A day after getting hit by a pitch, Tabata (ankle) walked with a pronounced limp Thursday, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Initially, it appeared as though the outfielder avoided serious injury. It's difficult to say how much time Tabata might miss, but the team will likely keep him out of action for more than a couple days.

X-Rays on Tabata (ankle) have come back negative, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. Tabata left Wednesday's game with what was originally described as lower body soreness, something that was likely the effect of him fouling a ball off his ankle. He shouldn't be poised for an extended absence, but if he has to miss a few days, the team's depth at outfield will be temporarily hampered.

Tabata left Wednesday's game with lower-body soreness, the Pittsburgh Tribune's Travis Sawchik reports. Tabata was carted back to the clubhouse after fouling a ball off the inside of his left ankle in Wednesday's spring training game. Andrew Lambo seems to be well-positioned to win the fourth outfielder job out of camp, which would send Tabata to Triple-A to start the season.

Tabata, who has just 17 career homers in 1724 career plate appearances, worked on a power stroke in the Mexican League over the winter, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. Manager Clint Hurdle said that it will take time for Tabata -- who spoke with Marlon Byrd about the change in his swing -- to feel comfortable with his new approach. "We've talked to Jose about putting more leverage in his swing," Hurdle said. "He worked very hard with that through the winter. He's shown a liking for it." Tabata has mostly struggled since his rookie season in 2010, but since he's already signed for the next two seasons to a guaranteed contract Pittsburgh is looking to get something out of its investment. Tabata is not a lock to make the Bucs out of spring training.

Tabata has accepted his outright assignment to Triple-A Indianapolis, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Tabata was designated for assignment by the Pirates last week, but will remain in the organization after passing through waivers unclaimed. The two years remaining on his contract likely had a lot to do with other teams passing on the 26-year-old, who hit .282/.314/.333 with seven extra-base hits and one stolen base in 80 games with the big club this season.

The Pirates designated Tabata for assignment Friday. Tabata hit .282 in 80 games with the big club this season, but it was a shallow average, as just seven of his 49 hits went for extra bases and he walked all of seven times in 186 plate appearances. Moreover, he stole just one base in three attempts with the big club, and was also 1-for-3 on the basepaths in 39 games at Triple-A Indianapolis. The Pirates were high enough on Tabata in 2011 to ink him to a six-year extension, but three years later and his luster has all but worn off, though another team may be inclined to take a flier on the 26-year-old.

Tabata went 2-for-4 with a game-winning RBI single in his first start since June 21 on Friday. For whatever reason, Tabata appears to have been in the Pirates' doghouse the last couple months. Perhaps a clutch single could help him work his way back. Expect him to serve as a pinch-hitter with occasional starts in a crowded outfield down the stretch.

Tabata was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday. The 26-year-old has split the season between the Pirates and Triple-A. In 62 games for Pittsburgh, Tabata is hitting .289/.327/.331 with four doubles and 14 RBI. In a corresponding move, the Pirates optioned Gregory Polanco to Triple-A.

Jose Tabata has accepted his assignment to Triple-A. Tabata was placed on outright waivers by the Pirates earlier this week and passed through without drawing a claim. The 25-year-old corner outfielder is now off Pittsburgh's 40-man roster, but he is still owed about $10 million in guaranteed money through 2016.

Pirates send OF Jose Tabata outright to Triple-A Indianapolis.