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 productive pitchers and position players have returned from the injured list recently and are worth rostering in most leagues where they're still available. Additionally, teams like the Reds and Rangers have had more stability in the ninth inning recently, and their closers are still available in plenty of fantasy leagues.

Starting Pitcher

Elieser Hernandez, Marlins: Hernandez returned from the 60-day injured list Sunday and was effective in his first start, as he allowed a run on four hits and a walk while striking out four in 5.1 innings. Although the right-hander's production came against the Cubs' struggling lineup, he was also dominant in three rehab appearances, as he allowed just one run in 11.2 innings during that time. Hernandez has had a limited sample this year, but he's back to full health and has been productive across his three starts in the majors in 2021. FAAB: $8

Huascar Ynoa, Atlanta: Ynoa also returned from a lengthy absence recently, and he was dominant in tossing 5.1 scoreless innings in a no-decision against the Marlins. The right-hander appeared to be back to a full workload since he tossed 80 pitches against Miami. Across 10 appearances (nine starts) in the majors this year, Ynoa has posted a 2.70 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 50 innings, and he's allowed two or fewer runs in all but two of his outings. Now that he's healthy, the 23-year-old has plenty of value. FAAB: $7

Triston McKenzie, Cleveland: McKenzie has been quite inconsistent most of the season, as shown by his 5.12 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 2021. However, he's been more effective across his three starts in August, as he's recorded a 2.14 ERA and 0.54 WHIP in 21 innings during that time. The right-hander twirled eight shutout innings during his most recent start against the Tigers to earn his second win of the season. Although McKenzie hasn't earned many wins this year, he's been much more dominant across his last three starts and warrants some fantasy consideration. FAAB: $6

Tyler Anderson, Mariners: Anderson has lasted at least five innings in each of his 22 starts between the Pirates and Mariners this season, and he's been especially sharp in his four appearances since he was traded to Seattle. During that time, he's generated a 2.91 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 21.2 innings. The southpaw has a lackluster 6.2 K/9 across those four outings, but he's been effective at limiting run production recently. FAAB: $4

Tyler Gilbert, Diamondbacks: Gilbert made his first major-league start Saturday and became the first pitcher since 1953 to toss a no-hitter in his first start in the big leagues. The Diamondbacks haven't yet announced whether he'll remain in the starting rotation, but he's made a strong case for a starting role by allowing just one unearned run in 12.2 innings across four appearances since his contract was selected. While the southpaw's fantasy value will take a hit if he heads back to the bullpen, he has some potential if he keeps his starting job. FAAB: $3

Mike Foltynewicz, Rangers: Foltynewicz struggled mightily to close out July, but he's been more productive since the start of August. Across his last four starts, the right-hander has posted a 3.00 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 24 innings. He still hasn't recorded many strikeouts, posting a 14:8 K:BB since the start of August. The 29-year-old's upside is limited, and he hasn't earned a win since June 29. However, he's been effective recently and is an option in deeper leagues. FAAB: $1

Ranger Suarez, Phillies: While Suarez spent some time as the Phillies' closer earlier this year, he has joined the starting rotation for his last four outings. He's posted a 2.45 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 14.2 innings during his time as a starter, but his 11:10 K:BB has left something to be desired. The southpaw gave up three runs in 4.2 innings during Wednesday's loss but had allowed just one run in 10 innings in his previous three starts. Suarez has improved his pitch count since joining the rotation and has some fantasy potential if he can limit his number of free passes. FAAB: $1

Relief Pitcher

Mychal Givens, Reds: Givens has been a stellar contributor since he was traded from the Rockies to the Reds, as he hasn't yet allowed a run in 8.1 innings across his last eight appearances. The right-hander earned three holds early in his time with the club and has now earned saves in three of his last four outings. While his ninth-inning stability is somewhat limited since the Reds have cycled through closers for most of the season, Givens appears to be gaining some job security as Cincinnati's closer. FAAB: $6

Joe Barlow, Rangers: The Rangers haven't established a new closer since Ian Kennedy was traded to Philadelphia at the end of July. However, Barlow is the current favorite for save chances as he's picked up saves in each of his last two outings. The right-hander has allowed just one run in 14.2 innings across his 16 relief appearances this season, and he's been rewarded with high-leverage opportunities. FAAB: $5

Corey Knebel, Dodgers: Knebel missed three and a half months due to a lat injury, but he was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Tuesday and has made four relief appearances since then. The righty saw save chances early in the season whenever Kenley Jansen was unavailable, and he's already earned a win and a save since he returned from his injury. Knebel should be back in the mix for ninth-inning duties now that he's healthy, especially if the Dodgers try to limit Jansen's workload ahead of the postseason. FAAB: $4

Zack Littell, Giants: Jake McGee and Tyler Rogers have been the favorite for ninth-inning work in San Francisco, but Littell has entered the mix for high-leverage work recently with two saves and a hold in his last five appearances. The right-hander is unlikely to see consistent closing duties since McGee and Rogers have performed well this season, but the Giants lead the majors with 44 saves as a team this year, so Littell could still see his fair share of save opportunities if he continues to perform well. FAAB: $2

Catcher

Tyler Stephenson, Reds: Stephenson has had slightly inconsistent at-bats while splitting playing time with Tucker Barnhart, but the 25-year-old has showcased his power recently. He's gone 6-for-12 with three home runs, four RBI and four runs across his last four appearances. Stephenson has slashed .291/.376/.452 with nine homers, 48 runs and 38 RBI this year. Even though Barnhart is the slight favorite for playing time at catcher, Stephenson still has some fantasy value since he's been effective in a part-time role and sees occasional action at first base as well. FAAB: $3

Luis Torrens, Mariners: The 25-year-old has been in a time share at catcher with Cal Raleigh recently. However, Torrens has still had plenty of playing time since the Mariners have utilized him as a designated hitter at times when Raleigh is behind the plate. Torrens has drawn starts in each of the last five games and has gone 6-for-19 with two home runs, a double and six RBI during that time. He hit just .091 across his first seven starts in August, but he's turned things around recently and has plenty of fantasy value, even though Raleigh has been utilized as the primary catcher recently. FAAB: $1

First Base

Frank Schwindel, Cubs: Schwindel took over as the Cubs' primary first baseman after Anthony Rizzo was traded to the Yankees, and he's experienced a power surge recently. Across his last seven games, the 29-year-old has hit .464 with three home runs, six doubles, 10 RBI and six runs. Schwindel has had a prominent role in Chicago's lineup and was a bright spot during the team's recent losing streak. He has decent fantasy potential now that he has consistent at-bats. FAAB: $6

Bobby Dalbec, Red Sox: Dalbec has a lackluster .229 batting average this year, but he's had more success recently while displaying increased power. Across his last seven games, he's gone 8-for-21 with three home runs, a double, 11 RBI and six runs. FAAB: $2

Second Base

Josh Rojas, Diamondbacks: Rojas returned from the injured list last week and went hitless in six at-bats across his first two games following his activation, but he's been much more consistent during the last week. The 27-year-old has recorded extra-base hits in five of his last six appearances, and he's gone 14-for-23 with a home run, a triple, four doubles, five RBI and four runs during that time. Rojas has had consistent playing time since he returned from the injured list, and he's been dominant during his six-game hitting streak. FAAB: $5

Third Base

Evan Longoria, Giants: Longoria had been sidelined since early June due to a shoulder injury, but he was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Saturday and has started three of the last five games. He's gone 5-for-14 with a solo homer and four RBI during that time and is in line to serve as the primary third baseman, while Kris Bryant should see most of his time in the outfield. The presence of Bryant could lead to occasional days off for Longoria, but the 35-year-old has slashed .289/.382/.526 in 55 games this season and has been productive since returning from the injured list. FAAB: $5

Shortstop

Jonathan Villar, Mets: Villar has had an everyday role for the Mets with Francisco Lindor and Javier Baez sidelined due to injuries, and he's posted multi-hit performances in three of the last seven games. During that time, the 30-year-old has slashed .346/.414/.577 with two home runs, five RBI, three runs and two stolen bases. Although Baez has a chance to return from the injured list when he's first eligible Sunday, Villar should continue to see consistent playing time while Lindor remains out. FAAB: $3

Outfield

Jesus Sanchez, Marlins: Sanchez recently missed a month while he was on the COVID-19 injured list, but he returned to action Monday. While he went 0-for-6 in his first two games after he was activated, he homered in Wednesday's series finale against Atlanta. The 23-year-old slashed .265/.315/.434 with three home runs, nine RBI and six runs in 23 games prior to his absence, and he should see consistent playing time now that he's back with the team. FAAB: $6

Connor Joe, Rockies: Joe has taken over as the Rockies' everyday left fielder with Raimel Tapia on the injured list due to a toe injury, and he's swung a hot bat recently. Across his last 20 games, the outfielder has slashed .319/.383/.597 with six home runs, two doubles, 17 RBI and nine runs. His ability to drive in runs has limited since he's taken on a leadoff role, but he at least provides a short-term fantasy option while Tapia remains sidelined. FAAB: $3

Seth Brown, Athletics: Brown was recalled by the Athletics last week and has started against most of the right-handed pitchers the team has faced. He's appeared in 10 games since his call-up and has slashed .276/.290/.759 with four home runs, two doubles, seven runs and seven RBI during that time. While the 29-year-old has had to work on the strong side of a platoon, he's been productive at the plate and could earn more playing time as a result. FAAB: $3

Kevin Kiermaier, Rays: Kiermaier's .359 slugging percentage would be the worst mark of his career, but he's flashed more power recently. Across his last six appearances, he's gone 8-for-21 with two home runs, two doubles, seven runs, four RBI and a stolen base. While the 31-year-old isn't known for his power, he's shown modest speed and run-producing abilities and has had a fairly regular spot in the Rays' lineup. FAAB: $1