TABATA PROMOTED TO TRIPLE-A, ALDERSON TO START SATURDAY

ALTOONA, Pa - Following Thursday’s doubleheader versus the Binghamton Mets (AA – New York Mets) it was announced that outfielder Jose Tabata has been promoted to Indianapolis (AAA).  Tabata, 20, is the No. 3 rated prospect in the Pirates organization according to Baseball America.   Recently the Anzoategui, Venezuela native has been one of the hottest hitters in the Eastern League at the time of  his promotion.  Tabata recorded hits in 24 of the 28 games played in the month of July with the Altoona Curve hitting the ball at a .354 clip (40-for-113) with one home run and 12 RBIs including 10 doubles.  Tabata also had an .880 OPS in July, ranking him fourth in the Eastern League in hitting during that span. 

Prior to his torrid month of July, Tabata spent 37 games on the disabled list (May 1 through June 10) with a right hamstring strain, which he suffered on April 28 in a game at Reading.

It has also been announced that right-hander Tim Alderson, whom Pittsburgh recently acquired from the San Francisco organization in exchange for Freddy Sanchez on July 29 will make his Pirates organizational debut when he pitches for the Altoona Curve on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. at Blair County Ballpark versus the Trenton Thunder (AA – New York Yankees).  Alderson began the season in San Jose (Advanced – A) where he went 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA before a mid-season promotion to Double- A Connecticut.  With the Defenders, Alderson appeared in 13 games, sporting a 6-1 record with a 3.47 ERA. 

Alderson, 20, was rated the fourth best prospect in the San Francisco Giant’s system by Baseball America and the 45th best prospect in professional baseball. 

RHP Sean Smith has also been dealt to the Toronto organization.  One of the most reliable pitchers for the Curve this season, Smith was 3-3 with a 2.95 ERA for the Altoona Curve in 22 games, which included three starts.  Smith also proved to be a reliable swing-man for the Altoona Curve as the 25-year old led the team with seven saves in eight opportunities.