The Cleveland Indians have decided to tab Carlos Santana as their starting third baseman, the team announced on Tuesday.

"The Cleveland Indians have announced that Carlos Santana will be their regular third baseman this season. Santana won't platoon with Lonnie Chisenhall, but he will also be the team's No. 2 catcher," Real GM reported.

The 27-year old Santana batted .254 with 71 home runs and 251 RBIs. Indians manager Terry Francona endorsed Santana as their starter at third baseman because of his upside as a cleanup hitter.

Carlos is going to play third," manager Terry Francona said Tuesday on MLB.com. "To be honest with you, I don't have a crystal ball. I'm not sure you really need to have one."

"Things happen. I think, at the beginning of Spring Training, I said I thought we could be the best team with Carlos and Lonnie (Chisenhall). I'm not exactly sure how that's going to play itself out. I don't know if anybody really is [sure]."