Thomas

Neal

He was cleared as the Indians made room for Jose Lopez and Dan Wheeler on the 40-man roster. Neal, who was acquired from the Giants last year for Orlando Cabrera, was hitless in seven at-bats this spring.

Neal cleared waivers after being designated for assignment this week. The 24-year-old batted .289/.343/.391 with two homers, 26 RBI and a .734 OPS over 70 games at the Triple-A level last year.

Neal, 24, has spent the entire year in Double-A and will provide outfield depth. He figures to get most of his at-bats against left-handed pitching.

He’s getting a scheduled day off. Thomas Neal will start in right field and bat seventh against left-hander Derek Holland.

Brantley injured his groin in a rundown play over the weekend and sat out Monday’s game. He may need to miss a couple more games. Ezequiel Carrera is playing center field again Wednesday while Thomas Neal plays left field.

Neal was batting .339/.426/.446 with two homers and 24 RBI at Triple-A. He’s expected to see regular time in the DH spot against left-handers and could be worth a shot in AL-only formats.

Neal picked up just two hits in 11 at-bats during his time with the Yanks. He’s clearing room for Ivan Nova, who will start Sunday.

He’ll presumably receive a spring training invite. Neal, a right-handed hitter, was released by the Indians earlier this month after hitting .314/.400/.467 with 12 homers and a .867 OPS in 117 games at the Triple-A level last season. Even if he doesn’t win a roster spot, he’ll be useful depth in the organization.

Neal was designated for assignment last week and is now eligible for free agency. He batted .314/.400/.467 with the Indians’ Double-A affiliate this past season and should have no trouble finding a minor league deal if he decides to sign with another organization.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the newly signed Nick Swisher. Neal batted .314/.400/.467 this past season at the Double-A level.