Week In Review: 9/1/13 – 9/7/13

Here's a look back at this week at MLBTR.

• The Padres signed outfielder Will Venable to a two-year, $8.5MM contract extension.
• The Cubs claimed pitcher Daniel Bard from the Red Sox.
• The Nationals claimed infielder Mauro Gomez from the Blue Jays.
• The Astros claimed outfielder Eric Thames from the Orioles.
• The Astros acquired catcher Matt Pagnozzi from the Braves for cash considerations.
• The Mets signed pitcher Aaron Harang to a minor-league deal.
• The Pirates designated pitcher James McDonald for assignment.
• The Cubs designated infielder Cody Ransom for assignment.
• The Orioles designated third baseman Alex Liddi for assignment.
• The Astros designated pitcher Hector Ambriz for assignment.
• The Rockies outrighted outfielder Tyler Colvin.
• The White Sox outrighted reliever Jhan Marinez.
• The Indians outrighted outfielder Tim Fedroff and shortstop Juan Diaz.
• The Giants outrighted pitcher Dan Runzler.
• The Cubs outrighted pitchers Michael Bowden and Eduardo Sanchez, along with outfielders Cole Gillespie and Dave Sappelt.
• The Rangers outrighted outfielder Joe Benson.
• The Marlins outrighted 1B/OF Jordan Brown.
• The Royals outrighted third baseman Edinson Rincon.
• The Astros outrighted pitcher Edgar Gonzalez.
• The Athletics outrighted pitcher Hideki Okajima.
• The Reds outrighted pitcher Pedro Villarreal.
• The Orioles outrighted catcher Taylor Teagarden.
• The Reds released pitcher Justin Freeman.
• The Giants released outfielder Kensuke Tanaka.
• The Athletics released catcher Luke Montz.
• Pitcher Mark Lowe opted out of his contract with the Nationals.
• Pitcher Mike Zagurski opted out of his contract with the Athletics.
• With the expansion of active rosters, a number of top prospects were promoted to the big leagues for the first time, including James Paxton of the Mariners and Billy Hamilton of the Reds.