MLB FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

This FAAB article is in addition to the AL and NL FAAB articles that run Sunday. Bids are based on a $100 FAAB budget. Throughout the season, this column will have two goals:

1. Identify FAAB targets for fantasy managers in leagues with Thursday FAAB.

2. Offer a preview of FAAB targets ahead of Sunday's columns.

Several players with upside have returned from injuries recently, while promising prospects like Alek Manoah and Taylor Walls have been given the opportunity to make an impact in the majors.

Starting Pitcher

Alek Manoah, Blue Jays: Manoah made a significant jump to begin the 2021 campaign, as he debuted with Triple-A Buffalo after he hadn't pitched above High-A. The right-hander responded well and posted a 0.50 ERA and 27:3 K:BB in 18 innings in his first three starts of the season. Manoah will make his major league debut Thursday, and he could have the chance to secure the rotation spot vacated by Anthony Kay if he performs well at the top level. FAAB: $6

Kyle Freeland, Rockies: Freeland missed the start of the season with a shoulder strain, but he was effective in his season debut against the Mets on Tuesday. He allowed one run on four hits and three walks while striking out five in four innings. The southpaw has posted a lackluster 5.76 ERA in 35 starts the last two seasons and has to pitch at hitter-friendly Coors Field, but he pitched well during his rehab assignment and could be a fantasy contributor if he can maintain his production in the majors. FAAB: $3

Josh Fleming, Rays: Fleming has shuffled between the starting rotation and a long-relief role, but he's pitched well regardless of his role. Although he gave up four runs in six innings during his most recent appearance, he still has a 2.88 ERA this year, and he earned the win behind Tampa Bay's strong offense. Even though the southpaw has had an inconsistent role, he still has plenty of chances to rack up innings and earn wins for the Rays. FAAB: $3

Steven Matz, Blue Jays: Matz's 4.28 ERA has been somewhat inflated by several rough outings, but he's limited his opponents to one run or less in two of his last three starts. The southpaw also has a 23:5 K:BB in 17.2 innings in his last three outings. Matz's results have been dependent on his matchups, but he already has six wins in his first 10 starts, and he tentatively lines up to make his next start against Cleveland's lackluster offense. FAAB: $3

Eric Lauer, Brewers: Lauer had shifted to a bullpen role before he was optioned to Triple-A Nashville in mid-May. However, he was recalled Wednesday and allowed one run on four hits and a walk while striking out six in six innings in the loss to the Padres. He didn't factor into the decision but could stay in the rotation since he's now recorded a 2.45 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 22 innings this year. FAAB: $3

Logan Webb, Giants: Webb had a rough start to May by giving up six runs against the Rockies on May 5, but he's now given up just two runs (one earned) in 12 innings in his last two outings. The right-hander dealt with shoulder soreness during his most recent start, and he's now been placed on the injured list. However, he felt good after throwing a 35-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and could return during the weekend series against the Dodgers. While Webb has been somewhat inconsistent, he's been quite effective in his last two appearances. FAAB: $3

Relief Pitcher

Daniel Bard, Rockies: Bard appeared to be in danger of losing the closer's role at the beginning of May following a stretch of rough appearances, but he's bounced back. The right-hander has allowed just one earned run and has posted a 13:4 K:BB in nine innings in his last eight appearances. During that time, he's converted on three of his four save chances and has picked up a win. Bard has limited upside as a closer in Colorado, but he appears to have earned more job security due to his recent output. FAAB: $5

Andrew Kittredge, Rays: Kittredge has had a versatile role early in the year, and he's pitched in every inning of his 17 appearances (two starts). The right-hander has posted a 1.17 ERA and 0.83 WHIP with two saves and five wins in 23 innings during that time. Even though Diego Castillo has been the Rays' favorite option for ninth-inning duty, Kittredge has still been a valuable fantasy contributor with the potential for wins and occasional saves. FAAB: $3

Keynan Middleton, Mariners: Kendall Graveman has earned plenty of job security as Seattle's closer, but he was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Sunday. Middleton recently returned from an absence due to a strained biceps, and he picked up a save Monday with Graveman sidelined. Rafael Montero earned the save Tuesday, but Middleton appears to be in the mix for ninth-inning duty in Graveman's absence. FAAB: $2

Catcher

Victor Caratini, Padres: Although Austin Nola served as the primary option at catcher after returning in late April, Caratini has still earned his fair share of plate appearances and has now been in the lineup for four of the last five games. Caratini has started in three of the last four games and has gone 4-for-11 with a double and three RBI during that time. The 27-year-old is still technically the No. 2 catcher in San Diego, but he could continue to carve out a role if he remains effective at the plate. FAAB: $3

First Base

Danny Santana, Red Sox: Santana had his contract selected by the Red Sox on Friday and started in his first four games with the major-league club. He flashed his power and went 3-for-13 with two home runs, a triple and a walk during that time, but he also struck out seven times. Santana had a disappointing .145 batting average in 15 games last year but displayed his full potential in 2019 by tallying 28 home runs and 21 stolen bases. The 30-year-old's strikeout rate has been somewhat concerning, but he has considerable upside if he can continue to display power. FAAB: $6

Keston Hiura, Brewers: Hiura was optioned to Triple-A Nashville after he hit .155 with a home run and five RBI in the first month of the year. The 24-year-old turned things around in the minors and slashed .438/.526/.906 with three home runs, seven RBIs and two stolen bases in nine games with the Triple-A club. Hiura has gone 1-for-8 with a run, two walks and four strikeouts since returning to the majors, but he should have the chance to reclaim his starting role at first base. FAAB: $4

Second Base

Jurickson Profar, Padres: Profar has been relatively productive at the plate, and he's been on another level recently. In his last five starts, the 28-year-old has gone 8-for-20 with two doubles, eight runs, three RBIs and two stolen bases. Profar has already crossed the plate 25 times, and he's racked up eight stolen bases in 43 games. His .328 slugging percentage has been his lowest since 2017, but he's still been quite productive in other areas. FAAB: $6

Zach McKinstry, Dodgers: McKinstry has missed more than a month due to an oblique strain, but he's expected to return to the active roster Saturday or Sunday. The 26-year-old appeared in 17 games to begin the season and slashed .296/.328/.556 with three home runs, 14 RBIs and seven runs during that time. McKinstry should be a welcome addition for the Dodgers and could see relatively consistent at-bats while Corey Seager is sidelined with a hand injury. FAAB: $5

Third Base

Brad Miller, Phillies: Miller has had consistent at-bats recently with Bryce Harper sidelined with a forearm contusion, and his increased playing time in the outfield should continue after Harper was placed on the 10-day injured list. The 31-year-old has gone 7-for-17 with two home runs, a triple, six runs and five RBIs in his last five games and is now hitting .317 this season. Miller already has five home runs in 2021, and he could earn a long-term role in Philadelphia's lineup if he can remain effective. FAAB: $4

Shortstop

Taylor Walls, Rays: While there was speculation that Wander Franco or Vidal Brujan could have been called up after Willy Adames was traded to the Brewers on Friday, Walls was the one who made his major league debut. The 24-year-old certainly earned his call-up by batting .327/.468/.490 with two home runs, 10 RBIs and two stolen bases with Triple-A Durham this year, and he already has a .389 OBP with four runs and an RBI in the big leagues. Walls could revert to a backup role once Franco or Brujan are eventually called up, but he's been effective to begin his  career. FAAB: $4

Jose Iglesias, Angels: Iglesias was held out of Wednesday's lineup due to a hamstring injury, but he's been productive at the plate recently. He's reached base safely in each of his last eight games and has two home runs with six RBIs with six runs scored during that time. The 31-year-old hit .373 with the Orioles last year and has heated up in the last week. As long as his injury isn't serious, Iglesias has been effective at producing runs this year and has displayed modest power. FAAB: $3

Outfield

Tyler O'Neill, Cardinals: O'Neill has missed a week due to a sprained finger, but manager Mike Shildt said Tuesday the 25-year-old is expected to return during the team's current road trip that runs through Wednesday. While O'Neill has missed a pair of stretches due to injuries in the first two months of the season, he's slashing .250/.290/.530 with eight home runs, 18 RBIs and four stolen bases in 2021 and should reclaim his everyday role once he's officially cleared to return. FAAB: $8

Manuel Margot, Rays: Margot has had little trouble driving in runs across the last two weeks, as he's recorded 12 RBIs during that time. The outfielder now has a .677 OPS with four home runs, 29 RBIs and 18 runs this season, and he's also been successful on six of  10 stolen-base attempts. Margot's 28.9 percent hard-hit rate to begin the year has been the lowest of his career, but he's still been able to produce runs and has displayed his speed potential. FAAB: $6

Rob Refsnyder, Twins: Refsnyder has claimed a regular role in Minnesota's lineup while Byron Buxton has been sidelined with a hip strain. In his five games leading up to Wednesday's appearance, Refsnyder had gone 8-for-19 with two home runs, two doubles, seven runs and four RBI. Buxton is still having issues running, so Refsnyder's uptick in playing time should continue for the time being. FAAB: $2