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 pitchers have earned increased save chances recently and could be in line to take over as their team's primary closer, while there have been plenty of position players performing well recently with injuries piling up around the league.

Starting Pitcher

Luis Garcia, Astros: Garcia had a shaky start to May by allowing three runs in each of his first two starts, but he bounced back to post a 1.96 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 23 innings in his last four starts, all wins. The right-hander had his longest appearance of the year by lasting seven innings Tuesday, and he's been consistently effective recently. FAAB: $5

Tarik Skubal, Tigers: Skubal has been slightly less consistent than Garcia early in the season, and he also has fewer chances for wins while pitching for the Tigers. However, the southpaw earned two wins in his last three starts and posted a 2.25 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 26:6 K:BB in 16 innings in that time. Skubal has seven losses in nine starts, so he has less fantasy potential in leagues that score losses. However, he's turned things around recently and warrants some fantasy consideration. FAAB: $3

Alex Cobb, Angels: Cobb missed more than two weeks due to a blister, but he's made two starts since returning and been dominant both outings. He posted a 0.75 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in 12 innings in his last two outings, winning each start. The righty allowed at least three runs in each of his first four starts of the season, but he warrants fantasy consideration as long as he can remain hot. FAAB: $2

Relief Pitcher

J.P. Feyereisen, Rays: Feyereisen was relatively effective for Milwaukee early in the season, but he didn't have many high-leverage chances behind Josh Hader. While Diego Castillo appeared to have relatively solid job security as the Rays' closer to begin the year, Feyereisen has picked up three saves in six appearances since joining Tampa Bay. Manager Kevin Cash tends to use a committee approach to close out games, but the Rays win plenty of games, and Feyereisen could now be the slight favorite for save chances. FAAB: $5

Lucas Sims, Reds: Sims has been quite inconsistent this year and has given up at least two runs in five of his first 19 appearances. However, the right-hander has tossed 2.1 scoreless innings across his last three outings, and he's picked up saves on two of those occasions. Sims doesn't have much job security since the Reds have plenty of other options to close out games, but he currently appears to be the team's favored option for saves. FAAB: $4

Paul Fry, Orioles: The Orioles snapped a 14-game losing streak Tuesday, and Cole Sulser was brought on to record the save. However, manager Brandon Hyde said that Sulser only pitched because Fry was unavailable, so the latter could be the team's primary closer for now. Fry tossed 1.2 scoreless innings at the end of Wednesday's 6-3 win over the Twins, but he didn't qualify for the save since he entered the game with the Orioles leading 6-2. The southpaw has not allowed an earned run in his last 5.2 innings. The Orioles haven't had many closing opportunities recently, but Hyde appears comfortable using Fry in high-leverage situations. FAAB: $3

Catcher

James McCann, Mets: McCann is more widely rostered than some names on this list, but he's swung a hot bat recently and has been a viable fantasy contributor if he isn't already rostered in your league. Across his last four games, the 30-year-old has gone 8-for-16 with two home runs, two doubles, seven RBIs and four runs. He's the clear primary catcher for the Mets and has displayed plenty of power potential in the past, as he's hit double-digit home runs in three of the last five seasons. FAAB: $4

Ryan Jeffers/Willians Astudillo, Twins: The Twins suffered a significant blow after Mitch Garver underwent groin surgery recently. Jeffers and Astudillo should serve as the top options behind the dish in Garver's absence. Jeffers started Wednesday and went 2-for-4 with a home run, a triple, two RBIs and two runs, but he's only hit .184 in 12 major-league games this year. Astudillo has been more effective over a larger sample and has hit .289 with four home runs and 12 RBIs in 33 games. The two catchers could split time behind the dish across the next few weeks while Garver recovers, but they have short-term upside if they can carve out regular at-bats. Jeffers FAAB: $1; Astudillo FAAB: $1

First Base

Pavin Smith, Diamondbacks: Smith has had little trouble getting on base this season, and that's been especially true during his current 13-game hitting streak. The 25-year-old has had multi-hit games in five of those contests, and he's also crossed the plate in each of his last five appearances. Smith is now batting .290/.344/.460 with five home runs, 33 runs and 21 RBIs, and he's been especially dominant recently. FAAB: $5

Patrick Wisdom, Cubs: The Cubs have six position players on the injured list as of Wednesday, so Wisdom has seen increased time in the lineup recently. He's started each of the last four games, and he totaled three home runs Monday and Tuesday. The 29-year-old could make the case for a depth role once the Cubs get some players back to full health, but he's a short-term option in the near future as long as he can maintain his playing time. FAAB: $1

Second Base

Jonathan Schoop, Tigers: Schoop has recorded multi-hit games in each of his last four appearances, and he blasted two home runs in Tuesday's win over the Brewers. The 29-year-old has been an everyday player for the Tigers and has reached base safely in each of his last 17 games. During that time, Schoop has slashed .353/.429/.632 with five home runs, 13 RBIs and nine runs with a 10.4 percent walk rate. His recent hot streak has made him a viable contributor at a somewhat weak fantasy position. FAAB: $4

Kolten Wong, Brewers: Wong hasn't been quite as hot as Schoop recently, but he hit two home runs in his most recent game. Milwaukee's second baseman has been relatively consistent to begin the year, as he's slashed .283/.347/.447 with four home runs, 24 runs, 15 RBIs and five stolen bases in 43 games. The 30-year-old's RBI opportunities are limited as the Brewers' leadoff hitter, but he's displayed modest power and speed, and he's been able to cross the plate consistently. FAAB: $4

Third Base

Evan Longoria, Giants: Longoria is currently dealing with a mild intercostal strain, but he's considered day-to-day. Prior to his injury, the 35-year-old had put together an eight-game hitting streak, and he hit .414 with four home runs and 12 RBI. Longoria is slashing .274/.360/.510 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs this season and has long-term value as long as his injury doesn't turn out to be serious. FAAB: $5

Shortstop

Amed Rosario, Cleveland: Rosario has taken over as Cleveland's primary shortstop after Andres Gimenez was optioned to Triple-A, and he's been effective in his everyday role. The 25-year-old currently has a five-game hitting streak, and he's recorded five runs and three RBIs during that time. Rosario is now hitting .253 with three home runs, 23 runs, 14 RBIs and five stolen bases this season, and he's been a solid contributor while serving in a primary role. FAAB: $4

Outfield

Hunter Renfroe, Red Sox: Renfroe had recorded extra-base hits in each of his last five games entering Wednesday. Although his extra-base streak was snapped, he still extended his hitting streak to six games. During that time, Renfroe has gone 11-for-20 with two home runs, six doubles, eight runs and four RBIs. His recent stretch has improved his batting average to .259, and he already has seven homers in his first 45 games this year. FAAB: $4

Odubel Herrera, Phillies: Herrera has a five-game on-base streak, and he's been especially dominant in the last two matchups. He's recorded three hits in each of his last two appearances, and he blasted two home runs with three RBIs and three runs in Tuesday's blowout win over Cincinnati. Herrera has been an everyday player recently with Adam Haseley on the restricted list, and he's slashing .276/.346/.448 with four home runs, 15 runs, 12 RBIs and three stolen bases this season following his recent hot streak. FAAB: $3

Steven Duggar, Giants: Duggar has had a somewhat limited sample to begin the year since he spent most of the first month at the team's alternate training site. However, he's carved out more at-bats recently and could push Mike Tauchman for the primary role in center field. Duggar has had at least three plate appearances in each of his last five games, and he's had multi-hit performances in three of those contests. Although the 27-year-old has only appeared in 29 games to begin the year, he's still slashing .324/.370/.559 with three home runs, 13 runs and 11 RBIs this season. FAAB: $2

Billy Hamilton, White Sox: Hamilton is known mainly for his speed, but he's displayed his power potential recently while filling in for Adam Engel, who has been out with a hamstring injury. The 30-year-old has recorded two home runs, two doubles, five runs and three RBIs across his last five contests and is now hitting .234 this season. Engel started a rehab assignment last week and appears to be close to a return, but Hamilton could still carve out some at-bats once Engel is back, and he has potential in deeper leagues, especially if your team needs stolen bases. FAAB: $1