Indians send top prospect Francisco Lindor to Triple-A

Cleveland Indians top prospect Francisco Lindor needs some more seasoning at the minor-league level before he's ready for the majors. 

The team opted to send the 21-year-old shortstop to Triple-A on Thursday despite the solid numbers he posted in spring. In 16 games, Lindor slashed .297/.308/.595 with a pair of home runs, three doubles and a triple. 

Selected with the eighth pick in the 2011 draft, Lindor was rated the fourth-best prospect by MLB.com and ninth by Baseball America. 

Jose Ramirez is expected to begin the season as the Indians' starting shortstop.