Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said Tuesday that Jose Tabata will have to earn playing time next season.

Tabata batted just .243/.315/.348 with three homers, 16 RBI and a .664 OPS in 103 games this past season and will likely find himself on the bench in 2013 with Starling Marte and Travis Snider projected to start in the corner outfield spots. "He's still young enough and talented enough," said Huntington. "With Taby, a big part of it is just conditioning. We need to get him back to where he was a couple of years ago. If we can do that, the athlete is going to show up again and the bat speed is going to show up again." The 24-year-old outfielder is owed $12.75 million over the next four seasons while his contract includes three club options, so there's reason for the Pirates to be patient, but he could present a nice-buy low opportunity for someone.

Jose Tabata (foot) went 2-for-6 with a double, a walk and a run scored in his return to action Monday.

Tabata hadn't played since last Tuesday due to a left foot contusion. The 24-year-old outfielder is hitting just .235/.306/.340 in 86 games with the Pirates this year.

Jose Tabata returned to action on Monday September 10.

Jose Tabata (groin) is back in the starting lineup Monday against the Pirates.

Tabata was limited to pinch-hitting duties Sunday after leaving Saturday's game with a left groin injury. He's not quite 100 percent, but will try to play through it.

Jose Tabata was removed from Saturday's game with a left groin injury.

The Pirates are expected to update his status Sunday. Tabata had an RBI double and scored a run before exiting. Garrett Jones would get semi-regular starts in right field if Tabata's injury requires a stint on the disabled list.

Pirates recalled OF Jose Tabata from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Tabata batted .297/.353/.354 with no homers and five steals in 41 games with Indianapolis since his demotion. He's taking the roster spot of Starling Marte (oblique) and is starting in left field and hitting leadoff Sunday. Tabata should receive regular time with Marte out and should be owned in NL-only leagues.

Pirates recalled OF Jose Tabata from Triple-A Indianapolis.

He'll be on the roster for a few days while Jordy Mercer is on paternity leave. Tabata batted .297/.353/.354 with no homers in 41 games for Indy since his demotion.

Pirates optioned OF Jose Tabata to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle hinted at the possibility of a demotion last week, so the writing was already on the wall. Still, it's quite a fall from grace for Tabata, who signed a long-term extension with the club a year ago. The 23-year-old outfielder is hitting just .230/.295/.341 with a .636 OPS over 280 plate appearances this season and questions have been raised about his effort level. Gorkys Hernandez was called up to replace him on the active roster, but it might not be long before we see prospect outfielder Starling Marte.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Thursday that Jose Tabata is in danger of being demoted.

Tabata is batting just .226/.288/.339 in 68 games this season, and questions have arisen recently about his effort level. "He has had a very challenging season," Hurdle said. "He's been very inconsistent. We've seen good streaks, or, I should say, we've seen good things. ... It's an area of concern, and he knows it."

Jose Tabata launched a solo homer and scored a pair of runs in Monday's loss to the Phillies.

Tabata's playing time has been curtailed recently, as tonight's start was just his second in the last five games. He's batting just .226 for the year and remains off the mixed league radar for now.

Jose Tabata (hand) went 2-for-4 with a stolen base in his return to the lineup Tuesday night.

Tabata didn't start Sunday after being hit in the hand by a pitch during Saturday's game. It shouldn't be an issue moving forward.

Jose Tabata returned to action on Tuesday June 12.

Jose Tabata (hand) is not in the Pirates' lineup Sunday.

Tabata was hit by a pitch Saturday, and although he stayed in the game, the hand is still bothering him. He's available off the bench, though, and should be considered day-to-day.

Jose Tabata went 2-for-3, drove home three runs and also stole a base, leading the Pirates to an 8-2 victory over the Brewers on Friday.

Tabata's bases clearing double capped off a six-run third inning and provided all of the support that Kevin Correia would need in the game. His pair of doubles in the game give him nine on the season, and his bat finally appears to be showing signs of life. As long as he's leading off, he's worthy of starting in most leagues.

Jose Tabata returned to action on Monday May 28.

Jose Tabata (leg) is back in the Bucs' lineup Monday.

Tabata was removed from Sunday's game after experiencing cramps in his left leg. He felt much improved when he arrived at PNC Park on Monday.

Jose Tabata left Sunday's game with discomfort and cramping in his left leg.

It's likely just a precautionary move. Tabata should be OK in a day or so.

Jose Tabata returned to the Pirates' lineup.

Tabata was benched for not running out a ground ball on Friday, but returned to the lineup as expected. He's starting in right field and batting leadoff.

Jose Tabata was benched Friday for not running out a ground ball.

"We've seen it happen a couple of times," manager Clint 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." It sounds like the one-game benching for Tabata is team protocol. He'll likely be back in the lineup Saturday.

Jose Tabata went 3-for-5 with a double and a steal against the Cardinals on Thursday.

Tabata didn't have a multihit game while hitting .111 in his first 10 appearances of the season, but he's had five in 11 games since, raising his average to 244 in the process.