The Pittsburgh Pirates optioned outfielder Jose Tabata to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday and recalled outfielder Gorkys Hernandez.

Tabata was hitting .230 with only three home runs, 11 RBI and an on-base percentage of .295 in 72 games this year. The 23-year-old played primarily right field with an occasional appearance in left.

Manager Clint Hurdle twice threatened Tabata with a demotion this year, citing the outfielder’s lapses in hustle.

Tabata has eight steals, but he’s been caught a Major League-most nine times. Prior to this season, he had been successful on 35 of 47 steal attempts.

Hurdle also questioned Tabata’s defensive efforts, citing numerous times he appeared to pull up on catchable balls.

During the Pirates' weekend series in St. Louis, Hurdle said, "The talking part is over. He needs to play. We've worked through this about as far as we can. It's time."

This will be Hernandez’s second stint with the Pirates this season. He went 2 for 10 with two RBI in nine games from May 18 until June 5.

Hernandez was promoted instead of top prospect Starling Marte.