Matt LaPorta had a terrific day at the plate in Thursday's victory over the Rangers, going 3-for-4 with a two-run homer. The 27-year-old former top prospect is again struggling to make the most of his opportunity with the big club, hitting just .237 with a homer and three RBI in his first 38 at-bats. There's still plenty of potential here, but his window to make an impact is closing quickly.

Indians optioned 1B-OF Matt LaPorta to Triple-A Columbus. He was sent down to make room for the newly-claimed Esmil Rogers on the active roster. LaPorta went 2-for-11 (.182) during his brief stay with the team and figures to return later this summer.

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.

Matt LaPorta started in left field in Saturday's game against the Dodgers. The Indians are still undecided on their Opening Day left fielder and could look to find at-bats for LaPorta with Casey Kotchman set to begin the year at first base. LaPorta is hitting .172 in 30 plate appearances this spring.

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 have told Matt LaPorta that he'll have to win a job in spring training next season. It's no surprise after the former top prospect struggled to a .247/.299/.412 finish this season. LaPorta will be 27 going into spring training, and with a .238/.304/.397 career batting line over 909 at-bats, he's starting to run out of chances.

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.

Matt LaPorta returned to action on Tuesday August 9.

Matt LaPorta (sore left foot) is not in the lineup on Sunday night. He was hit by pitch on Friday night. LaPorta is available off the bench and hopes to be recovered by Tuesday.

Matt LaPorta hit a walk-off, three-run homerun in the bottom of the 9th to beat the Royals, 5-to-2. The blast came off Joakim Soria, who has now blown six out of 25 save opportunities. LaPorta finished the night 2-for-4, with a double and the homerun. With Detroit losing, Cleveland is now just a game and a half out of first place in the A.L. Central.