Dodgers News: Hanley Ramirez To DL, Darwin Barney Recalled

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In what has become a theme this season, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez is dealing with another minor injury.

Ramirez has dealt with pain and nagging areas the entire season and some of his struggles on defense and at the plate could be a result of that. He was removed after his first inning at-bat in Friday’s game in Milwaukee after feeling tightness in his right side. The slugging shortstop underwent an MRI on Saturday and the results have finally been released.

The Dodgers announced that Ramirez will be placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right oblique strain and have recalled recently acquired infielder Darwin Barney from Triple-A.

Barney came over in a deal with the Chicago Cubs for minor-league pitcher Jonathan Martinez. The 28-year-old had been designated for assignment by the Cubs. After the trade, Barney reported to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes, where he was expected to get some work in at shortstop and third base. Barney is a natural second baseman that won a Gold Glove in 2012. Previously, he had only played shortstop in 19 games and third base for six games.

With the Isotopes, Barney hit .257 in 12 games (nine at shortstop, three at third base). In 72 games with the Cubs, he hit .230 with a pair of home runs and 16 RBIs. Barney was hitting .385 in his last 10 games in the big leagues before being designated for assignment and hit .276 in 2011.

With Ramirez out, Barney will see some time at shortstop and likely start over Miguel Rojas, who has provided excellent defense but struggles at the plate.

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