In order to make room on the 40-man roster for newly acquired infielder Cesar Izturis, the Washington Nationals have designated left-handed pitcher Atahualpa Severino for assignment, the team has announced.

The Nationals today claimed SS Cesar Izturis off waivers from MIL. To make room, Mark DeRosa to 15-Day DL and Atahualpa Severino was DFA'd.

— Nationals PR (@NationalsPR) August 6, 2012

The 27-year-old Severino has spent the entire 2012 campaign with the Nationals Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse. In 43 complete innings, the southpaw has posted a fantastic 2.72 ERA and 8.2 K/9, but has struggled with throwing strikes, evident with a 6.3 BB/9.

The transactions starts a ten-day clock for the Nationals to trade, release, or waive Severino. Considering Severino has only got a cup of coffee in regards to playing time in the majors, a minor league assignment to remain with the team is the option that makes most sense for both sides.