Coming into the season, the Nationals knew their starting rotation was lacking. When the Yankees started young Phil Hughes in the minors, the Nationals saw an opportunity to improve their club without giving up too much. The Nationals offered the Yankees 23 year old Lastings Milledge for Phil Hughes. The trade was accepted without much hesitation, as the Yankees outfield is starting to get old, and Milledge can play all 3 outfield positions.

Hughes will immediately be put in the #3 spot in the Nationals rotation. There has been no word on how the Yankees will utilize Milledge.