Indians designate Thomas Neal for assignment

The Indians have designated Thomas Neal for assignment, while manager Terry Francona has yet to decide on a starter in center field.

By R.J. White

Jan 3, 2013 at 7:16 pm ET • 1 min read

With the Nick Swisher signing complete, the Indians have designated outfielder Thomas Neal for assignment, the team announced Thursday.

Neal, who was acquired by the Indians in the July 2011 trade that sent shortstop Orlando Cabrera to the Giants, hit .217/.250/.261 with the Indians in 2012, his first season in the majors. He spent most of his time this past season in Double-A, hitting .314/.400/.467 with 12 home runs and 11 stolen bases in 470 plate appearances.

Neal, who turned 25 in August, spent his entire 2011 season in the Triple-A organizations of the Giants and Indians.

In other Indians news, manager Terry Francona has yet to decide on a starter in center field, according to WTAM 1100's Nick Camino. Francona is expected to decide between Michael Brantley and Drew Stubbs for the position.

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