The Cubs claimed outfielder Thomas Neal off waivers from the Yankees on Monday. The Yankees designated Neal for assignment on Friday to make room on the 40-man roster for Curtis Granderson.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cubs transferred RHP Rafael Dolis to the 60-day DL.
Thomas Neal is expected to be added to the active roster on Tuesday prior to the start of the three-game series in Philadelphia. The Cubs will have to clear a spot on the 25-man roster to add Neal. The Cubs are expected to send out a reliever and carry 12 pitchers on the active roster.
Thomas Neal has played in 13 games at the big league level over the last two seasons for the Indians and Yankees. Neal has a career line of .206/.270/.235 with one double.
The right-handed hitting outfielder has been very good in the minors this season. In 72 games at the Triple-A level, Thomas Neal hit .325/.391/.411/.802 with 17 doubles and two home runs. Neal can play all three outfield spots.
Neal turns 26 on August 17. The 6-foot-2, 220 pound outfielder was selected by the Giants in the 36th round of the 2005 draft. The Giants dealt him to the Indians for Orlando Cabrera in July of 2011. The Yankees signed Neal six days after the Indians released him last January.
Thomas Neal’s Page on Baseball-Reference