Dodgers News: Darwin Barney Likely To Fill Utility Role

With the non-waiver trade deadline passing on Thursday, the Los Angeles Dodgers only made one acquisition to bolster their roster. The Dodgers finalized the deal for Darwin Barney by sending Minor League pitcher Jonathan Martinez to the Chicago Cubs.

When Barney arrived to the Dodgers, he was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque. The 2010 Gold Glove winner will be paid $500,000 by the Dodgers and approximately $300,000 by the Cubs for the remaining portion of his $2.3 million contract.

Although Barney has primarily played second base throughout his career, manager Don Mattingly envisions the infielder filling in at multiple positions for the Dodgers via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:

I think we look at him as a depth guy — obviously, a guy that’s a Gold Glove second baseman. I think we feel like he can play short. We think he can play third, and he kind of adds depth to what we’re doing.”

While the Dodgers are preparing Barney to play multiple positions, should the Portland native be promoted to the big league roster, his playing time would likely come at second base. Dee Gordon has played in 102 of the team’s 108 games heading into Thursday.

With the rash of injuries the Dodgers suffered to their infield, they’ve been forced to call on players out of their farm system to fill the void. Ersibel Arruebarrena, Miguel Rojas and Carlos Triunfel have done an admirable job, but Barney gives the Dodgers another option with significant experience in the Majors.

The acquisition of the five-year veteran will add more defensive stability to the Dodgers and any offensive contribution will be a plus. Known entirely for his defensive ability, Barney is batting .230 this season with two home runs and 16 RBIs in 204 at-bats.
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