Pirates Tabata Makes Impressive Debut then Injured in 8th

Pittsburgh Pirates OF prospect Jose Tabata made his professional debut in Washington last night. Tabata batted leadoff for the Bucs and had two infield singles, a walk, stole a base and played well in left field hustling in all aspects of his game.

When he slid hard into the left field wall in the middle of the game, I tweeted that the Pirates season without Tabata flashed before my eyes.

The Pirates haven’t issued an official report as of yet, but with the Pirates trailing the Nats 6-5, he seemed to maybe pull his hamstring or his groin on the second to last pitch of his at-bat in the eighth inning.

On the next swing he hit a ball to deep right center field that was caught, but Tabata had trouble getting down the first base line. He slowly walked off the field at Nationals Park and the television coverage showed Tabata heading into the training room.

UPDATE:  The Pirates reported Tabata had a cramp in his right hamstring.  Pirates manager John Russell said, “there was no pop.”

And exhale Pirates fans.

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Dejan of the Post Gazette posted this video of Tabata speaking on his callup prior to the majors.