The Pittsburgh Pirates have designated Jose Tabata for assignment, according to the MLB.com transactions page (h/t MLBTR). Tabata was outrighted earlier this season, after going unclaimed on waivers. The outfielder is unlikely to be claimed this time around, since the same conditions exist as last time. He’s got a horrible contract, with over $9 M due to him over the next two seasons. He will likely clear waivers, and be outrighted to Triple-A again. There, he will likely take the outright assignment, rather than refusing, becoming a free agent, and turning down the remainder of his deal. It would be a surprise if another team took his salary this time around.
Overall this was a move to clear a 40-man spot, coming on the heels of the trade to add Preston Guilmet from the Baltimore Orioles.