(Ross D. Franklin, Associated Press)
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Indians sent catcher Francisco Mejia and first baseman Nellie Rodriguez to minor league camp Wednesday after they made good impressions with the big league club.
Mejia was optioned to Class AA Akron after hitting .421 (8-for-19) with two homers and 18 RBI in 11 Cactus League games. Rodriguez, still idled by a sprained right ankle, hit .370 (10-for-27) with four RBI in 14 games.
Baseball America ranked Mejia as the Indians top prospect going into spring training.
"He's gotten enough at bats early in camp, some as a DH, but he doesn't need to do that," said manager Terry Francona.