Pirates make another round of cuts
The Pittsburgh Pirates today optioned top prospects Pedro Alvarez and Jose Tabata to Triple-A Indianapolis.
General Manager Neal Huntington told the media soon afterwards that he wanted to keep Alvarez and Tabata in the major league camp but today was the deadline to option them.
Due to the Pirates not wanting Alvarez’ major league clock to start, the move was expected.
In 27 at-bats, Alvarez batted .296 with four RBI’s. The plan is to bring Alvarez up to the big club after Memorial Day.
Outfielder Jose Tabata batted .250 in 28 at-bats. The growing consensus from scouts is that Tabata must improve his power numbers to become a legitimate top tier prospect.
Jimmy Barthmaier, Neal Cotts, Craig Hansen, Jonathan Van Every, Doug Bernier and Tyler Yates were also re-assigned to the Pirates minor league camp.