Pirates option 3B Alvarez, OF Tabata to Triple-A

Mar 19, 2010 - 5:28 PM BRADENTON, Fla.(AP) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned top prospects third baseman Pedro Alvarez and outfielder Jose Tabata to Triple-A Indianapolis.

The Pirates announced the moves on Friday.

The 23-year-old Alvarez was drafted second overall in 2008, but signed late and did not play in the minors that year. Last season, he hit a combined .288 with 27 home runs for Class A Lynchburg and Double-A Altoona.

Alvarez is being fast-tracked toward the majors and likely will join the Pirates sometime this season.

The 21-year-old Tabata began last season at Double-A, then batted .276 in 32 games after being promoted to Indianapolis. He also is expected to reach Pittsburgh sometime this summer.

Alvarez and Tabata are on the Pirates' 40-man roster.






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