At this point in the season transactions are very important. Managers need to have their studying down in order to figure out which position has the best possible replacement. Clearly Joe Torre did a great job in May calling up the right guys. After a strong month put on by the Dodgers, below are the transactions that made May so successful.

Activated

Jeff Weaver: Activated RHP Jeff Weaver from the 15-day disabled list. Weaver has recorded an ERA of 5.02 this season before going on the disabled list with lower-back tightness. The Dodgers plan on Weaver resuming his role as a reliever.

Manny Ramirez: Activated LF Manny Ramirez from the 15-Day disabled list after missing 14 games with a left calf strain.

Acquired

Travis Denker: The Dodgers signed free agent 2B Travis Denker. Travis has been playing in the Mariners Minor League system this season. Since then Travis Denker has been assigned to Inland Empire 66ers from Los Angeles Dodgers.

Jon Huber: Signed as a free agent, RHP Jon Huber has played recently for the Mariners in 2007.

Called-Up

Nick Green: Nick was called up from Albuquerque Isotopes to help assist the Dodgers while Rafael Furcal was injured.

Justin Miller: Called up from the Albuquerque Isotopes Justin Miller has recorded a 2.22 ERA over an 18-game span with the Minor league team. In 44 relief appearances, Miller recorded 3.18 ERA with the Giants last season.

Travis Schlichting: The Dodgers recalled Travis Schlichting from Albuquerque Isotopes. Schlichting, 2-0 with a 4.05 ERA in 31 1/3 innings at Albuquerque, had a 16-game stint with the Dodgers last season, and allowed only two runs in two appearances.

Sent Down

Ramon Nivar: 2B Ramon Nivar assigned to Albuquerque Isotopes from Los Angeles Dodgers.

John Ely: After being brought up to face the Milwaukee Brewers (a very good outing) the Dodgers optioned John Ely to Albuquerque Isotopes, to make room for the previously injured Jeff Weaver. Following this, the Los Angeles Dodgers recalled RHP John Ely from Albuquerque Isotopes to pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks. (another terrific outing)

*Xavier Paul: Dodgers optioned Xavier Paul to Albuquerque Isotopes, then

Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Xavier Paul from Albuquerque Isotopes, lastly the Los Angeles Dodgers optioned RF Xavier Paul to Albuquerque Isotopes. Xavier Paul has stepped up huge while filling in for Manny Ramirez and Andre Ethier. He recorded a .281 batting average so far this season. Outstanding for a stand-in player.

Ramon Ortiz: RHP Ramon Ortiz has been designated for assignment. Ortiz is 1-2 with a 6.30 ERA in sixteen appearances.

Nick Green: Dodgers designated SS Nick Green for assignment to make room for Left-handed pitcher Scott Elbert, and because Rafael Furcal returned from injury.

Scott Elbert: The Dodgers optioned Scott Elbert to Albuquerque Isotopes. Elbert was called up to add another lefty to the bullpen, but he had a rough outing Saturday in his only appearance, giving up a run on one hit and three walks in two-thirds of an inning during an 11-3 loss to the Rockies.

Released

Josh Towers: May 21, 2010 Josh Towers was handed his release. Last December the right-handed pitcher signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers that enclosed a clause where Towers could opt out if he had not reached the Major League roster by this time in the season.

Injured

Cory Wade: Transferred RHP Cory Wade from the 15-Day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list

Rafael Furcal: Placed SS Rafael Furcal on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 28, 2010. Left hamstring strain. Los Angeles Dodgers activated SS Rafael Furcal from the 15-day disabled list.

Charlie Haeger: Placed RHP Charlie Haeger on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 9, 2010. Plantar fasciitis in right foot

Andre Ethier: Placed RF Andre Ethier on the 15-Day disabled list retroactive to May 15, 2010. Fractured right pinky finger. Los Angeles Dodgers activated RF Andre Ethier from the 15-day disabled list.

George Sherrill: Placed LHP George Sherrill on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 24, 2010. Stiff middle back.