The Indians have designated 24-year old righty swinging outfielder Thomas Neal for assignment.  Neal played in 70 games in AAA-ball for the Giants & Indians last year and he was 74 of 256 (.289 avg, .734 OPS) with 40 runs scored, 2 homers, 26 RBIs and 8 stolen bases.  He has now played in 512 games in his first six years in the minors and he is 561 of 1,899 (.295 avg, .834 OPS) with 313 runs scored, 56 homers, 290 RBIs and 26 stolen bases.  The Indians probably hope that Neal clears waivers so that they can keep him around in 2012.

UPDATE:  (4/6/2012) – The Indians have outrighted Thomas Neal to AAA after he cleared waivers.