Cubs place 2B Darwin Barney on DL with knee injury

The Chicago Cubs have placed second baseman Darwin Barney on the

15-day disabled list because of a laceration on his left knee.

Chicago activated infielder Alberto Gonzalez to replace Barney

on the active roster.

Barney injured the knee while trying to track down a pop-up

during Saturday’s exhibition against Houston. Barney received five

stitches on the knee and was put on the DL as a precaution.

Brent Lillibridge started in Barney’s place for Monday’s season

opener in Pittsburgh.

The 27-year-old Barney batted .239 in spring training. He hit

.254 with seven home runs and 44 RBIs in 156 games for the Cubs in

2012.

To make room for Gonzalez on the 40-man roster, the Cubs

designated right-hander Robert Whitenack for assignment.