Goodyear, AZ (Sports Network) - The Cleveland Indians released outfielder Ben Francisco on Monday.
Francisco, a six-year veteran, appeared in 82 games in 2012 with the Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays, batting .240 with four home runs and 15 RBI.
Francisco has also spent time with Cleveland (2007-2009) and the Philadelphia Phillies (2009-2011). Over 542 career games, Francisco has batted .257 with 49 home runs and 189 RBI.
The Indians also sent first baseman Matt LaPorta, pitcher Fernando Nieve and catcher Roberto Perez to minor league camp, while adding pitcher Rich Hill to the 40-man roster and placing pitcher Blake Wood on the 60-day disabled list.
