Written by Nick Sulpizio

This month, the Los Angeles Dodgers made it to the top of the National League West, overtaking the Padres, who had a great start to the 2010 season. Transactions play a huge part in helping baseball teams succeed in becoming division leaders. So far the Dodgers have been making all the right moves and from this list, one can tell who has become a big success for the Dodgers. Here are June’s main transactions.

Activated

• George Sherrill returned from the 15-day disabled list after experiencing a stiff back.
• The team activated shortstop Rafael Furcal after a bereavement leave.
• Vicente Padilla is back and looks strong on the mound thus far.

Acquired

• The Dodgers drafted and signed pitcher Zach Lee in the first round of the 2010 draft. This is a tough move because Zach has committed to play football and baseball at LSU.
• The team inked right-handed pitcher Kiko Calero to a minor league deal. Calero didn’t spark much interest as a free agent last winter. He did tally a 1.95 ERA in 67 games in 2009, but teams worried about his health after the season.
• Right-hander Jesus Colome also landed a minor league deal.

Sent Down

• Nick Green was sent down to the Albuquerque Isotopes.
• John Link was recalled from Albuquerque Isotopes, but then optioned right back.
• The Dodgers optioned Travis Schlichting to the Albuquerque Isotopes.
• Chin-lung Hu was optioned to the Albuquerque Isotopes.

Injured

• The team placed righty Charlie Haeger on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 6, 2010. He has a sprained right big toe.
• The Dodgers placed pitcher Chad Billingsley on the 15-day disabled list due to a high groin strain.
• Right-handed pitcher Carlos Monasterios finds himself on the 15-day disabled list with a blister on his index finger.

2010 MLB Draft Signees

Each of these players have since been assigned to the Arizona League Dodgers.

• B.J. Larosa
• Tony Moses
• Bret Montgomery
• Alex McRee
• Beau Brett
• Angelo Ponte
• Andrew Edge
• Mike Drowne
• James Baldwin