Barney pads doubles total: Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney finished 2 for 4 with a pair of doubles during a 3-2 loss to the White Sox in an interleague contest on Friday. Barney posted his first outing with multiple doubles to give him 10 two-base hits on the season. He is now hitting a quality .278. (Updated 05/18/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/24/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Barney has been on a extra-base tear recently and recorded six of his 10 doubles this season over the past six games. In the process, he has increased his slugging percentage to .406 -- the highest mark he has boasted since April 25. Barney still remains an inconsistent Fantasy option as he doesn't possess a high on-base prowess. For now, he should be considered a decent option in NL-only formats while he's hot. (Updated 05/18/2012).
05/20/2012 19:47 Hit Parade for Week 8
Some catchers have been bitten by the injury bug in recent days, leaving some owners scrambling. Our Scott White shares some recommendations and helps set your lineups for Week 8 in his Hit Parade.
05/18/2012 17:26 Beckham's HR the difference for Sox
Gordon Beckham hit a tie-breaking homer in the eighth inning Friday and the Chicago White Sox overcame the loss of star Paul Konerko to beat the Chicago Cubs 3-2 in what was likely Kerry Wood's final major league game.
05/18/2012 12:28 Cubs' Geovany Soto to undergo knee surgery
Cubs catcher Geovany Soto will undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus on his left knee, manager Dale Sveum told reporters before Friday's game against the White Sox.
05/17/2012 23:22 Phils hang on, Halladay's drought ends
Roy Halladay threw eight strong innings for his first win in a month and the Philadelphia Phillies held on for an 8-7 victory against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday night.
05/15/2012 16:51 Molina, Cards top Cubs via walk-off
Yadier Molina hit an RBI single off Cubs closer Rafael Dolis with two outs in the ninth inning and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 7-6 Tuesday, avoiding a sweep and an 0-5 homestand.
After an impressive showing during spring training, Darwin Barney earned the starting job at second base for the Cubs last season and quickly became a common name in Fantasy. He would hit .310 with 25 RBI over the first two months of the season before the rookie fell into a bit of a lull. He headed into the All-Star break with a .306 average and finished the campaign having batted .276 with two homers and 43 RBI in 154 games. He also struck out just 67 times in 529 at-bats and stole nine bases. Barney possesses minimal power but his ability to hit for average gives him some appeal in Fantasy. Plan on ignoring the 26-year-old in most formats on Draft Day, but Barney should be considered a viable option in both NL-only and deeper mixed leagues. (Updated 2/2/12)