Neal was sent down to Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Neal's 7.98 ERA comes largely from a pair of terrible long relief outings in late June when the Nationals and Rays combined to score 12 runs off him in just 7.2 innings. Neal had been sharp in three relief outings since (four innings, one earned run), but opportunities had been few and far between, so he'll return to Nashville for more consistent work.

Neal fired a scoreless eighth inning in Friday's 7-2 loss to the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

Recalled from Triple-A Nashville on July 2, Neal saw action for the first time at the big-league level since June 14 on Friday. The 28-year-old right-hander had been roughed up by the Nationals and Rays for 12 earned runs over 7.2 innings in two appearances during his previous stint, but he'd closed out that tenure with a pair of strong outings against the Marlins. Friday's effort represented his third scoreless appearance with the Athletics this season, and he's now lowered his ERA from 10.13 to a still-bloated but improving 7.98 over his last three trips to the mound.

Neal was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Sunday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Neal will assume the 25-man spot of starter Jesse Hahn, who was optioned back to Nashville to open up a rotation spot for Paul Blackburn. It's expected that Neal, who was touched up for 13 runs in 13.2 innings in five appearances with the Athletics earlier this season, will have to settle for low-leverage, long-relief work during his time with the big club.

Neal was optionedto Triple-A Nashville on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Michael Brady was brought up by the A's in a corresponding move to take Neal's place. Neal had allowed a whopping 13 earned runs and five home runs over his last four outings.

Neal gave up five earned runs on six hits over 4.1 innings in Friday's 13-4 loss to the Rays. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old was brought in after starter Andrew Triggs was blasted for eight earned runs in less than four frames, but he wasn't much better. It was a second consecutive poor long relief effort for Neal after he gave up seven earned runs over 3.1 frames against the Nationals on June 2. Following Friday's outing, he sports an unsightly 10.13 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP.

Neal surrendered seven earned runs on nine hits over 3.1 innings in Friday's 13-3 loss to the Nationals. He also recorded a strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander threw a whopping 69 pitches during his brief time on the mound, surrendering a trio of home runs to Jayson Werth, Brian Goodwin and Anthony Rendon that netted a total of six runs. It was only Neal's second appearance since being recalled from Triple-A Nashville on May 24, with the 28-year-old having fired three scoreless frames against the Indians last Monday in his other outing.

Neal had his contract selected from Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Neal has produced well in a swingman role for the Sounds, posting a 3.89 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP, so he'll head up to the big leagues to replace recently injured Bobby Wahl (undisclosed). Neal could be an option for a spot start if Jesse Hahn (elbow) is unable to make his next start, otherwise he'll likely fill a long-relief role out of Oakland's bullpen.

Neal was reassigned to minor league camp Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Neal got into 24 games with the big club last season, posting a 4.24 ERA and 27 K's over 70 innings. He fared better at Triple-A Nashville with a 3.21 ERA in just over 61 innings, so clearly the organization feels -- at least at this point in his career -- that the 28-year-old is best suited to further seasoning in the minors before he's ready for full-time duty with the A's.

Neal was sent outright to Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Neal appeared in 24 games for Oakland last season, including six starts. He finished the season with a 4.24 major league ERA over 70 innings. While he only struck out 3.47 batters per nine innings, he posted a very strong .77 BB/9 walk rate. He figures to be back to the big league club at some point in 2017.

Neal was designated for assignment by the A's on Tuesday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Trevor Plouffe added to the roster, Neal was the casualty. The 28-year-old righty made his major league debut last season, bouncing back and forth between Oakland and Triple-A Nashville. He finished the season with a 4.24 ERA over 70 innings with Oakland, but went 7-2 in 11 minor league starts. If he remains with the A's he will likely serve as organizational depth at Triple-A for most of 2017.