Notable News: 8/6

1. Jon Niese was placed on the 60 Day DL with a torn right hamstring and is likely done for the season. Elmer Dessens will take his roster spot.
2. Justin Upton was placed on the 15 Day DL and his roster spot has been taken by Trent Oeltjen. I saw Oeltjen 2 years ago while he played with Rochester, where I worked and thought he could be a solid 4th OF.
3. Nats traded Anderson Hernandez to the Mets for Greg Veloz. I saw Veloz last season working for the Catfish and he was trying to be a Jose Reyes clone, but just didn't have the bat control. Low risk, high reward for the Nats, as Hernandez isn't going to be helpful to them when they try to contend again, however long that may be.
4. The Yankees signed Russ Ortiz. Subtraction by addition and if he gets meaningful innings, there may be blood in New York.
5. Jarrod Parker, the D'Backs top pitching prospect and one of my favorites, has been placed on the 7-Day DL with tightness in his right elbow and it is likely that he will be shut down for the year.