Dodgers acquire Darwin Barney from Cubs
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The Los Angeles Dodgers landed some infield depth on Monday by acquiring Darwin Barney from the Chicago Cubs.
The #Dodgers have acquired IF Darwin Barney and cash considerations from the @Cubs in exchange for a player to be named later or cash.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 28, 2014
Barney was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Tuesday after serving as the team's primary second baseman for four seasons.
Following a miserable 2013 campaign that saw the 28-year-old hit .208/.266/.303 with seven home runs and 41 RBI in 141 games, Barney continued to struggle in 2014, hitting .230/.265/.328 with a pair of home runs and 16 RBI through 72 games, leading to his departure from the Windy City.
The acquisition by the Dodgers addresses their need for a veteran infielder, similar to the role that Nick Punto served for them last season. While the team has received great production from Dee Gordon, the addition of Barney adds insurance at three positions in case Juan Uribe or Hanley Ramirez continue to battle with health issues. A Gold Glove winner at second base in 2012, Barney also has experience at both shortstop and third base at the major league level.