Darwin Barney to the DL

Prior the the eventual Opening Day victory celebrations on Monday, Darwin Barney was officially placed on the disabled list. The Cubs second baseman suffered a deep knee laceration while chasing a foul pop in the final Spring Training game in Houston Saturday. There is no concern for the injury itself. The move was to insure that the gash did not open back up during the normal wear and tear of playing the infield in a Major League game.

Barney was replaced by Alberto Gonzalez on the 25 man roster and Brent Lillibridge in the starting line up. To make room for Gonzalez on the 40 man roster, pitching prospect Robert Whitenack was designated for assignment. I had a haunch that Whitenack would be the casualty, as reports had him only throwing in the 80s towards the end of Spring as he tries to return from Tommy John surgery.

Mar 29, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Jonathan Singleton (71) fields a throw as Chicago Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney (15) attempts to reach frst base safely during the ninth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports