Tabata takes time off after being hit on forearm

MIAMI -- The Pirates are giving Jose Tabata a couple of days off after he was hit by a pitch on the right forearm Wednesday. Manager Clint Hurdle said Tabata will work on making extended throws so he can return to playing in the field.

"He actually went and tried to throw [before Thursday's game]," Hurdle said. "I anticipate him being able to throw before the week runs out -- throw meaningfully from the outfield."

While the injury also causes Tabata pain when he grips a bat, he entered the ninth inning of Thursday's game in Washinton as a pinch-hitter and struck out. He wore an air splint on his right forearm during the at-bat.

Despite Tabata's strikeout, Hurdle was encouraged by the 24-year-old's performance.

"I thought he made a pretty good stride [Thursday], getting enough flexibility back and enough strength back to swing the bat," Hurdle said. "He took some aggressive swings early. He took batting practice."

Tabata is batting .272 with two home runs, 12 RBIs, 15 runs scored and a .340 on-base percentage in 153 plate appearances.