Retired Pirates DFA veterans Rowdy Tellez and Michael A. Taylor

PITTSBURGH – First baseman Rowdy Tellez, who was four batting appearances away from a $200,000 bonus entering the day, was released by the Pittsburgh Pirates before Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Pirates also released outfielder Michael A. Taylor and promoted infielder Liover Peguero and outfielder Josh Palacios from Triple-A Indianapolis. The transfers came with just six games left in the season and Pittsburgh out of the playoff race.

The Pirates, who signed Tellez to a one-year deal in the offseason, would have owed Tellez the performance bonus if he had reached 425 batting appearances this season; he began the day at 421.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said the bonus had “no influence” in the decision to cut ties with Tellez, who had become a fan favorite during his summer resurgence in Pittsburgh. He said it was “a difficult part of the business.”

“We feel like we gave Rowdy a lot of chances here this year,” Cherington told reporters before Pittsburgh hosted Milwaukee on Tuesday night. “To his credit, he battled through some tough times early in the year and fought his way out of them. There were periods of success and periods of frustration. That's how far we've come this season.”

Cherington said he doesn't believe the Pirates' decision will have a negative impact on the locker room.

“The guys understand where we are,” he said. “In the old days of expanded rosters, we probably wouldn't be sitting here having this conversation. But there are 28 spots and 14 of them are given to outfield players. We feel like we need to get the 14 guys on the team wherever we can that have the best chance of contributing after this year. I think our players understand that. But that doesn't mean it's easy. Players have relationships.”

Taylor, who also signed a one-year deal, posted just a .193 batting average with five home runs, 21 RBIs and 12 stolen bases in 113 games. His playing time decreased in recent weeks after the Pirates moved shortstop Oneil Cruz to center field.

Peguero, 23, was the Pirates' minor league leader in hits (127), RBIs (79) and doubles (29) and ranked second in extra-base hits (46).

Palacios had a .230 batting average with two home runs and seven RBIs in 20 games with Pittsburgh this season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.