The Pirates and Jose Tabata are nearing agreement on a six-year contract extension. Such a deal would buy out Tabata's three arbitration seasons and his first year of free agency. Batting .264/.351/.362 during an injury-marred campaign this season, Tabata hit .299/.346/.400 in 441 plate appearances as a rookie in 2010. He just turned 23 on August 12.

Jose Tabata hit a two-run homer in Pittsburgh's loss to the Cardinals on Wednesday. onight was just Tabata's second game back from the disabled list, but he looked healthy and ready to contribute. If a frustrated owner cut him loose during his lengthy absence, he's a great late-season flier in deeper mixed leagues.

Pirates activated OF Jose Tabata from the 15-day disabled list. Tabata missed over six weeks with a strained left quadriceps muscle that he suffered near the end of June. He'll return to a .265/.351/.354 batting line, 15 homers and 14 stolen bases. The talented 23-year-old should make regular starts in the Pittsburgh outfield down the stretch.

Jose Tabata (quad) will not be activated Monday. Tabata has arrived back in Pittsburgh and would seem to be recovered from the strained left quad that he suffered in late June, but the Bucs want to seem him run first before allowing him back in the major leauge lineup. He should be activated on Tuesday.

Jose Tabata (left quad) went 3-for-5 with a run, RBI, and double in Saturday's rehab game with Triple-A Indianapolis. Clint Hurdle said Tabata took a step forward after Friday's game and his solid performance makes him seem close to a return. The Pirates will reevaluate Tabata after Sunday's rehab game but he is expected to be activated on Monday.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Jose Tabata (quad) "took another step forward last night" in his rehab game with Triple-A Indianapolis. Tabata will play for Indy again on Saturday and Sunday before being reevaluated. All signs point to him being activated from the disabled list on Monday. He's been out since the end of June with a strained left quadriceps muscle.

The Pirates will likely activate Jose Tabata (quad) from the disabled list Monday. Tabata has been sidelined since the end of June with a strained left quadriceps muscle. The 23-year-old has experienced some stops and starts during his rehab, but is batting .333 (7-for-21) with one homer and four doubles over six games with Triple-A Indianapolis. The Pirates have discussed using him in right field upon his return.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Monday that Jose Tabata (quad) will play some right field during his minor league rehab stint with Triple-A Indianapolis. In fact, the 22-year-old is scheduled to play his first game in right field on Tuesday night. This is an indication that the Pirates could eventually go with Tabata in right field and Alex Presley in left. Tabata has never played right field in the major leagues, but has extensive experience there in the minors.

Jose Tabata (quad) went 1-for-1 with two walks in Saturday's Triple-A rehab game. Tabata had a very successful rehab outing considering he was pulled with tightness during his last effort and had a perfect night at the plate. He will play in a few more rehab games before the Pirates deem him ready to return to Pittsburgh.

Jose Tabata (quad) is scheduled to resume his minor league rehab assignment Saturday with Triple-A Indianapolis. Tabata was pulled from his rehab assignment a little over two weeks ago after feeling more tightness in his left quad. He'll likely have to make it through several games in the minors before the Pirates consider activating him from the disabled list.