Espino to DL, Neal to Akron

The Indians have placed Double-A Akron right-handed pitcher Paolo Espino on the disabled list in Akron with a left oblique strain. He left last night's game after facing one batter in the third inning because of the injury.

Outfielder Thomas Neal has been reassigned from Triple-A Columbus to Akron and will take Espino's spot on the roster. He had been placed on waivers on Wednesday to clear a spot on the 40-man roster  and yesterday had cleared and was outrighted to Columbus, but was reassigned this morning.

Akron will likely make another move in the coming days to replace Espino's spot on the pitching staff, so a pitcher could be moved from High-A Carolina for a spot start or a pitcher in extended spring training that is rehabbing may get the spot (LHP Matt Packer or someone else).

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