Dodgers fortify infield with trade for Barney
Sure-handed middle infielder to provide additional depth for Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers acquired middle infielder Darwin Barney and cash considerations from the Chicago Cubs on Monday for a player to be named or cash.
Barney provides additional infield depth, particularly at shortstop, where Miguel Rojas has been the backup and late-inning replacement for starter Hanley Ramirez.
Los Angeles' interest in Barney preceded the weekend meltdown by Erisbel Arruebarrena, the $25 million Cuban signing who precipitated a bench-clearing incident while on injury rehab with Triple-A Albuquerque. Arruebarrena, who has two cameo callups with the Dodgers this year, was optioned to Class A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday.
When Ramirez missed three starts last week with a bruised wrist, Justin Turner started at shortstop. Turner remains the primary backup to third baseman Juan Uribe.
The Dodgers also have veteran infielder Chone Figgins currently on injury rehab with Triple-A Albuquerque.
Barney, 28, had been designated for assignment by the Cubs. He is hitting .230 in 72 games with the Cubs, with a lifetime average of .244 in five seasons. Barney, who won a Gold Glove in 2012, earns $2.3 million this year.
Barney was a fourth-round pick in 2007 out of Oregon State.