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.

While there's been a smaller sample size of games to analyze recently during the All-Star break, several top prospects are being called up for the second half of the season, and the trade deadline is quickly approaching. Several pitchers could earn more high-leverage chances following the trade deadline, and major league playing time could shift for some position players following the call-ups of Cal Raleigh, Jarred Kelenic and Jarren Duran.

Starting Pitcher

Chris Flexen, Mariners: Flexen had an inconsistent start to the season, but he turned things around ahead of the All-Star break and has earned wins in three of his last five outings. He posted quality starts in four of those appearances and recorded a 1.38 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 32.2 innings during that time. The right-hander has a lackluster 6.1 K/9 but has been effective at limiting runs recently and could be worth picking up ahead of the second half of the season. FAAB: $7

Patrick Sandoval, Angels: Sandoval moved to the starting rotation in mid-May and has been quite effective despite his 2-3 record. Across his nine starts, the southpaw has posted a 3.33 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 48.2 innings, and he hasn't given up more than three runs in any outing since he became a starter. Sandoval has proven to be a viable fantasy contributor the last two months and should remain in the rotation for the second half of the season. FAAB: $5

Luis Severino, Yankees: Severino has thrown several bullpens recently and could face hitters in the near future as the likely final step in his recovery process prior to a rehab assignment. While he'll likely require a lengthy rehab stint after his extended absence, the right-hander is on the right track in his recovery and could return to the Yankees at some point in August. Severino posted a 3.13 ERA and 1.09 WHIP the last three seasons and could be worth stashing ahead of his eventual return. FAAB: $5

David Price, Dodgers: Price stretched out to 51 pitches as a starter prior to the All-Star break and  tossed three scoreless innings during his most recent start. He'll likely remain in the rotation while Trevor Bauer is on administrative leave, which has been extended to July 27. Although Price hasn't pitched more than three innings in any of his appearances this year, he's posted a 3.23 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in 30.2 innings and may have had more time to stretch out during the All-Star break. FAAB: $4

Relief Pitcher

Ranger Suarez, Phillies: Suarez earned two saves in his last three outings, striking out four in a seven-out save during his most recent outing. Hector Neris leads the Phillies with 11 saves, but he struggled in late June and early July, so Suarez appears to have taken over as the primary closer with a 0.77 ERA and 0.74 WHIP in 35 innings this season. The southpaw has earned confidence in high-leverage situations and is a worthwhile fantasy option now that he should have more save chances. FAAB: $10

Adam Ottavino, Red Sox: While Matt Barnes has dominated as Boston's primary closer this season, Ottavino has been used in high-leverage situations when Barnes is unavailable, and he picked up seven saves during the first half of the year. The right-hander has posted a 2.68 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 30 innings, and he has 15 holds in his 40 relief appearances. Ottavino is the clear secondary option for ninth-inning work in Boston, but he's still earned his fair share of save chances when Barnes isn't available. FAAB: $5

Nick Anderson, Rays: Anderson has been sidelined since late March after he suffered a partial tear of his elbow ligament, but he felt good following a recent bullpen session and is targeting a return sometime in August. The right-hander posted a stellar 0.55 ERA and 0.49 WHIP with six saves in 16.1 innings last season, and he's a strong candidate for save chances during the second half of 2021 once he's cleared to return. FAAB: $4

Andrew Chafin, Cubs: Chafin recorded a 6.52 ERA in 9.2 innings last year, but he's turned things around this year and has posted a 1.42 ERA and 0.72 WHIP in 38 innings. The southpaw sets up closer Craig Kimbrel and has 17 holds this year. While Chafin hasn't yet earned a save, he could be a leading candidate to take over as the Cubs' closer if Kimbrel is dealt ahead of the trade deadline. Kimbrel figures to be included in trade discussions following the Cubs' recent 11-game losing streak, so Chafin could be worth adding in case he's thrust into ninth-inning duties during the second half of the season. FAAB: $3

Catcher

Mike Zunino, Rays: Fantasy managers in search of an All-Star catcher who's still available in plenty of leagues should look no further than Zunino. The 30-year-old hit only .198 during the first half of the season, but his 19 home runs ranked second among catchers, and he added 37 RBI and 34 runs. His struggles to get on base have been discouraging, but he's made up for it with his stellar power numbers, and he's a viable fantasy contributor in nearly all formats. FAAB: $7

Cal Raleigh, Mariners: Raleigh slashed .324/.377/.608 with nine home runs, 36 RBIs and 34 runs in 44 games at Triple-A Tacoma this season, and he made his major-league debut Sunday. While he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts against the Angels, he could take over as the Mariners' primary catcher. The Mariners have also had strong play from Luis Torrens recently, but Raleigh should see ample playing time following the All-Star break. FAAB: $6

First Base

John Nogowski, Pirates: Nogowski was traded from the Cardinals to the Pirates on July 3 after he was designated for assignment. He's recorded multi-hit performances in five of his first seven games with his new club, going 14-for-28 with five RBIs and four runs. While the 28-year-old could lose out on some playing time once some of Pittsburgh's infielders return from injuries, the Pirates could also be sellers at the trade deadline, which could lead to at-bats for Nogowski during the second half of the season. FAAB: $2

Second Base

Christian Arroyo, Red Sox: Arroyo was reinstated from the injured list in early July after a 13-game absence due to a knee injury, and he started in each of the six games prior to the All-Star break. He was slightly inconsistent during that stretch but still posted two multi-hit performances and went 6-for-23 with a home run, two doubles, three RBIs and three runs. The 26-year-old has dealt with various injuries this year, but he should serve as Boston's primary second baseman now that he's healthy. FAAB: $2

Third Base

J.D. Davis, Mets: Davis has been sidelined since May 1 due to a sprained left hand, but the Mets plan to reinstate him from the 60-day injured list Friday. Manager Luis Rojas wouldn't commit to the 28-year-old as the primary third baseman since Jonathan Villar has performed well recently, but Davis slashed .390/.479/.610 with two home runs and seven RBIs in 14 games to begin the year and should have plenty of playing time during the second half of the season. FAAB: $10

Shortstop

Luis Urias, Brewers: Urias has hit just .237 to begin the year, but he already has career highs in several categories with 12 homers, 43 runs, 42 RBIs and five stolen bases in 86 games this season. The 24-year-old has reached base in six of his last seven appearances, and he went 7-for-25 with two homers, five runs, three RBIs and three stolen bases during that time. His batting average has been slightly subpar in 2021, but he's served mainly as Milwaukee's leadoff hitter recently and has displayed modest power this season. FAAB: $4

Outfield

Jarred Kelenic, Mariners: Kelenic was on a tear at Triple-A Tacoma after he was sent down in early June, and he was especially productive across six games in July, as he slashed .360/.429/.680 with a home run, five doubles, five RBIs and four runs during that time. The 21-year-old had a disappointing .096 batting average during his first 23 major-league games this year, but he's slated to be called up Friday and has plenty of upside for the second half of the season as long as he can remain on the big-league roster. FAAB: $12

Jarren Duran, Red Sox: Duran had a strong start to the season at Triple-A Worcester and slashed .270/.365/.561 with 15 homers, 37 runs, 32 RBIs and 12 stolen bases in 46 games. He'll be rewarded with a call-up and should be available to make his major-league debut against the Yankees on Thursday. The 24-year-old is one of Boston's top prospects and should have plenty of chances to carve out playing time during his first taste of major-league action. FAAB: $11

AJ Pollock, Dodgers: Pollock has had ample playing time since he returned from the injured list in early June and went on a tear in the games leading up to the All-Star break. Across his last four appearances, the 33-year-old has gone 9-for-15 with four home runs, three doubles, six runs and four RBIs. Pollock only has two stolen bases this year, but he's hit .271 with 12 homers, 33 RBIs and 28 runs in 64 games this year. As long as he can stay healthy during the second half of the season, he has plenty of fantasy potential. FAAB: $10

Andrew Vaughn, White Sox: Vaughn was quite productive across the first half of the season, but he's been especially dominant in his last 12 appearances with six multi-hit performances during that time. The 23-year-old slashed .395/.417/.744 with four home runs, three doubles, 10 runs and nine RBIs in the last 12 games, and he totaled 10 homers prior to the All-Star break. The rookie could have to compete for playing time during the second half of the season once Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert return from the injured list, but he should still see his fair share of at-bats following his productive first half. FAAB: $6

Jo Adell, Angels: The Angels had plenty of chances to call up Adell during the first half of the season, but he remained in the minors to work on things after he had a disappointing major-league debut in 2020. Adam Eaton signed a major-league deal with the team Wednesday, but Adell could still be called up at some point during the second half of 2021. The 22-year-old has a 10-game hitting streak at Triple-A Salt Lake and has slashed .361/.391/.568 with two home runs, 10 RBIs, nine runs and two stolen bases during that time. More important, he's brought his strikeout rate down to 20 percent during his streak. The team hasn't yet indicated when Adell could make his 2021 debut, but he's displayed an improved strikeout rate recently, which bodes well for his status. FAAB: $4