The Los Angeles Dodgers released outfielder Jose Tabata from the organization over the weekend. He had been on the disabled list since May 21, and was reinstated on the same day of his release.
Tabata, who was not on the 40-man roster, played 30 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City and hit .244/.340/.333. Los Angeles acquired the 27 year old from the Pittsburgh Pirates last July in exchange for Michael Morse and cash considerations.
That trade came on the heels of the mega-deal with the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins. Tabata is earning $4.5 million this season and has a $250,000 buyout on his $6.5 million club option for 2017.
Thus, the Dodgers are on the hook for the remainder of his 2016 salary, plus the buyout. Prior to being traded to the Dodgers, Tabata spent parts of six seasons with the Pirates.
He hit .275/.336/.377 with 81 doubles, 15 triples, 17 home runs and 126 RBIs over 509 games. Tabata posted strong seasons with the Pirates in 2013 and 2014, but opened last season with Triple-A Indianapolis and only appeared in 27 Major-League games.
Dating back to last month the Dodgers have now released Alex Guerrero, Elian Herrera and Joe Thatcher, among others. Carl Crawford, who was designated for assignment on June 5, figures to soon join the group.
