Lonnie Chisenhall is in line to be the Cleveland Indians’ opening-day third baseman.
The Indians did not tender Jack Hannahan a contract, likely clearing the way for Chisenhall to take over full-time at the hot corner.
Hannahan, who played with a bad back most of last season, is now eligible for free agency.
Hannahan played great defensively in his two seasons in Cleveland, but he hit just .244 with four home runs and 29 RBIs in 105 games last season.
Really, though, Hannahan was just keeping the job warm for Chisenhall, who hit .268 with five home runs and 16 RBIs in 43 games last season. Chisenhall, a left-handed hitter, broke his right forearm when he was hit by a pitch in June, but he returned in September to help the Tribe make the decision on Hannahan.
As expected, the Indians offered deals to right fielder Shin-Soo Choo, starter Justin Masterson and closer Chris Perez, among others.
Find out more on the Indians’ decisions here.
