baseball, how often is the ‘designated for assignment’ rule used in baseball, what are some examples of when the ‘designated for assignment’ rule has been used in baseball, what are the implications of the ‘designated for assignment’ rule in baseball, what are the consequences of the ‘designated for assignment’ rule in baseball, how does the ‘designated for assignment’ rule affect player morale in baseball, what is the future of the ‘designated for assignment’ rule in baseball.

When a player is said to be “designated for assignment,” it usually means one of three things in baseball. Here’s what it means and how it affects a team.

In baseball, “designated for assignment” (DFA) is a procedure by which a team removes a player from its 40-man roster. Once a player is designated for assignment, he is then placed on irrevocable outright waivers. If the player clears waivers, he is free to sign with any team. If he is claimed off waivers by another team, he joins that team and his former team receives nothing in return — not even a player to be named later.

In baseball, the “Designated for Assignment” (or “DFA”) rule allows teams to remove players from their 40-man roster. This gives the team ten days to trade, release, or outright the player to the minors.

The DFA rule is often used when a team needs to make room on their roster for a new player. For example, if a team claimed a player off waivers, they would need to designate someone for assignment in order to make room for the new player on their 40-man roster.

If a team outright releases a player that is designated for assignment, they are responsible for paying the remainder of the player’s contract. However, if the player is traded or claim off waivers by another team, then the original team is no longer responsible for the contract.

The DFA rule can also be used as a way for teams to remove underperforming players from their roster without having to release them outright. In this case, the team would be hoping that another team would claim the player off waivers so that they would not be responsible for paying the rest of the contract.

The Designated for Assignment rule in baseball allows a team to remove a player from its 40-man roster while keeping the player’s rights. The player can be kept out of the lineup for up to 10 days, during which time the team can decide what to do with him.

There are several benefits to this rule. First, it gives the team time to decide whether to trade, release, or outright the player. Second, it allows the team to call up a replacement from the minors without having to make a corresponding move on its 40-man roster. Third, it gives the team time to work out any issues the player may have with his contract.

Overall, the Designated for Assignment rule is a useful tool for teams managing their rosters. It provides flexibility and allows teams to make decisions about players without having to rush into anything.

Designated for assignment (DFA) is a procedure used in Major League Baseball when a team wishes to remove a player from its 40-man roster. A player who is designated for assignment is immediately removed from the 40-man roster, and Major League club has seven days to trade, release, or outright the player to the minor leagues. If theplayer is not traded during that period of time, he becomes a free agent

The DFA rule was created in order to give teams more flexibility when it came to making roster moves. However, there are some drawbacks to the rule. First of all, it can be used as a way to get rid of players who are underperforming. This can be unfair to the player, as he may have no control over his performance. Additionally, the DFA rule can be used as a way to avoid paying players their full salary. If a player is released after being designated for assignment, he will only be owed a prorated portion of his salary. Finally, the DFA rule can create uncertainty for players, as they may not know if they will be with the team for seven days or less.

The “Designated for Assignment” (DFA) rule is used often in baseball. It allows a team to remove a player from its 40-man roster while creating space to add another player.

The DFA rule is commonly used when a team wants to call up a player from the minors, but their 40-man roster is full. By designating a player for assignment, the team can create an open spot on the roster while keeping the player’s rights.

Once a player is designated for assignment, the team has 10 days to decide what to do with him. The options are to release the player, trade the player, or outright him to the minors.

If the player is released, he becomes a free agent and can sign with any team. If the player is traded, he goes to another organization with all of his contract intact. If the player is outrighted, he can either accept the assignment and remain in the minors or become a Free Agent

Players with more than three years of Major League service time can refuse an outright assignment and become free agents Players with less than three years of service time can only become free agents if they are released outright.

The DFA rule gives teams flexibility when it comes to managing their rosters. It allows them to make roster moves quickly and efficiently without having to worry about losing a valuable asset.

The ‘Designated for Assignment’ rule has been used a few times in baseball. One example is when a team wants to call up a player from the minors, but doesn’t have an available roster spot, so they designated another player for assignment.

Another example is when a team wants to release a player, but they think another team would claim them off waivers, so they designating them for assignment as a way to prevent that from happening.

In baseball, the ‘Designated for Assignment’ rule is when a team removes a player from their 40-man roster. This can be done for a variety of reasons, but it usually happens when a team wants to make room for another player on the roster.

The implications of this rule are that the player who is designated for assignment is effectively removed from the team. They are not allowed to play for the team until they are either traded, waived, or released. This can be a difficult situation for players, as it can mean not being able to play baseball for an extended period of time.

Designated for assignment players often find themselves in limbo, as they wait to see what their future holds. This can be a very stressful time, as they are not sure if they will be able to continue their Baseball Career or not.

In baseball, the term “Designated for Assignment” (DFA) is used to remove a player from the 40-man roster. This can be done to make room for another player, to give another player re Playing time, or simply because the team wants to release the player.

Once a player is designated for assignment, the team has 10 days to decide what to do with him. The most common options are to release him, trade him, or send him to the minor leagues. If the player is released, he becomes a free agent and can sign with any team. If the player is traded, he goes to his new team’s 40-man roster. If the player is sent to the minors, he will be removed from the 40-man roster but can be called back up at any time.

The Designated for Assignment rule was created in 2006 in an effort to give teams more flexibility with their rosters. Prior to that, teams had to make a decision on a player immediately after he was designated for assignment. Now, teams have 10 days to decide what to do with a player, which gives them more time to work out a trade or figure out other options.

The Designated for Assignment rule has had some unintended consequences. One of those is that it has made it harder for older players to find jobs in baseball. That’s because teams are less likely to want to take on a veteran player who might only be with the team for a few weeks before being designated for assignment again.

Another consequence is that it has made it harder for players who are designated for assignmentto find new teams. That’s because teams know that they have 10 days to make a decision on a player and they might not want to wait that long if they’re trying to fill a need on their roster right away.

The Designated for Assignment rule has been controversial since it was first instituted in 2006 and it’s likely that we’ll see changes made to it in the future.

In baseball, the term “designated for assignment” (DFA) refers to the process whereby a team removes a player from its 40-man roster. The move is most often used when a team needs to free up a spot on the roster to add another player, though it can also be used as a disciplinary measure.

Players who have been designated for assignment must be removed from the 40-man roster within 10 days, during which time they may be traded, released, or outrighted to the minor leagues. Being designated for assignment can be a significant blow to a player’s morale, as it often indicates that the team has lost faith in their ability to contribute.

In recent years there have been several high-profile cases of players being designated for assignment and then electing to retire rather than continue their career in the minor leagues. While it is understandable that some players would prefer to retire than play in the minors, it is also worth noting that many players who are designated for assignment do eventually make their way back to the Major Leagues

In baseball, the “Designated for Assignment” (DFA) rule allows a team to remove a player from its 40-man roster. The team must then put the player on waivers, and if he is not claimed by another team, the player can either be sent to the minors or become a Free Agent

The DFA rule was introduced in 1973, and since then, it has been used by teams to rid themselves of players who are underperforming or who no longer fit into the team’s plans. In recent years however, there has been an increase in the Number of players being designated for assignment, as well as an increase in the number of players being outrighted to the minors (that is, sent to the minors without having to go through waivers first).

Some commentators have suggested that the DFA rule is being abused by teams, and that it needs to be reformed. Others have argued that the DFA rule is working exactly as intended, and that any reform would simply be a band-aid solution.

So what is the future of the DFA rule? Only time will tell.

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• Rays Recall Junior Caminero
• Dodgers’ River Ryan To Undergo Tommy John Surgery
• Mariners Sign Víctor Robles To Extension
• Dodgers Designate Amed Rosario For Assignment, Activate Mookie Betts
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MLB Trade Rumors

Nationals Designate Harold Ramírez, Jordan Weems For Assignment

By Steve Adams | August 13, 2024 at 2:41pm CDT

The Nationals announced that they have selected the contracts of infielder Andrés Chaparro and right-hander Orlando Ribalta , two moves that were previously reported . In corresponding moves, they designated infielder/outfielder Harold Ramírez and right-hander Jordan Weems for assignment.

Ramirez, 29, enjoyed a pair of productive seasons with the 2022-23 Rays, hitting a combined .306/.348/.432 in 869 trips to the plate, but he stumbled badly out of the gates in 2024 and yet to recover. The righty swinger posted a nice .268 batting average in 169 plate appearances with Tampa Bay but couldn’t couple that with any on-base or extra-base value; he managed only a .284 OBP and slugged just .305. Ramirez was designated for assignment on June 7 and released after no team wanted to acquire/claim the remainder of his $3.8MM salary.

Following his release, Ramirez signed a minor league deal with the Nats and was back in the majors just a couple weeks after his release. He’s appeared in 25 games with Washington but hasn’t fared much better at the plate, hitting .243/.273/.365 in 77 plate appearances. The rebuilding Nationals will now use his roster spot to take a look at the younger Chaparro — another right-handed bat that they acquired in the deadline trade sending reliever Dylan Floro to Arizona.

Weems, 31, has been a regular presence in the Washington bullpen since 2022. He’s piled up 136 innings as a Nat but logged a combined 5.03 ERA in that time. Weems sandwiched an impressive 2023 showing between a pair of lackluster seasons in 2022 and 2024. He’s pitched 41 2/3 innings this season but been rocked for a 6.70 ERA with a career-low 17.9% strikeout rate and a career-worst 12.2% walk rate (excluding the 20% walk rate he notched in 5 2/3 innings back in 2021).

Weems reached three years of big league service in 2024 and is out of minor league options. That means the Nats would’ve had to tender him a raise in arbitration this winter and carry him on the big league roster to begin the 2025 season. They’ll instead move on from the right-hander and, as with Ramirez, turn that roster spot over to a more youthful option who’s posted some interesting numbers in the minors this year.

With the trade deadline now behind us, the Nationals’ only course of action with Ramirez and Weems will be to place them on either outright waivers or release waivers. The other 29 clubs will all have a chance to claim them. (Ramirez’s salary is still being paid by the Rays, so he’d only cost a new team the prorated league minimum.) Both will have the right to reject the assignment in favor of free agency, by virtue of their MLB service time.

5 hours ago

I’ll be rooting for Chaparro. Hated to see the Diamondbacks trade him away.

4 hours ago

I didn’t think Harold Ramirez was doing that poorly with the Nats, but I’m glad to see them make moves to try to improve the team.

He’s probably just too much of a low ceiling player to justify taking AB’s from younger players. Feel like he’s destined to bounce around as a cheap injury replacement for the foreseeable future.

25 seconds ago

That pretty much sums it up.

3 hours ago

Probably not so much to do with Ramirez’ performance but just wanting to take a look at a few more players for the future. Ramirez wasn’t going to be part of next year’s team.

Next week it’s Dylan’s turn!!

I never understood why they kept Weems as long as they did. Every time I turned on the TV he was getting shellacked.

H.Ram I am sad to see go but I understand that there’s other uses for that spot. He’s not really an improvement over Meneses other than not as limited defensively.

Get Harold back, Tampa!!

Nationals DFA’d Harold Ramírez and Jordan Weems today. Somewhere out there, a batting average and ERA just breathed a sigh of relief.

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Caminiti vaults to top of Braves' Top 30 Prospects

Mark Bowman

SAN FRANCISCO -- Cam Caminiti makes his debut on the Braves’ Top 30 prospects list at the top.

Caminiti highlights the group of players taken in July’s MLB Draft who are already ranked among the Braves’ top prospects. The 17-year-old hurler was taken in the first round with the 24th overall selection. He unseats AJ Smith-Shawver as the team’s top prospect.

The Braves are still blessed with an abundance of young talent at the MLB level. But with this midseason update, they no longer have any players listed among MLB’s Top 100 prospects.

Team Top 30 Prospects lists: ALE: BAL | BOS | NYY | TB | TOR ALC: CLE | CWS | DET | KC | MIN ALW: HOU | LAA | OAK | SEA | TEX NLE: ATL | MIA | NYM | PHI | WSH NLC: CHC | CIN | MIL | PIT | STL NLW: AZ | COL | LAD | SD | SF

Here’s a look at the Braves’ top prospects:

• Cam Caminiti, LHP
• AJ Smith-Shawver, RHP
• Hurston Waldrep, RHP
• Nacho Alvarez Jr., SS
• Drake Baldwin, C

Complete Top 30 list »

Biggest jump/fall

Here are the players whose ranks changed the most from the preseason list:

Jump: Drake Baldwin , C (Preseason: No. 12 | Midseason: No. 5) Baldwin’s stock has significantly risen as he has impressed at both the Double-A and Triple-A levels this year. The 23-year-old catcher homered during last month’s Futures Game.

Fall: Darius Vines , RHP (Preseason: 14 | Midseason: Unranked) Vines posted an 8.56 ERA in four appearances for Atlanta and a 5.14 ERA in 14 starts for Triple-A Gwinnett before being designated for assignment at the end of July. He was later outrighted to Double-A Mississippi.

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New to the list

Here are the players added to the Top 30 from outside the organization:

No 1, Cam Caminiti, RHP (Draft, 1st round) No. 12, Carter Holton, LHP (Draft, 2nd round) No. 22, Nick Montgomery, C (Draft, 5th round) No. 23, Luke Sinnard, RHP (Draft, 3rd round) No. 24, Ethan Bagwell, RHP (Draft, 6th round No. 29, Herick Hernandez, LHP (Draft, 4th round)

More from MLB Pipeline : • Top 100 prospects | All-time No. 1 prospects ranked | Stats | Video | Podcast | Complete coverage

Players are graded on a 20-80 scouting scale for future tools -- 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average. Players in parentheses have the same grade.

Hit: 55 -- Nacho Alvarez Jr. (Jose Perdomo, Luis Guanipa) Power: 55 -- Nick Montgomery (David McCabe) Run: 65 -- Guanipa Arm: 60 -- McCabe Defense: 55 -- Alvarez Jr. Fastball: 65 -- AJ Smith-Shawver (Hurston Waldrep, Jhancarlos Lara) Curveball: 55 -- Luke Sinnard (Cade Kuehler) Slider: 60 -- Kuehler (JR Ritchie, Carter Holton, Adam Maie) Changeup: 55 -- Cam Caminiti (Maier, Blake Burkhalter) Splitter: 65 -- Waldrep Control: 55 -- Sinnard (Owen Murphy, Burkhalter, Lucas Braun, Dylan Dodd)

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Los Angeles Dodgers DFA Amed Rosario as Mookie Betts Returns From Injured List

Sam connon | aug 12, 2024.

• Los Angeles Dodgers
• Tampa Bay Rays

The Los Angeles Dodgers have designated infielder Amed Rosario for assignment, the team announced Monday afternoon.

Rosario lost his roster spot to eight-time All-Star Mookie Betts, who was activated off the injured list. Betts had been out since June 16 with a fractured left wrist, costing the Dodgers one of their top bats and gloves for nearly two months.

In Betts' absence, Los Angeles' front office tried multiple replacements in the middle infield. They traded for Toronto Blue Jays utility man Cavan Biggio on June 12, only to designate the former top prospect for assignment on Aug. 5.

Rosario, who the Dodgers acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on July 29, has now met the same fate. Los Angeles gave up 28-year-old minor league relief pitcher Michael Flynn to complete the deal, and now they have nothing to show for it.

In just five appearances with the Dodgers, Rosario hit .273 with two RBI, one stolen base, a .697 OPS and a 0.0 WAR. Betts, meanwhile, was batting .304 with 10 home runs, 40 RBI, nine stolen bases, an .892 OPS and a 3.9 WAR through 72 games before he went down.

The Dodgers activated IF/OF Mookie Betts from the injured list and designated IF/OF Amed Rosario for assignment. — Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 12, 2024

This wasn't Rosario's first stint with the Dodgers, either, considering they also traded for him at the 2023 deadline. That time, Los Angeles sent oft-injured starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard to the Cleveland Guardians to reel in Rosario.

Rosario ultimately left via free agency, signing a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Rays in February.

Across 76 games with the Rays, Rosario was batting .307 with two home runs, 26 RBI, nine stolen bases, a .748 OPS and a 0.5 WAR.

Rosario was once an everyday player for the New York Mets from 2018 to 2020, then he filled a similar role with the Guardians from 2021 to 2023. Between those two spans, Rosario was a .274 hitter with a .710 OPS, averaging 11 home runs, 66 RBI, 18 stolen bases and a WAR per 162 games.

Unless he accepts an outright assignment to the minors, Rosario will either get picked up off waivers or released over the next seven days. The 28-year-old is primarily a shortstop, but he has significant experience at second, third and all three outfield positions as well.

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Sam Connon is a Staff Writer for Fastball on the Sports Illustrated/FanNation networks. He previously covered UCLA Athletics for Sports Illustrated/FanNation's All Bruins, 247Sports' Bruin Report Online, Rivals' Bruin Blitz, the Bleav Podcast Network and the Daily Bruin, with his work as a sports columnist receiving awards from the College Media Association and Society of Professional Journalists. Connon also wrote for Sports Illustrated/FanNation's New England Patriots site, Patriots Country, and he was on the Patriots and Boston Red Sox beats at Prime Time Sports Talk.

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Dodgers dfa amed rosario two weeks after acquiring him as mookie betts returns.

Amed Rosario’s second stint with the Dodgers came to a quick halt on Monday two weeks after Los Angeles acquired him at the trade deadline late last month. 

Rosario was designated for assignment after LA reinstated Mookie Betts from the 10-day injured list. 

Rosario, who spent his first four big league seasons with the Mets, had only made 12 plate appearances for the Dodgers after the trade while hitting .273 with three hits and two RBIs. 

He also made three appearances in the infield for the Dodgers. 

The Dodgers sent minor league reliever Michael Flynn to the Rays in exchange for the infielder/outfielder, who was dealt to Los Angeles at the deadline for the second consecutive season. 

Rosario had signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Rays in the offseason and had hoped to bounce back after a rough 2023 season which he split between Cleveland and Los Angeles. 

The move is a tough one the Dodgers had to make with Betts coming off the IL and it allows a player that can be utilized at several positions in the field hit the open market.

Betts returns to the Dodgers after being sidelined since June 16 with a fractured left hand.

The Dodgers had already decided that Betts would not bat leadoff or man the infield when he returned to the field. 

“He is most confident right now in right field versus at shortstop,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters .

Los Angeles placed Betts in right field in Monday’s series opener with the Brewers and had him bat second behind Shohei Ohtani. 

The Dodgers have been reeling from injuries and Betts’ return is welcomed by the organization, which will need to make some more tough roster decisions as those players return to the lineup as time passes.

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Pirates roster moves and rehab assignments portend more roster shuffling.

• August 8, 2024

Joe Landolina

On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced three roster moves after announcing that two players would begin rehab assignments. Let’s look at the impact these moves will have on the Pirates in the near and distant future.

Pirates Roster Moves and Rehab Assignments Portend More Shuffling

Starting pitcher Jared Jones and outfielder Joshua Palacios joined the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians in Nashville on Thursday. The Indians haven’t announced Thursday’s starter against the Sounds as of this writing, but Jones is expected to make the start. Meanwhile, relief pitcher Colin Holderman has been placed on the injured list with a right wrist sprain. Pitcher Ben Heller has been called up from Indy to take his place. To make room for Heller on the 40-man roster, outfielder Edward Olivares , who had been in Indianapolis, has been designated for assignment.

We have selected the contract of RHP Ben Heller from Triple-A Indianapolis, and placed RHP Colin Holderman on the 15-day injured list. OF Edward Olivares has been designated for assignment to make room for Heller on the 40-man roster. In addition, OF Joshua Palacios and RHP… — Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 8, 2024

Holderman to the IL

If Holderman has been dealing with the wrist issue for a while, it might explain his recent performance. By June 22, he had 13 holds, a 0.68 ERA, and 2.87 FIP and was arguably the Pirates’ best reliever. Since then, however, he’s 0-5 with two holds, three blown saves, a 7.63 ERA, and a 7.15 FIP. Opponents hit .365/.440/.683 with five homers against Holderman during that stretch.

The IL stint should allow the right-handed Holderman to step back and put his recent failures behind him. Meanwhile, the question becomes who takes Holderman’s place in the late-inning, high-leverage situations. David Bednar , of course, remains the closer despite not being his usual crack self this season. Aroldis Chapman will likely see more work in the eighth inning. However, as Pirates starters (or any major league starters) rarely make it past the sixth inning, a third high-leverage alternative is needed. Hard-throwing rookie right-hander Kyle Nicolas seems to be a logical candidate . Since June 23, he’s 2-1 with three holds. More importantly, he has a 0.89 ERA and 3.17 FIP during that stretch, while holding opponents to a .203/.294/.230 slash line.

Jones on Rehab Assignment

Jones beginning his rehab assignment may be the most significant of these roster moves for the Pirates. Although most of the Pirates’ pitching problems have come from a leaky bullpen, the eventual return of Jones to the active roster will be a boost for the Bucs. Before going on the IL, the fearless rookie was 5-6 with a 3.56 ERA and 1.110 WHIP. He’s pitched better than his numbers indicate, but like his teammate Paul Skenes , he’s been victimized by a weak offense and an ineffective bullpen.

Currently, the Pirates’ rotation consists of Skenes, Mitch Keller , Bailey Falter , Marco Gonzales , and Luis Ortiz . Skenes and Keller are locks to remain in the rotation when Jones returns. It seems like Falter should be banished to the bullpen to make room for Jones. He blamed tiredness on a rough four-inning outing in Cincinnati on June 24. However, Shelton continued to employ him in the rotation, and Falter was inserted there again on July 30 when he returned from an IL stint.

Ortiz was a godsend when he joined the rotation on June 26. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been as good lately. At Arizona on July 26, he gave up three runs in five innings. Against that same team at home on August 2, the Diamondbacks set a major-league record when their first four batters accumulated 15 total bases, including back-to-back-to-back home runs.  Ortiz began Thursday’s start by surrendering two two-run homers. His recent outings, combined with how effective he’s been out of the bullpen, could force him out of the rotation when Jones returns.

Heller was with the Pirates in June, when he gave up 12 runs in two innings in mop-up roles. Barring an injury, he’ll likely be on the Pirates active roster only until Jones moves up from Indy.

Palacios on Rehab Assignment

The return of the left-handed hitting Palacios can’t come soon enough for the Pirates. His boundless energy and enthusiasm give the club a boost. Palacios has always seemed to be in the middle of a rally. Pirates observers looking at his .230/.319/.344 slash line have to do a double-take. Even his -0.4 WPA is unfathomable.

Which outfielder goes when Palacios returns? Center fielder Michael A. Taylor is hitting just .196. Taylor, who was signed for $4 million in the spring, has been with the Pirates all season long. This writer has predicted his demise many times this season, but his spot seems secure. Somehow, Shelton has shown an affinity for certain guys who can’t hit. Last year, it was Austin Hedges , and in 2021, it was Ka’ai Tom . This year, it’s Taylor and Yasmani Grandal .

In any event, Ji Hwan Bae is making this decision easy for the Pirates. The speedy Bae is hitting just .191/.264/.213. The on-base skills he’s flashed in the minors still haven’t translated to the big time and he can’t bunt. Sending Bae back to Indy will be an easy call when Palacios is activated.

Palacios has mostly played right field as a Pirate. He’s unlikely to replace recent trade acquisition Bryan De La Cruz there, although he may spell him once in a while. Nevertheless, given some brief looks in center field this season (15 innings in four games), Palacios looks like he can handle it. The bet here is that he will be out there on a platoon basis with Taylor. However they do it, the Pirates need Palacios to be an important part of the team. Having just lost five of six games in an important homestand, they could use a shot in the arm from baseball’s equivalent of the Energizer Bunny.

Olivares Designated for Assignment

Of all the roster moves, it’s a surprise to see Pittsburgh send Olivares off to DFA land. After picking him up in a trade with the Kansas City Royals last December, the Pirates had hopes that he could contribute to their offense. In his first 11 games, he was hitting .308/.357/.564 with three home runs, while playing right field better than advertised. After that, however, things took a downward spiral, as he hit .200/.273/.267 from April 16 until he was sent to Triple-A on July 9.

With the addition of De La Cruz, the returns of Palacios and Bae from the IL, and Connor Joe in the mix, Olivares dropped far down the right-field food chain. If reinforcements for the outfield are needed from Triple-A, the Pirates can turn to Jack Suwinski , former major leaguer Billy McKinney , or even recently acquired Billy Cook . Meanwhile, Olivares is now exposed to a waiver claim. If he clears waivers, he can elect free agency or accept an assignment to Indy.

Give general manager Ben Cherington some credit here. One may have legitimate complaints about his Pirates tenure, but he doesn’t make roster moves to save face. He’ll move on from a player he’s acquired if things don’t work out as planned.

Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

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