Tabata signed with the York Revolution of the Atlantic League Professional Baseball on Thursday, JJ Cooper of Baseball America reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tabata signed a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays last February but failed to crack the Opening Day roster and ultimately never actually suited up for the franchise, despite still being rostered throughout the 2017 campaign. He is returning to professional baseball for the first time since the 2015 season when he slashed .289/.341/.289 in 27 games with the Pirates. Unless he reverts to his 2010 form -- he hit .299/.346/.400 across 405 at-bats with Pittsburgh -- his career in major-league baseball is likely finished.

Tabata was outrighted to Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Tabata batted .289 with four RBI during his 27 game stint with the Pirates this season, but now he will be with their Triple-A affiliate for the time being. Even if he does return to the big league club this season, it won't likely be in a fantasy relevant role.

Tabata cleared waivers and will be designated to Triple-A, Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reports. This was expected for Tabata, who hit .289 with four RBI in 27 games with Pittsburgh. Tabata has struggled to stay in the majors for the past couple years, and he will now head back to Triple-A, where he is boasting a batting average of .352 in 28 games this season.

Tabata was designated for assignment Sunday, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports. The 26-year-old, who's seen time at all three outfield spots this season, is hitting .289 with four RBI in 38 at-bats. He'll likely land back in Triple-A, where he holds a .352 average in 28 games on the year.

Tabata went 2-for-5 with an RBI Monday against the White Sox. While making just his fourth start of the year, Tabata played instead of fellow bench guy Corey Hart. As a result, his roster spot -- widely thought to be the 25th man -- may be more secure than Hart's. Whatever the case, Tabata has done better than expected in a very limited capacity.

Tabata is batting .417 (15-for-36) against Wednesday starter Kyle Lohse. The Pirates haven't presented their lineup for Wednesday, but Tabata makes for a good choice if he plays. The outfielder has six hits (all singles) in 22 at-bats since his recall from Triple-A.

Tabata connected for a pinch-hit single in his season debut Tuesday against the Twins. Fantasy owners might expect more singles and a batting average around .270 if Tabata finds his way into the starting lineup -- something which could happen given Gregory Polanco's struggles. The Pirates have unsuccessfully tried to move his salary -- a combined $8.75 million due in the next two seasons -- and could boost Tabata's playing time to help improve his stock.

Tabata was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, MLB.com's Tom Singer reports. Tabata is having a strong season for Triple-A Indianapolis, sporting a .352/.422/.396 triple-slash line through 28 games, on the strength of an 8:11 K:BB ratio. Still, he offers little in the way of power, and he'll likely just provide the Pirates with outfield depth and speed off the bench.

Tabata was reassigned to the Pirates' minor-league camp Friday, MLB.com's Tom Singer reports. As a non-roster player, Tabata didn't have very realistic chances of sticking with the Pirates as a reserve outfielder. Though the speed he showed in the minors once gave hope that Tabata would settle into an everyday role in the majors, the Pirates likely aren't counting on him as anything more than organizational depth at this point.

Tabata (ankle) took part in Friday's spring training game, Tom Singer of MLB.com reports. Tabata left the field on a cart earlier this week and was diagnosed with an ankle bruise. He was seen walking with a limp Thursday but his condition has apparently improved, as he's healthy enough to return to game action.