Nats acquire Cesar Izturis, DeRosa lands on DL (Severino DFA)

With Ian Desmond likely out a couple more weeks with an oblique tear and Mark DeRosa battling a left abdominal injury, the Nationals bolstered their middle infield depth today by acquiring Cesar Izturis from the Brewers. The Izturis acquisition was on a straight waiver claim, meaning the Nationals won't be giving up any players in return for the 32-year-old middle infielder. They will be responsible for the remainder of Izturis' $875,000 salary for this season. DeRosa lands on the 15-day disabled list for the second time this season. The 37-year-old missed 50 games earlier this season with a left oblique injury, which he had said recently he still hadn't entirely recovered from. DeRosa's injury clears a spot for Izturis on the 25-man active roster, but to make room for him on the 40-man roster, the Nats designated left-handed pitcher Atahualpa Severino for assignment. Severino, 27, posted a 2.72 ERA in 40 appearances this season with Triple-A Syracuse. Izturis is batting .235 with two home runs and 11 RBIs this season, but the Nationals aren't getting him for his bat. They need him to provide depth at shortstop and second base and give solid glovework. Izturis won an NL Gold Glove in 2004 and his .851 career zone rating ranks second among active shortstops behind only Omar Vizquel (.863).