NL FAAB Factor: Going to the Matz

This is our weekly look at National League free agents. We have two goals for this article:

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

One size does not fit all, and we could never hope to encompass all league structures, so bids are based on:

• 12-team league (either NL or Mixed, we'll specify)
• 5x5 categories
• $100 FAAB budget

Starting Pitching

Manny Banuelos, Braves - Banuelos gets another mention, as Williams Perez landed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a left foot contusion suffered when hit with a comebacker Friday. Banuelos, who was passed over in favor of Matt Wisler when Mike Foltynewicz was sent down, should be promoted to replace Perez. Banuelos was roughed up Saturday, allowing three runs on four hits and four walks in just three innings, but he still has a 2.29 ERA. Banuelos, who was traded to the Braves in January, returned from Tommy John surgery last year to post a 4.13 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 71:31 K:BB in 26 appearances (25 starts) between the Yankees' High-A, Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. Banuelos should get his shot to replace Perez. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (more if he is promoted).

Steven Matz, Mets - Matz, profiled last month due to questions about Dillon Gee, gets another mention as he will be promoted Sunday with the Mets shifting to a six-man rotation. There is no question he deserved the call, as Matz was 7-4 with a PCL-best 2.19 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 90.1 innings with Triple-A Las Vegas. RotoWire minor-league guru Jesse Siegel recently wrote of Matz: "While he obviously has swing-and-miss stuff, what really makes him effective is the ability to keep the ball down in the zone. Matz has a 1.75 GO:AO ratio, meaning he surrenders almost two ground balls for every one fly ball. While he has allowed six home runs in 15 games this season, that likely has more to do with where he is pitching than how he is pitching. In 63 starts prior to this season, he yielded just eight home runs. That's a span of more than 275 innings!" Jump on board now, as Matz, who has a fastball that tops out at about 94 mph in addition to a solid curveball and changeup, should be a mainstay in the team's rotation for years to come. Mixed: $6, NL: $17 (bid a bit lower than expected due to a six-man rotation, which will reduce his starts).

Donn Roach, Cubs - Roach, who had a 2.29 ERA and just 33 strikeouts in 82.2 innings for Triple-A Iowa, was promoted to start Saturday with Tsuyoshi Wada dealing with a shoulder injury. That outing didn't go particularly well, as Roach allowed four runs on eight hits and a walk with just one strikeout in 3.1 innings against the Cardinals. The hope is that Wada will miss just the one start, but if not, there is no guarantee that Roach will get a second chance. Mixed: No, NL: $0.

Josh Smith, Reds - Smith was promoted to start in place of Johnny Cueto, who was moved back and skipped a start. Smith struggled, allowing four runs on three hits and six hits in three innings against the Pirates on Tuesday. Smith had a 3.56 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 6.6 K/9 in eight starts for Triple-A Louisville this season after posting a 4.70 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 7.0 K/9 over 159 innings at the same level last year. He is slated to start Sunday against the Mets and then could be sent back down. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Injury activation/updates:

Brandon Beachy, Dodgers - Beachy struck out three hitters over two scoreless innings and 45 pitches during his rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City last Sunday. That outing was his second rehab start during his return from his second Tommy John surgery in a span of 21 months. Beachy's fastball was in the 87-88 mph range, so he likely will need 4-5 more starts before he is ready to join the Dodgers, He could replace Carlos Frias in the team's rotation or possibly join the bullpen. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec return bid).

Chad Billingsley, Phillies - Billingsley, on the disabled list since May 17 with a Grade 2 lat strain, allowed one run on five hits over five innings in a rehab start Friday for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, throwing 56 of his 79 pitches for strikes. He is expected to make one more rehab start before rejoining the Phillies, though it's possible he'll be called up to start this week. In his first appearances in the majors since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2013, Billingsley struck out only seven batters and posted a 6.75 ERA over three starts. Mixed: $0; NL: $3 (spec return bid).

Matt Cain, Giants - Cain, who had bone chips removed from his elbow last August and has been sidelined all season with a strained forearm, made the last of his rehab starts Thursday and should rejoin the Giants to start July 3. That start was his third rehab outing, with the last two coming at Triple-A Sacramento. Cain has posted a 15:3 K:BB ratio over 13.2 innings during his rehab, so he could use some more innings and get closer to 100 pitches before rejoining San Francisco, as he only went 5.2 innings but threw 98 pitches Thursday. He will either take Chris Heston's spot or replace Tim Hudson or Tim Lincecum, either of whom could land on the disabled list. Mixed: $5; NL: $14 (increased return bid).

Patrick Corbin, Diamondbacks - Corbin, recovering from March 2014 Tommy John surgery, will make one more rehab start before rejoining the Diamondbacks' rotation. His last outing was his fourth, two of which came for Double-A Mobile. Corbin pitched better in his second and third starts, hitting 94 mph on the gun. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (slightly increased spec return bid).

Jarred Cosart, Marlins - Cosart on the disabled list since May 14 with vertigo, was activated Thursday. He allowed just one run in five innings, but struggled with his command in his final rehab start, but Miami decided to activate him anyway. Cosart will work out of the bullpen at first, but could get back into the rotation eventually once he's reestablished in the majors. However, with Jose Fernandez (elbow) due back on July 2 and Henderson Alvarez (shoulder) likely to rejoin the rotation at some point in July, Cosart may not have much of an opportunity to get his spot back. Before he was sidelined, Cosart was 1-3 with a 4.08 ERA in 39.2 innings. Cosart made his first relief appearance Friday, allowing two runs on six hits while walking three and striking out three over four innings. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Jose Fernandez, Marlins - Fernandez is inching closer to his July 2 return date. He made his fourth rehab start at High-A Jupiter on Monday, striking out nine while allowing one run over seven innings and 90 pitches, and in his fifth and final rehab start, he struck out eight for Double-A Jacksonville on Saturday. With a 33:6 K:BB ratio in 24.2 innings during his rehab, Fernandez looks ready to rejoin the Marlins and start this Thursday. Fernandez is working his way back from Tommy John surgery after making just eight starts and throwing 51.2 innings last season, and is expected to be close to prior form before too long. His fastball has been in the 94-98 mph range, which is around where he was before he was sidelined. Remember, it takes pitchers coming off of TJS a bit of time to settle in, so don't be surprised if there are bumps along the road. Mixed: $16; NL: $46 (slightly increased bid).

Cory Luebke, Padres - Luebke, who hasn't pitched in a major league game since 2012 due to a pair of Tommy John surgeries, is inching closer to a return. After three successful outings with High-A Lake Elsinore -- he allowed one hit over three scoreless innings -- Luebke was promoted to Double-A San Antonio, where he will pitch Tuesday. Following a short stint there, Luebke will move up to Triple-A El Paso and could join the Padres before the All-Star break. Luebke will likely be used in relief, but it's possible he will see a spot start or two. Mixed: No; NL: $0 (early spec return bid).

Lance Lynn, Cardinals - Lynn, out since June 8 with a strained forearm, was activated and started Thursday. He gave up only two hits while walking four and striking out six in six scoreless innings against the Marlins. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Jake Peavy, Giants - Peavy, out since mid-April with a muscle strain and continued issues with the SI joint in his lower back, made his seventh and what should be his final rehab start at Triple-A Sacramento. During these starts, Peavy was able to up his pitch count and show that his back is healthy. Peavy should be back in the rotation on July 2, taking Chris Heston's spot or replacing Tim Hudson or Tim Lincecum, either of whom could land on the disabled list. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (increased bid).

Relief Pitching

Pedro Baez, Rafael Betancourt, Jacob Brigham, Deolis Guerra, Ryan Kelly, Jean Machi, Marcos Mateo, Joel Peralta, Kevin Quackenbush, Chris Volstad. This week's key middle reliever call-ups/activations don't have any substantial value. All - Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Injury activation/updates:

Enrique Burgos, Diamondbacks - Burgos, who landed on the DL with shoulder tendinitis in late May, was activated Monday. Prior to being sidelined, Burgos posted a 4.61 ERA and 1.46 WHIP, but with 25 strikeouts in 13.2 innings along with two saves. Brad Ziegler has been solid as the closer, but with Addison Reed getting sent down, Burgos and his power arm could get a shot at closing and at a minimum, should slot in as Ziegler's set-up man. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Jenrry Mejia, Mets - Mejia, who was first sidelined with an elbow injury and then suspended 80 games, returned to game action this week for the Gulf Coast Mets. He is eligible to return to the bigs on July 7, and with the issues the Mets have had setting up Jeurys Familia, Mejia could see late-inning duty when he is activated. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (early return bid).

Catcher

Johnny Monell, Kevin Plawecki, Mets - Monell, who was promoted in early May for a spell to give the Mets a third catcher and lefty bat off the bench, was recalled this week with Travis d'Arnaud landing back on the disabled list, this time with a hyperextended elbow. Monell had a big spring and has carried that over to Triple-A Las Vegas, batting .374/.434/.551. However, those numbers have to be discounted, as he's been playing in an extreme hitter's park and has benefitted from a .407 BABIP. Plawecki's overall numbers aren't impressive and he likely needs more seasoning at Triple-A, but he will be the starter while d'Arnaud is sidelined, with Monell likely spelling him one or twice per week. Monell - Mixed: No; NL: $0. Plawecki - Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Andrew Susac, Giants - Susac was in line for additional playing time due to his performance, but the Giants' spell of injuries may afford him even more. He will likely see a couple of extra starts a week with Nori Aoki (leg) and Hunter Pence (arm) on the disabled list and Angel Pagan (knee) banged up as well. Manager Bruce Bochy will deploy Buster Posey at first with Brandon Belt sliding over to left field, opening up catcher for Susac. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

First Base

Travis Ishikawa, Giants - Ishikawa was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento to take the roster spot of Nori Aoki, who landed on the DL with a fractured fibula. Hunter Pence (wrist) is already on the disabled list and Angel Pagan is dealing with swelling in his knee, so Ishikawa may have a chance to stick around for a while at the big-league level. Ishikawa could play left field when Buster Posey catches, though manager Bruce Bochy may try Brandon Belt in left (as he did Friday) and put Ishikawa at first. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Darin Ruf, Phillies - Ruf, sent down two weeks ago when Domonic Brown was called up, was brought back up with Chase Utley going to the DL with ankle inflammation. Ruf may see a couple of starts in left field each week, spelling Cody Asche, while occasionally filling in at first base for Ryan Howard. He hit just .235 with three home runs in 111 plate appearances with the Phillies earlier this season before being sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Injury activation/update:

Mike Morse, Marlins - Morse, sidelined with a sprained right ring finger since May 24, moved his rehab assignment from Double-A Jacksonville to Triple-A New Orleans. At Jacksonville, Morse went 5-for-17 with a double and home run over five games. Morse should be back in Miami by early this week. Prior to being sidelined, he was having a nightmare campaign, batting .210/.268/.289 with just two home runs in 37 games. Justin Bour, who has replaced Morse at first base, has struggled lately, opening the door for Morse to regain his spot when he returns. It's also possible that Morse, who played 55 games in right field in 2013, slides into right with Giancarlo Stanton out 4-6 weeks with a broken hamate bone. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Second Base

Manny Burriss and Dan Uggla, Nationals - With Anthony Rendon (quad) landing back on the disabled list, Burriss was promoted while Uggla could see some action at second base. The likely alignment is Danny Espinosa at second, Ian Desmond at short and Yunel Escobar at third, but Escobar had swelling on his left hand after Aaron Harang hit him in the first inning Friday, possibly affording Uggla playing time. Burriss should back up second base and shortstop and will provide some speed off the bench. Burriss - Mixed: No; NL: $0; Uggla - Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Cesar Hernandez, Phillies - Hernandez had already started seeing some playing time and now will start nearly every day with Chase Utley landing on the disabled list with an ankle injury. Hernandez has no power but makes decent contact and has a bit of speed, evidenced in his 32 steals while in the minors two seasons ago. In addition, Hernandez likely qualifies at multiple positions in your league, giving him a bit more value, especially in NL-only leagues. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Injury activation/update:

Daniel Murphy, Mets - Murphy, out since June 5 with a strained quad, is expected to be activated Tuesday after finishing his rehab stint at High-A St. Lucie in which he is 6-for-12 with four RBI in three games. The Mets have an off day Monday before kicking off a series against the Cubs on Tuesday with Murphy in the lineup. With David Wright still out, the Mets' infield will be in flux in the short term. Murphy will play third base with Ruben Tejada shifting back to short and Wilmer Flores going from short to second. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Shortstop

Miguel Rojas, Marlins - Rojas, who came to the Marlins with Dee Gordon this offseason, was called up Saturday to replace Donovan Solano. Rojas is a quality defender who is able to handle the shortstop position, but it looks like he will split time at third base with Derek Dietrich while Martin Prado is out with a shoulder injury. This is the second straight year that Rojas has found success in Triple-A, but it's doubtful that he'll carry that forward to the Marlins, given his poor numbers at the MLB level last year. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Third Base

Ruben Tejada, Mets - Tejada, who has been seeing consistent time while David Wright has been sidelined, will remain in the starting lineup, but will move back to shortstop when David Murphy comes back. In his last 30 days, Tejada is hitting .282/.347/.388 with seven runs scored and eight runs driven in. He qualifies at second, short and third, adding to his value. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Injury activation/update:

Martin Prado, Marlins - The hope was that Prado would be back June 30 from his sprained right shoulder, but he felt continued discomfort after taking groundballs Wednesday. Prado has yet to swing a bat or throw a baseball and will not be cleared to do so until the pain goes away, so there is no clear timeframe for his return. Derek Dietrich and Miguel Rojas will continue to split time at third base while Prado is out. Just an FYI as he should be owned in most leagues, though that could change if he remains out for a while.

Outfield

Gregor Blanco and Justin Maxwell, Giants - Blanco, profiled last week after he returned from a concussion that sidelined him for a couple of weeks, gets another mention as he is in line for regular playing time. Hunter Pence (wrist) and Nori Aoki (fractured fibula) are already on the disabled list and Angel Pagan dealing with swelling in his knee, meaning the Blanco will see time at all three outfield spots. Those injuries also mean that Maxwell, who saw additional action while Blanco was out, could start daily. Blanco - Mixed: $3; NL: $9; Maxwell - Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Curtis Granderson, Mets - Granderson, after a rough patch in May, has been hitting well over the last month, as evidence by a .273/.362/.491 line with seven home runs (including four in the last week) and 11 runs batted in. Granderson still can't hit southpaws - he's hitting just .128 in 47 at-bats against lefties this year - but the Mets' offensive struggles mean that he likely will still remain in the lineup daily. It's also due to those struggles and Granderson's hot bat that manager Terry Collins doesn't want to move him from the leadoff spot, as he is one of the few Mets getting on base. Mixed: $14; NL: owned.

Cole Gillespie, Ichiro Suzuki, Marlins - Suzuki should see regular time in right field with Giancarlo Stanton suffering a broken hamate bone in his right wrist that will sideline him 4-6 weeks. Coming into Saturday's game, Ichiro had a .275/.325/.320 line with one home run, 11 RBI and six stolen bases in 166 plate appearances. Gillespie, who had a .291/.356/.360 line at Triple-A New Orleans, was called up to back up Suzuki. Gillespie - Mixed: No; NL: $0; Suzuki - Mixed: $3; NL: $9.

Joey Terdoslavich, Braves - Terdoslavich, who was activated off the disabled list and up for a brief stint earlier this month, was called back up to take the roster spot of Freddie Freeman (wrist), who was placed on the disabled list. Kelly Johnson and Chris Johnson will see most of the playing time at first base, giving some at-bats at third base and in left field. Terdoslavich will provide depth in the outfield, and possibly at the corner-infield spots while Eury Perez, profiled last week, should see most of the action in left field. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Carl Crawford, Dodgers - Crawford, on the 60-day disabled list with a strained oblique, is less than a week away from returning to game action. Manager Don Mattingly noted that Crawford will need "significant game action" before returning, so it's possible he uses all 30 days on a rehab assignment once one starts. When Crawford does return, he could end up as a fourth or fifth outfielder, with Andre Ethier manning left field augmented by Scott Van Slyke. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (initial return spec bid).

Khris Davis, Brewers - Davis, out since May 30 with a torn meniscus in his knee that required surgery, took batting practice on the field prior to Wednesday's game. The original estimate was that he would miss 4-6 weeks and he looks in line to come back during that timetable. If Davis, who had just gotten hot before he was sidelined, makes it through a couple of on-field sessions this week without issue, he could be cleared to head out for a rehab assignment and possibly be back just before the All-Star break. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (initial return spec bid).

Jorge Soler, Cubs - Soler, out with a sprained left ankle since June 3, will begin his rehab assignment early this week and is expected to return before the All-Star break. He has progressed steadily, taking batting practice after shedding his walking boot. When Soler is ready to go, which should be in about another week, he will slide back into his spot as the Cubs' starting right fielder. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Note: Got another player to discuss? Drop a line in the comments.