Tabata hits the bench: Pirates managed Clint Hurdle told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Friday that outfielder Jose Tabata was not in the lineup for that night’s game against the Tigers after he failed to hustle out a groundball in the ninth inning of Thursday’s 5-3 win over the Nationals. “We’ve seen it happen a couple of times,” Hurdle said. “They understand here that when that happens, there’s something else that’s going to happen: You’re going to sit with me and watch.” Hurdle did not make it sound as if Tabata’s benching was going to be permanent. (Updated 05/18/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/22/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Tabata has been slumping recently, going three for his last 20, so perhaps the day off to clear his head could do him some good. He has been showcasing a much better in the month of May, so hopefully this little slump and benching does not derail him, and Hurdle though Tabata was handling it with the right mindset. “He understands there was a lesson to be learned,” Hurdle said. “He had a rough night all over the board. It happens sometimes to young players. Sometimes they need (to regain) focus. He understands the importance he carries at the top of the lineup, the intensity he’s got to play with.” Tabata has been performing as a low-end Fantasy option in mixed leagues recently, so continue to start him in deeper formats when he is in the lineup. (Updated 05/18/2012).
05/11/2012 08:18 Hit Parade for Week 7
As interleague play gets under way there are many matchups to break down. Our Scott White tells you who the best bets and biggest risks are in his Hit Parade for Week 7.
05/10/2012 21:58 Strasburg fans 13 in win over Pirates
Stephen Strasburg struck out a season-high 13 over six innings and the Washington Nationals snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-2 win over Pittsburgh on Thursday.
05/06/2012 17:17 Hit Parade for Week 6
Plenty of pitching matchups to take advantage of as we look ahead to Fantasy Week 6. Our Scott White helps you make sense of some platoons and maximizes your lineup's potential in his Hit Parade.
05/03/2012 17:25 Bedard mows down Cards in Pirates win
Erik Bedard struck out a season-high 11, including seven straight batters, and Pedro Alvarez hit a go-ahead home run as the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-3 Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep.
05/01/2012 23:50 Cards' Wainwright gets first win since '10
Adam Wainwright worked seven solid innings for his first win since September 2010, and the St. Louis Cardinals got big nights at the plate from David Freese and Matt Holliday to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-7 on Tuesday.
Jose Tabata showed some nice speed and the ability to hit for average during his call-up in 2010 but had a difficult time staying healthy during his first full season in the majors a year ago. He dealt with a myriad of minor injuries early on and batted .265 with three homers, 15 RBI and 14 stolen bases over his first 71 games before missing nearly a month due to a left quad injury. He would return in mid-August and batted .273 down the stretch before breaking a bone in his hand in September. Tabata underwent season-ending surgery shortly thereafter but is expected to be ready for the 2012 campaign and has already been tabbed as the everyday right fielder. He showed some budding power between injuries in 2011 and Fantasy owners already know he has some solid speed, so keep tabs on his progress. With steady at-bats and a career .284 average, Tabata should be considered with a late-round pick on Draft Day. (Updated 2/13/12)
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AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
