Indians Option LaPorta To Columbus

The Cleveland Indians today announced they have activated infielder Andy Marte from the 15-day disabled list. To allow room on the 25-man roster, the Indians optioned outfielder Matt LaPorta to Triple-A Columbus.

Marte was placed on the disabled list on May 15 (retro to May 12) with a non-baseball medical issue. So far this year with the Indians he has hit .208 (5-24) with 4 runs scored, a triple, a home run and 7RBI in 15 games. Yesterday he made his only rehab appearance prior to today’s activation as he went 2-4 with 2 runs scored and a walk for the Lake County Captains in their 8-4 win over Wisconsin in Classic Park. He also played in a game Saturday that was suspended by weather.

LaPorta has hit .218 (26-119) with 13 runs scored, 4 doubles, a home run and 7 RBI in 35 games with the Indians this year (.277 SLG, .290 OBP, .567 OPS).

LaPorta has been slow to recover from his offseason toe and hip surgeries, predominantly the hip surgery, which has hurt his numbers. The hip issue has taken away from a lot of his ability to swing his hips and drive through the ball. He has played part time in Cleveland of late, and it looks like the Indians felt it best to send him to Triple-A where he could work through some swing issues and also get healthy.