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Most games played at designated hitter in Cleveland Indians history

Before wrapping up the infield, we will take a quick glance at the designated hitter position. One that has only been around since 1973.

How far up the list can Carlos go this year?
How far up the list can Carlos go this year?
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

When the 2000s concluded, 246 players had appeared as a DH. As this position is one in which there is a lot of transition, another 49 players have been added to the list in the past six seasons.  At that rate, it won't be long before this position will claim the most players overall.

As this position has been around for just over a third of the team's existence, there is a lot of fluidity in the Top 25. But there also is a much lower threshold to make it into the Top 25. Travis Hafner pushed his lead in the top spot with almost 200 games in 2010 and 2011. Between Hafner and Andre Thornton, they have almost a quarter of the games started at that position.

Jim Thome added to his total when he returned in 2011, but did not change his overall position. Carlos Santana is actually right behind him now and will definitely pass him in 2016. Jason Giambi, Nick Swisher, and Ryan Raburn all reached the Top 25.

Here is the full list of 49 new players who made at least one appearance:

Aaron Cunningham, Adam Everett, Anderson Hernandez, Austin Kearns, Brandon Moss, Carlos Santana, Casey Kotchman, Chris Dickerson, Chris Gimenez, Chris Johnson, Cord Phelps, David Murphy, Drew Stubbs, Drew Sutton, Ezequiel Carrera, Francisco Lindor, J.B. Shuck,  Jason Donald, Jason Giambi, Jason Kipnis, Jason Kubel, Jayson Nix, Jerry Sands, Jesus Aguilar, Johnny Damon, Jordan Brown, Jose Lopez, Jose Ramirez, Josh Tomlin, Lonnie Chisenhall, Lou Marson, Luis Valbuena, Mark Grudzielanek, Mark Reynolds, Matt Carson, Michael Bourn, Michael Brantley, Michael Martinez, Mike Aviles, Nick Swisher, Orlando Cabrera, Roberto Perez, Russ Canzler, Ryan Raburn, Shelley Duncan, Travis Buck, Vinny Rottino, Yan Gomes, Zach Walters.

And onto the top 25:

Player

Years

Games Played

1

Travis Hafner

2003-2011

958

2

Andre Thornton

1977, 1979, 1981-87

737

3

Rico Carty

1974-1977

346

4

Ellis Burks

2001-2003

280

5

Eddie Murray

1994-1996

264

6

David Justice

1997-2000

238

7

Oscar Gamble

1973-1975

214

8

Chris James

1990-1991

184

9

Albert Belle

1989-1996

174

10

Pat Tabler

1983-1988

138

11

Jim Thome

1995-96, 98-02, 11

133

12

Carlos Santana

2010-2015

123

13

Cliff Johnson

1979-1980

108

14

Carmelo Castillo

1982-1988

101

15

Dave Clark

1986-1989

100

16

Reggie Jefferson

1992-1993

95

17

Gary Alexander

1978-1980

78

17

Jason Giambi

2013-2014

78

17

Nick Swisher

2013-2015

78

17

Ryan Raburn

2013-2015

78

21

Frank Robinson

1974-1976

71

21

Joe Charboneau

1980-1982

71

23

Julio Franco

1984-88, 1996-97

69

24

John Lowenstein

1973-1977

67

25

Manny Ramirez

1993-1999

67

Again, as to be expected, with the nature of this position, only 1.6% of the players to appear have made it to 200 games, and a whopping 54% have appeared in just one game.

Previous entries:

Catcher

First Base

Right Field

Left Field

Third Base