Lindor among first round of Tribe spring roster cuts

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Former No. 1 Draft pick Francisco Lindor was among the 12 cuts made by the Indians on Wednesday during the club's first roster moves of the spring.

The team optioned five players to Triple-A Columbus, one to Class A Carolina and reassigned six to Minor League camp. The cuts bring the total number of players in Indians camp to 53.

In addition to Lindor, catcher Jake Lowery, outfielder Tyler Naquin, catcher Roberto Perez, infielder Joe Wendle and catcher/infielder Tony Wolters were reassigned to Minor League camp. Each of those six was a non-roster invitee.

Right-hander Austin Adams, left-hander T.J. House, infielder Jesus Aguilar, infielder Jose Ramirez and outfielder Carlos Moncrief were all optioned to Columbus. Infielder Erik Gonzalez was optioned to Carolina.

Lindor, 20, is considered the Indians' top prospect by MLB.com and enters the season ranked No. 10 on MLB.com's Prospect Watch. The No. 8 overall pick in the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft went 4-for-15 with a double, five runs, a home run and four RBIs in eight spring games.

"Our group of young players jumped out at us," manager Terry Francona said. "I don't know if I want to say it's rare, but I think we're very fortunate that we have a core group of young players that are so professional and respectful.

"This is kind of how we envisioned it when we brought them to Major League camp, and to a kid, they were respectful, they played hard, they learned, they asked questions. It went just like we wanted it to. I think every one of those kids that were in camp will be better off for it."