Indians optioned 1B Matt LaPorta to Triple-A Columbus.

The Indians want LaPorta to get regular playing time, and it simply wouldn't have been available to him in the major leagues. Casey Kotchman will start at first base.

Indians general manager Chris Antonetti indicated Friday that Matt LaPorta is likely to begin the season at Triple-A.

The Tribe signed Casey Kotchman to be their regular first baseman, and they'd like to give LaPorta everyday at-bats. The former top prospect will compete for a bench role, but Antonetti thinks LaPorta would benefit from some more seasoning. With a career .313/.400/.553 batting line there, LaPorta has nothing left to prove at Triple-A. He might have run out of chances with the Indians, though.

The Indians are expected to recall 1B Matt LaPorta Friday.

LaPorta got off to a solid start this season but ultimately tanked to a .238/.289/.404 batting line before being demoted at the end of August. He should see some starts at first base down the stretch but isn't a fantasy option.