GLENDALE, Ariz. — Jhonny Peralta had one of his worst offensive performances last year, struggling to career lows for a full season in batting average (.254) and home runs (11).

A position change probably played a part.

After spending four years as the Indians’ starting shortstop as the heir apparent to Omar Vizquel, Peralta was relocated to third base in the middle of last season to clear room for up-and-comer Asdrubal Cabrera.

“I think a lot about third base (last year),” said Peralta, who along with a number of Indians’ regulars, was not in the lineup Thursday in Cleveland’s 5-all tie (10 innings) with the White Sox at The Ballpark at Camelback Ranch. “But I don’t want to say I didn’t hit for that reason. It’s baseball. Sometimes you have a better year than others. (Last year) I go down a little. Maybe this year I can be better.

“It’s hard when you change a position, but I don’t want to make excuses. Maybe (it affected me) a little.”

Though he wasn’t around to see his transition to third base, Cleveland manager Manny Acta thinks the move affected Peralta more than a little.

“It was tough for Jhonny to take,” Acta said. “It’s a matter of pride. All of us grow up wanting to play shortstop and center field, and I think he struggled with that mentally.”

Peralta, 27, a shortstop since he picked up a baseball glove, doesn’t disagree. He made it clear he was not in favor of the move last year, but didn’t have the power to reverse the decision.

“I wasn’t mad last year. I was more disappointed,” said Peralta, a six-year veteran and career .266 hitter, who has averaged 18.4 homers and 78 RBIs per season since 2005 — his first full year in the big leagues. “I didn’t get mad when they said play third base, but I was not happy.”

After begrudgingly switching positions, Peralta wasn’t spectacular in his new digs, but he held his own and proved that he could handle himself at the hot corner on the major-league level.

With half a season to acclimate himself, Peralta is feeling better about third base. He has been working extensively this spring with new infield/third base coach Steve Smith to feel even better.

“I feel more comfortable,” said Peralta, who is batting .200 (2-for-10) without an error in four exhibition games. “Last year (moving to third) was a surprise. It was tough, but now, in spring training, I’m getting more comfortable.”

Acta has noticed.

“I think he’s ready to put (shortstop) behind him,” he said. “Having a whole spring training to work (at third base) with all the other guys around him is going to help him out.”

Peralta appears ready to move on and predicts a better offensive season for himself this year. Still, he hasn’t been able to put his old position completely on the shelf.

“Hopefully one day I will play shortstop again. I think about it,” Peralta said. “I know I have to put it out of my mind and focus on third base, but I played shortstop my whole life and I didn’t want to move.”

Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com.