Santana, Chisenhall making 3B decision a tough one for Francona

Terry Francona said on Monday about the battle at third base "If I knew what we were going to be doing, I wouldn't be telling you the truth."

Just imagine how Francona feels after the Indians beat the Padres 12-7 on Wednesday at Goodyear Ballpark.

Carlos Santana made two great plays to rob San Diego players of hits while Lonnie Chisenhall went 2 for 4 with a double.

Santana, who also had a two-run homer in the first, made a play deep in the hole near the third-base lane and had a perfect throw to Nick Swisher at first to get Chris Denofria. In the fifth, Santana made another nice play to get Raymond Fuentes. In his seven games playing third this spring, this is the best Santana has looked.

Chiesnhall, who homered against Arizona on Tuesday, doubled in the third to raise his average to .308.

Nyjer Morgan and Justiin Sellers, who are vying for bench spots, each had two hits.

Corey Kubler struck out four in four innings of work. He also gave up three runs and had a wild pitch. After the game, Francona said Kubler will get the start in the second game of the season April 1 at Oakland. John Axford, Josh Outman and C.C. Lee each had a scoreless inning.

The Indians host Kansas City on Thursday. SportsTime Ohio will show the game starting at 4 p.m.