The Pittsburgh Pirates have demoted outfielder Jose Tabata to their Triple-A affiliate in Indianapolis after Tabata cleared irrevocable outright waivers, per Trib-Live Sports. It was a move made partially because of the glut of outfielders on the team and partially because of Tabata’s struggles this season. Now the outfielder can gain valuable playing time after a 2014 season that has seen Tabata appear in 62 games this season with middling results.
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The move was made to clear room for second baseman Neil Walker, who returned yesterday from the disabled list. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle remained positive in reference to Tabata’s future. “He’s at an age where his future is still in front of him,” Hurdle said. “He’s got to make some choices. We’ve encouraged him to go play, stay hungry and get things done.”
Tabata had a .289 batting average with 0 home runs and 1 stolen base. His on-base slugging percentage was a .717.
With the June 10th call-up of Gregory Polanco and the continued struggles of Jose Tabata, this move was a no-brainer for the Pirates. They have Andrew McCutcheon locking down center field with Starling Marte, Travis Snider and Josh Harrison flanking him capably this year. Hurdle maintains that Tabata would have another shot with the team ‘if we lost another outfielder.’
The Pirates have climbed to 39-38 since falling eight games below .500 in the first six weeks of the season. They will finish a three game stand against the Tampa Bay Rays Wednesday at 12:05PM.