Neal spent the and seasons with the Rookie-level Gulf Coast Marlins but managed just seventeen appearances over those two seasons as his elbow continued to bother him. The Marlins sent Neal to the Low-A Utica Blue Sox in and attempted to convert him into a first baseman: in 53 games Neal batted just .190. His elbow felt better, and after the season underwent arthroscopic surgery. The surgery apparently worked: assigned to the Single-A Kane County Cougars for the season, Neal went 4–2 with a 2.32 ERA and six saves. After playing in the California Fall League, Neal spent with the High-A Brevard County Manatees, where he posted a 2.15 ERA with 11 saves.