Dodgers option Barney to make room for Huff

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers optioned infielder Darwin Barney to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday to make room on the 25-man roster for left-handed pitcher David Huff, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A Oklahoma City so he can start Tuesday night.

Barney was the logical choice to go, as the Dodgers have been carrying an extra infielder because a fifth starter wasn't needed until Tuesday night.

The only uncertainty was whether the club might instead place infielders Juan Uribe or Justin Turner on the disabled lost -- each suffered minor injuries Saturday night in Arizona. But Turner appeared as a pinch hitter and remained in the game Monday night, while Uribe is expected to return to the starting lineup at third base Tuesday night.

Alex Guerrero, another bench player, has contractual protection from being sent to the Minor Leagues without his approval.