Darwin Barney To The DL

Darwin Barney is one of the main reasons why the Cubs are going for their third straight win today. Though, Barney will not take part in that attempt. Barney’s “all-out” style of play finally caught up with the rookie second baseman. On Monday, after Barney made an impressive slide into home that netted the winning run he suffered an injury to his knee. Early indications were that Barney would only miss a day and then return to action. But, as it turns out, Barney will be going on the disabled list today.

Barney told reporters after last night’s game that he will be going on the disabled list with a grade 1 strain in his right knee. This has been the theme of the Cubs season. Whenever it seems that the Cubs are turning the corner and headed in the right direction, there is another injury that puts them back. Luckily, Barney should only need a week to heal and will be ready immediately after the designated 15 days.

Barney has been on a rookie of the year pace this season. The rookie second baseman is hitting .294/.321/.359 with 25 RBIs this season for the Cubs. Luckily, there has not been any other rookie position player that has had the success that Barney has had for the entire season, so, hopefully the injury does not thwart his chances at the rookie of the year award.

More than likely the Cubs will activate Alfonso Soriano off the disabled list to take Barney’s spot on the 25 man roster. Though, Soriano may still need a couple more games at the Triple-A level as all reports have him struggling offensively. If it is not Soriano, then the fan favorite Bobby Scales could get the call-up. As for who will take over for Barney at second base, expect Blake DeWitt and Jeff Baker to receive majority of the starts. Even though they have a talented prospect on the bench, don’t expect Mike Quade to start D.J. LeMahieu regularly at second base in place of Barney.