The Cleveland Indians have optioned first baseman Matt LaPorta and third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall to Triple-A Columbus, according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian.

Bastian tweeted the news Tuesday:

Indians have optioned 3B Lonnie Chisenhall & 1B Mat LaPorta to AAA Columbus. OF Chaf Huffman also reassigned to Minors camp.

— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 27, 2012

LaPorta was the seventh overall pick in 2007 but has yet to live up to his considerable billing. The right-hander has a .238 career batting average and .304 on-base percentage. In 107 games and 352 at-bats last season, he hit .247 and had an OBP of just .299.

Chisenhall, a first-round pick in 2008, has appeared in 66 games with 212 at-bats in his major league career, compiling a .255 batting average and hitting seven homers. His demotion means that 32-year-old journeyman Jack Hannahan will likely be the opening day starter at third.

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