Jose Tabata (hamstring) could be available to pinch-hit Saturday. Tabata has missed the last three games with hamstring tightness and remains day-to-day. The injury isn't considered serious and he should return to a platoon role in right field by early next week.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Friday that Jose Tabata (hamstring) will likely be limited over the next couple of days. Tabata left Wednesday's game after he felt tightness in his left hamstring while stealing second base. He's already feeling better, but the Pirates will play it safe for now. Consider him day-to-day.

Jose Tabata left Wednesday's game with a tight hamstring. Tabata felt the discomfort while stealing second base in the eighth inning. He will be evaluated by the Pirates' medical staff on Thursday morning in Pittsburgh.

Jose Tabata left Wednesday's game against the Brewers with an apparent leg injury. Tabata suffered the injury when he stole second base in the top of the eighth inning. He went 2-for-4 before leaving the game. The Pirates should provide an update on his status after the game, but it's worth noting that he has dealt with hamstring and quad injuries in the past.

Jose Tabata doubled in both of his at-bats Wednesday against the Rays. Putting on an early power display, Tabata, who homered Monday, has three extra-base hits in six at-bats this spring. That matches his total from 68 at-bats last spring and 69 at-bats in the spring of 2011.

Pirates outfielder Jose Tabata homered Monday in the loss to the Twins. Tabata is out of options this year, but since he has the costly long-term contract, it's possible he could clear waivers and get sent to the minors. The Pirates would prefer to see him impress this spring and claim a spot as the fourth outfielder. It's not like Starling Marte and Travis Snider are sure things as the projected starters in the corners.

Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said Tuesday that Jose Tabata will have to earn playing time next season. Tabata batted just .243/.315/.348 with three homers, 16 RBI and a .664 OPS in 103 games this past season and will likely find himself on the bench in 2013 with Starling Marte and Travis Snider projected to start in the corner outfield spots. "He's still young enough and talented enough," said Huntington. "With Taby, a big part of it is just conditioning. We need to get him back to where he was a couple of years ago. If we can do that, the athlete is going to show up again and the bat speed is going to show up again." The 24-year-old outfielder is owed $12.75 million over the next four seasons while his contract includes three club options, so there's reason for the Pirates to be patient, but he could present a nice-buy low opportunity for someone.

Jose Tabata (foot) went 2-for-6 with a double, a walk and a run scored in his return to action Monday. Tabata hadn't played since last Tuesday due to a left foot contusion. The 24-year-old outfielder is hitting just .235/.306/.340 in 86 games with the Pirates this year.

Jose Tabata returned to action on Monday September 10.

Jose Tabata (groin) is back in the starting lineup Monday against the Pirates. Tabata was limited to pinch-hitting duties Sunday after leaving Saturday's game with a left groin injury. He's not quite 100 percent, but will try to play through it.