Darwin Barney went hitless for the sixth time in his last seven games Friday in a loss to the Pirates. Barney's average is down to .280 now, and since he averages one walk and barely more than one extra-base hit per week, that's a problem. He really needs to bat .300 to look like a decent regular, and the truth is that he's always projected better as a utilityman.

Darwin Barney collected his second homer and his fifth triple of the season Friday against the Cardinals. Barney has 13 hits in his last six games, raising his average from .282 to .296. Given his lack of power and his miniscule walk rate, he needs to hit about .300 to justify a spot in the lineup. He's there right now, but that doesn't necessarily mean he should be guaranteed a starting job with the Cubs next year.

Darwin Barney is batting just .202/.264/.298 since the All-Star break. This, after Barney hit .306 /.334/.374 going into the Midsummer Classic. His regression to the mean (career .287/.335/.376 minor-league hitter) was inevitable, but has been particularly brutal.

Darwin Barney went 2-for-3 with a double in Chicago's 9-1 loss to the Pirates on Sunday. The Cubs could muster just four total hits in a performance that could only be described as flat. As for Barney, the multi-hit day was his fourth straight, bringing his average to .306 at the All-Star break.

Cubs activated 2B Darwin Barney from the 15-day disabled list. Barney missed a little over two weeks with a sprained right knee and will return to a .294/.341/.359 batting line. He's not a great option in mixed fantasy leagues, but he will bring stability again to the Cubs' starting second base gig.

Darwin Barney (knee) went 2-for-3 Tuesday in his final rehab game with Triple-A Iowa. Barney is expected to rejoin the Cubs on Wednesday and will resume starting second base duties. The 25-year-old has cooled off since his hot start, now batting just .294/.341/.359 with one homer and 25 RBI.

Darwin Barney (knee) will play his final rehab game Tuesday afternoon at Triple-A Iowa. Barney is scheduled to rejoin the Cubs' starting lineup on Wednesday. The 25-year-old second baseman has been out of commission since mid-June with a knee sprain.

Darwin Barney (knee) is expected to be activated from the disabled list on June 29, the first day he's eligible. Barney has been fitted with a knee brace and will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa Saturday. The young second baseman has been out since mid-June with a sprained right knee.

Darwin Barney (knee) expects to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa Saturday. We assume this means that he's gotten his knee brace and has been cleared to resume baseball-related activities. Assuming all goes well, we'll probably see Barney back in Chicago in early July.

Darwin Barney (knee) hit on the field Tuesday for the first time since landing on the disabled list. Barney will be fitted for a brace soon, at which point he'll be cleared to resume more baseball-related activities. The second baseman is likely to return at the beginning of next month.