Tabata signed a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays last February but failed to crack the Opening Day roster and ultimately never actually suited up for the franchise, despite still being rostered throughout the 2017 campaign. He is returning to professional baseball for the first time since the 2015 season when he slashed .289/.341/.289 in 27 games with the Pirates. Unless he reverts to his 2010 form -- he hit .299/.346/.400 across 405 at-bats with Pittsburgh -- his career in major-league baseball is likely finished.

Tabata hasn't played at the major league level since 2015 when he slashed .289/.341/.289 over 38 at-bats with the Pirates. He languished at Triple-A Oklahoma City in the Dodgers' system last season before being released before the All-Star break. With the Blue Jays' outfield largely set at this point, it's unlikely that Tabata will crack the Opening Day roster.

Jose Tabata who has been on the DL for the OKC Dodgers, has been released according to sources in the Dodgers camp.

The Dodgers already have a ton of outfielders so we're not sure why they need another. Tabata was once a highly touted prospect, but now is more of a 4th outfielder type. He'll probably head to Triple-A as organizational depth.