NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Estimate how much of your $100 starting free-agent budget you should bid on them.

This year, we are again using grids into the FAAB articles, so users can easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The grids, which are sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This serves as a reflection of a player's skills and role on an A-E scale. Cody Bellinger would have been an "A" grade player last year -- that mark will be reserved for similar high-impact prospects stepping into an everyday role.

As always, if there is a player that was not discussed in the article that you would like to know about, feel free to ask about the player in the comments. I will be out of pocket from 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 9, until Tuesday, Sept. 12 at around 8 p.m. The RotoWire crew will handle all questions in that time, and I will address anything unanswered when I check back in.

STARTING PITCHER

Wade Miley, Brewers: Who had Miley with a 2.12 ERA through 12 starts? Of course, not many predicted this, and in fact, likely none. But that's where Miley sits in early September, despite just a 6.22 K/9 and 3.11 BB/9. At some point, Miley will turn back into a pumpkin, but that return to prior form might not come until 2019. For now, continue to enjoy the ride while it lasts. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

Derek Holland, Giants: Holland continues to pitch well for the Giants. On Friday, he allowed a pair of earned runs on two hits with five walks and eight strikeouts over six innings, giving him just five earned runs surrendered over his last 29 innings. His BB/9 is 3.54, but that is offset by a career-high 8.96 K/9, resulting in Holland's success this season. Keep rolling with him during this hot streak. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: owned

Touki Toussaint, Braves: Toussaint, promoted in mid-August to start one game of doubleheader for Atlanta, tossed six innings of one-run ball, surrendering just a pair of hits and a pair of walks while striking out four. His reward was a demotion to the minors, but he rejoined the Braves with the rosters expanding. Atlanta is going with a six-man rotation, affording Toussaint additional outings. The 22-year-old right-hander, who was acquired from Arizona in 2015, posted 1.43 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 56:17 K:BB in 50 innings during his eight starts at Triple-A Gwinnett. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up broadly if he remains in the rotation)

Joe Ross, Nationals: Ross, sidelined all season sidelined all season while recovering from Tommy John surgery that he underwent in July of 2017, rejoined the Nationals' starting rotation Friday. His start lasted just 1.2 innings before the game was postponed. That appearance came after Ross after completed a six-game rehab minor-league assignment during which he posted a 2.39 ERA and 19:8 K:BB across 26.1 innings. He fired 89 pitches in his final rehab start, so Ross shouldn't be on too strict of a pitch count in his 2018 debut. Ross owns a 3.95 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 230:70 K:BB across 255.1 career innings in the majors, so he has the pedigree and history to succeed. The right-hander will take the rotation spot of Jefry Rodriguez, who will shift to the bullpen. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Tyler Mahle, Reds: Mahle was re-inserted into the Reds' rotation Sunday, replacing Homer Bailey. After posting a 3.66 ERA and 1.39 WHIP his first 18 starts, Mahle may have hit a wall, allowing 20 earned runs in 10.2 innings over his last four big-league starts earning an early-August demotion to the minors. That trip to Triple-A Louisville may have righted the ship, as he posted a 2.73 ERA there in five starts resulting in this second chance. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Injury activations/updates

Sandy Alcantara, Marlins: Alcantara, the Marlins' top pitching prospect, made a successful return to the majors Wednesday, scattering three hits and two walks over seven scoreless innings while striking out six in his second career start. In his first on June 20, Alcantara allowed one run on three hits and five walks with two strikeouts in five innings to pick up the win against the Mets. A few days after that outing, Alcantara was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a right axillary infection, and he remained in the minors even after he was healthy enough to return to action. Alcantara came over from St. Louis in the Marcell Ozuna trade. When he was acquired, questions existed over his future role, but Miami decided to develop Alcantara as a starter, though there is still the outside possibility he'll become a late-inning reliever. The rationale for this possible role is that Alcantara can touch triple digits with his fastball, but he has shaky command and inconsistent secondary offerings. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18

Zach Davies, Brewers: Davies, making his first start since May 29, tossed five innings of one-run ball Monday in a no-decision against the Cubs, allowing four hits with one walk and seven strikeouts. Even with the acquisition of Gio Gonzalez, Davies will remain in the rotation, as manager Craig Counsell decided to move Junior Guerra to the bullpen. Davies made seven rehab appearances, dominating his last two prior to the promotion. After a poor first half of 2017, Davies finished strong, showing that his 2016 numbers were no fluke. Now finally healthy, he should provide solid across-the-board numbers, save for a middling strikeout rate the final month of the season. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Adam Wainwright, Cardinals: Wainwright, who last pitched in the majors May 13, will rejoin the Cardinals to start Sept. 10 against the Pirates. He struck out 23 while not allowing a run across 17 innings during his six-game rehab stint, capped by five shutout innings in his last appearance. He posted a 4.00 ERA and 1.83 WHIP with 15 strikeouts across 18 innings with the Cardinals this season, continuing his prior struggles. Given his difficulties since the 2015 season, don't expect much from Wainwright, but he has looked better in his rehab appearances than expected, and given his prior pedigree and experience, he is most certainly worth a flier. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Drew Smyly, Cubs: Smyly threw a successful 23-pitch simulated game Tuesday and could be promoted to pitch out of the bullpen for Chicago before too long. He missed all of 2017 after suffering an elbow injury during the spring that ultimately required Tommy John surgery in June of that year. The Cubs signed Smyly to a two-year deal in December, knowing that he likely would miss nearly this whole season and be ready for the 2019 season. As we noted in our preseason outlook, "his respectable career marks of a 3.74 ERA and 8.7 K/9 made him worth holding onto in deep keeper leagues." 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (up in keeper leagues)

RELIEF PITCHER

Jordan Hicks, Cardinals: Hicks, along with Carlos Martinez and Dakota Hudson, is a candidate for saves due to Bud Norris' recent struggles. C-Mart may be the favorite to close, but Hicks' stellar stuff and the desire to use Martinez for multiple innings may give the Hicks the edge. A formal changing of the guard has not occurred, but look for Hicks to be used in the ninth inning a lot the remainder of the month. 12-team Mixed $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18

Brad Ziegler, Diamondbacks: Ziegler continues to excel out of the bullpen, notching his 15th hold Tuesday. Since being charged with four runs in his first appearance with the Diamondbacks after being acquired from the Marlins on July 31, Ziegler has been stellar in middle relief, posting a 1.74 ERA and 1.06 WHIP across 16 appearances. His acquisition has helped lengthen the Arizona pen in front of Brad Boxberger. 12-team Mixed $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Jimmie Sherfy, Diamondbacks: Sherfy was called up with the rosters expanding to give Arizona another late-inning arm out of the bullpen. He posted a 1.60 ERA, 15 saves and 11.6 K/9 at Triple-A Reno building on the success he had there last season. Sherfy struggled a bit with walks, which must be reduced for him to have success in the majors. While he holds long-term potential to close games, he'll operate as a middle reliever who could acquire a few holds down the stretch 12-team Mixed $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

CATCHER

Francisco Mejia, Padres: Mejia, profiled two weeks ago, was one of the possible September callups profiled by James Anderson in his excellent Farm Futures article on the website. Austin Hedges has played well in August, but many believe he is best suited as a backup with Mejia the future starter. He made a good first impression, blasting a pair of home runs in his first start behind the plate Thursday. After just okay numbers at Columbus, Mejia was much better as a member of the Padres and should see a large chunk of the at-bats now that he has been promoted. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33

FIRST BASE

Jose Osuna, Pirates: Osuna was promoted Saturday but didn't make the most of his chances earlier this season, hitting just .190/.203/.333 in 64 plate appearances. Osuna was much better at Triple-A Indianapolis, slashing .321/.378/ .497 in 82 games. He will offer spot duty at first base and in the outfield. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Injury activations/updates

Justin Bour, Phillies: Bour missed the minimum amount of DL time with the minor left oblique strain and was able to rejoin the Phillies on Sunday. With Carlos Santana locked in as the Phillies' everyday first baseman and the team recently adding another corner-infield option to the roster in Jose Bautista, Bour, who came over to Philly in August from Miami, will continue struggle to find consistent at-bats. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

SECOND BASE

Kevin Kramer, Pirates: Kramer, promoted Sunday by the Pirates, built off the breakout success he had last season at Double-A Altoona, slashing .311/.365/.492 with 15 homers and 13 stolen bases at Triple-A Indianapolis. Colin Moran and Adam Frazier will see extensive time at third base and second base in September, the two positions Kramer plays, so Kramer may only see sporadic action. But he will likely receive an opportunity to show off his skills for 2019. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

THIRD BASE

Abiatal Avelino, Giants: Avelino, one of two players acquired from the Yankees in exchange for Andrew McCutchen at the waiver deadline, was promoted this week. The 23-year-old split time between Double-A and Triple-A this season, and while he's known more for his glove, he posted a solid .283/.329/.438 slash line with 15 homers and 27 stolen bases across a combined 126 games (77 at Triple-A, 49 at Double-A). Avelino will likely serve as infield depth at second, shortstop and third throughout the final month of the season, though he should also see some occasional starts as the Giants look to rest their veterans and play the kids with the team out of the playoff picture. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (up in keeper leagues)

SHORTSTOP

Kevin Newman, Pirates: Newman, a first-round pick by the Pirates in 2012, was promoted in mid-August to replace the injured Jordy Mercer (calf). Across 109 games with Triple-A Indianapolis, Newman slashed .302/.350/.407 with four home runs, 35 RBI and 28 stolen bases. The gap hitter doesn't hit for much power and isn't a stellar defender, but he can handle the bat and provide some speed on the base paths. Due to the trade of Adeiny Hechavarria to the Yankees and impending free agency of Jordy Mercer, Newman should see most of the playing time at shortstop the rest of the way and is penciled in as the starter at the position in 2019. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Blake Trahan, Reds: Trahan received his first cup of coffee in the majors with his promotion Saturday. He profiles as a future utility player, which is the way he is being deployed. Trahan hit just .245/.327/.302 with just two homers and six steals in 129 games for Triple-A Louisville this season. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

OUTFIELD

Lewis Brinson, Marlins: Profiled last week, Brinson gets another mention as he has hit the ground running following his return to the majors. In the six games he has played following his callup, Brinson is 11-for-22 with a home run and four RBI. Out from early July with a hip bone bruise, Brinson, acquired from Milwaukee this past offseason in the Christian Yelich trade, completed a rehab assignment prior to his activation. He struggled prior to his injury, hitting just .186/.232/.338 with 10 home runs and 30 RBI across 84 games this year, but seems to have righted the ship. Brinson projects to be the Marlins' center fielder of the future and should remain in the lineup almost daily. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Victor Robles, Nationals: Robles has endured a difficult 2018, missing over three months with a hyperextended left elbow suffered April 9 and struggling a bit at the plate. Due to the time his missed, Robles managed a .278/.356/.386 slash line with two home runs, 14 steals (on 20 attempts) and a 26:18 K:BB in 182 plate appearances at Triple-A Syracuse. The future is still bright for Robles, who has ceded the spotlight this year to Juan Soto. With Soto, Bryce Harper and Adam Eaton in the Nats' outfield, Robles likely won't see much playing time now that he has finally been promoted. If Harper signs elsewhere this offseason, Robles should be a starter in 2019. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up substantially in keeper leagues)

Jordan Luplow, Pirates: Luplow, promoted Tuesday, was immediately inserted into the starting lineup facing a lefty. That start may be an indication that the righty-hitting Luplow could settle into the short side of a platoon with lefty-hitting Corey Dickerson down the stretch. In addition, with Gregory Polanco out for the year, Luplow could see time in right field as well, as he did Friday, homering after replacing Polanco. Luplow posted just a .174/.255/.348 line with two homers in 22 games with the Pirates but had a .287/.367/.482 line with eight home runs and 49 RBI over 88 games in the minors. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Terrance Gore, Cubs: For teams desperate looking for steals, Gore might be your man. In his career, prior to his promotion Saturday, Gore had 21 steals and just 14 plate appearances (and zero hits) in 49 career games, making him the purest pinch-running specialist in the game right now. Chicago will utilize that skill periodically over the final month of the season, making him a flier for your team due to no set playing time or usage pattern. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7