Jose Tabata was wheeled out of the Pirates clubhouse on a motorized scooter Sunday morning, marking an abrupt end to another brief ride with the big-league club.
Tabata, who cleared waivers twice last year, was again designated for assignment along with right-hander Chris Volstad as the Pirates promoted outfielder Gorkys Hernandez and infielder Steve Lombardozzi.
Hernandez, 27, hit .275 in 73 games this season for Indianapolis. He spent part of the 2012 season with the Pirates. Lombardozzi, 26, played six games for the Pirates in mid-May, going 0 for 4 with a run scored.
Tabata, 26, was recalled May 19 from Indianapolis and hit .