Blue Jays acquire Darwin Barney from Dodgers
The Toronto Blue Jays acquired infielder Darwin Barney from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday in exchange for minor league catcher Jack Murphy.
With Troy Tulowitzki out for at least the next two-to-three weeks after Saturday's shoulder injury, Barney gives the Blue Jays a capable defender up the middle of the infield for the rest of the regular season.
"[The] big thing is we want to stay as strong defensively up the middle as we can." general manager Alex Anthopolous told reporters. "[He's] every bit as good as (Ryan) Goins."
Barney, who won a Gold Glove as a second baseman with the Chicago Cubs in 2012, has spent this season almost exclusively with Triple-A Oklahoma City. In 96 games, the 29-year-old slashed .277/.325/.354 with four home runs, 15 doubles, and seven stolen bases.
Barney will be in uniform on Sunday as the Blue Jays attempt to complete a four-game sweep of the New York Yankees. He is not eligible to play in the postseason.
The Blue Jays' other internal options at shortstop are Cliff Pennington, Munenori Kawasaki, and Goins.
Right-handed reliever Scott Copeland was designated for assignment to make room for Barney.
Murphy spent the entire season with Double-A New Hampshire. The 27-year-old slashed .220/.309/.315 with three home runs, 14 doubles and 58 strikeouts in 85 games.