Leo: Chisenhall, LaPorta sent to Columbus

The Indians continue to make roster reductions, inching closer to naming the 25-man roster that will open the season. On Tuesday, Lonnie Chisenhall was optioned to Columbus meaning Jack Hannahan has won the starting third base job.

Chisenhall will be the Clippers starter at the hot corner. The Indians top porspect was picked 29th overall in the 2008 draft. He played 66 games with the Clippers last season, batting .267 with a .353 on-base percentage.

Matt LaPorta was also optioned to the Columbus roster, meaning he’ll likely be the regular first baseman. LaPorta, acquired in the July 2008 trade for C.C. Sabathia, has played 217 major league games over the last two seasons.

The Indians have also re-assigned OF Chad Huffman and OF Fred Lewis to minor league camp. They also released INF Cristian Guzman.

Ryan and I are in the desert until the end of camp, so keep checking back for updates!