NL FAAB Factor: New Closer in Atlanta

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

David Buchanan, Phillies – Buchanan will get the nod Saturday in San Francisco, replacing Sean O'Sullivan in the rotation. In five starts earlier this year for the Phillies, Buchanan posted an 8.76 ERA over 24.2 innings. You don't need us to tell you how to act. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Adam Conley, Marlins – Conley was promoted to start in place of Mat Latos on Saturday. He more than did his job, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out two in five innings to get the win over the Reds. Conley pitched well for Triple-A New Orleans, posting a 2.33 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 62:34 K:BB over 89 innings, rebounding from a poor 2014. Latos may only miss the one start and with Dee Gordon hurt, Miami called up Donovan Solano and sent down Conley after the game. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Tim Cooney, Cardinals – Cooney, called up to fill one of the starting spots for Tuesday's doubleheader, pitched well, allowing just one run on three hits and one walk while striking out three over 5.1 innings. That start earned him a second outing Sunday, with Tyler Lyons, who struggled in Game 1 of the double-dip, landing back in the minors. Cooney profiles as a back-end starting option, but he could remain in the rotation until Jaime Garcia (shoulder) or Marco Gonzales (shoulder) are ready to return. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Tyler Cravy, Brewers - Cravy, profiled last week, did start Tuesday, as had been rumored, allowing three earned runs on eight hits and one walk with three strikeouts over six innings against the Braves. Matt Garza may be back from his shoulder injury after the break, but if not, Cravy should get at least one more start. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Gonzalez Germen, Rockies – Germen was called up to start Friday for Colorado against the Braves, throwing three scoreless innings. He normally is a reliever – and not a particularly good one – so move along, though he could stick in the Colorado bullpen. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Kyle Hendricks, Cubs – Hendricks has very quietly been on a roll since mid-May, notching four wins while lowering his ERA to 3.55, aided by his 20 straight scoreless innings. He is not a power pitcher, relying on his curveball and changeup to generate weak contact. Hendricks has built off the success he had last season, as after a slow start, he has that 3.55 ERA along with a 1.12 WHIP and 79:17 K:BB ratio in 99 innings over 17 starts. He could be primed for a big second half in Chicago. Mixed: $6; NL: $17.

Aaron Nola, Phillies – Nola was spectacular for Double-A Reading this season, posting a 1.88 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 59:9 K:BB over 76.2 innings, to earn a call-up to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He has continued that success, going 3-0 with a 2.28 ERA and a 24:5 K:BB ratio in 23.2 innings since the promotion. Nola should be up very soon, likely before the end of the month and possibly right after the All-Star break. Nola, the seventh overall pick in the 2014 draft, went a combined 4-3 with a 2.93 ERA and 45:10 K:BB in 55.1 innings between High and Double-A after signing with the Phillies in June. As we noted in our pre-season outlook, he commands all three of his pitches very well, mixing a 91-93 mph fastball with sink, a change-up that occasionally flashes as a plus offering, and a slider. Nola likely won't be a top-2 starter but could settle in as a three. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (early spec call-up bid).

Injury activation/updates:

Henderson Alvarez, Marlins – Alvarez, sidelined with shoulder inflammation since May 22, has made just four starts this season, posting a 6.45 ERA and 1.57 WHIP over 22.1 innings, but could begin a rehab stint Sunday at High-A Jupiter. Alvarez broke through last season, notching a 2.65 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 187 innings. He should be able to rejoin Miami by late July or early August. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (likely owned in NL-only leagues, but this is his second injury this season).

Brandon Beachy, Dodgers – Beachy made his fifth rehab start Monday, allowing three runs in six innings while upping his pitch count to 92. He originally was slated to make another Triple-A start on Sunday but instead he was called up to start Saturday. That start was Beachy's first after working his way back from a pair of Tommy John surgeries in a span of 21 months, and it showed. He lasted just four innings and gave up five hits, three walks, and three runs. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Matt Garza, Brewers – Garza, sidelined with a shoulder injury since July 2, expected to start the Brewers' fourth game after the All-Star break, July 21 against Cleveland. Prior to being sidelined, Garza allowed four or more runs in each of his last five starts, raising his ERA to 5.55 on the season. It's possible that Garza pitched for a while with the injury, so hopefully the time out enabled him to heal. Mixed: $4; NL: $11.

Marco Gonzales, Cardinals – Gonzalez, who has been sidelined with a shoulder impingement, is slated to make his first appearance since May 19 this weekend. He will need at least two starts in the lower minors to build his pitch count up to 100 before rejoining Triple-A Memphis. If he has no further setbacks and gets off to a good start, Gonzales could get a shot at filling a rotation spot in St. Louis. Gonzales, drafted in the first round in 2013 out of Gonzaga, was terrific for the Cardinals when called upon in 2014, posting a 4.12 ERA (2.94 FIP) in seven starts and striking out 39 in 43.2 innings. Mixed: $0; NL: $3 (early spec return bid).

Aaron Harang, Phillies – Harang, sidelined with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, could go on a rehab assignment after the All-Star break. The injury hasn't prevented him from throwing, so he may only make one or two rehab starts. Harang started the year strong, but surrendered 32 of his 48 earned runs allowed over his last six starts, so tread cautiously when he returns. Mixed: No; NL: $2 (early spec return bid).

Tim Hudson, Giants – Hudson, out with a strained shoulder since June 26, threw three simulated innings from the bullpen mound Friday. With Matt Cain and Jake Peavy back, the Giants can allow Hudson additional time to recuperate, but there is a good possibility he'll rejoin the team right after the All-Star break. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Raisel Iglesias, Reds – Iglesias, sidelined since June 5 with a strained left oblique, was slated to make at least one more rehab start before rejoining the Reds. However, with Anthony DeSclafani unavailable due to a glute strain, Iglesias was activated Saturday for his first start since May 30. That outing did not go particularly well, as Iglesias allowed five runs on eight hits in just 4.1 innings while throwing 77 pitches, though all five runs came in the fifth, when he might have been tired. Iglesias did strike out seven in his most recent rehab outing with Triple-A Louisville, but he only built his pitch count up to 68. With Cincy going nowhere, Iglesias should remain in the team's rotation the second half of the year despite Saturday's showing. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Brandon Morrow, Padres – Morrow, out with right shoulder inflammation since May 3, threw a bullpen session Tuesday and threw three sets of 15 pitches in a simulated game Saturday. These outings come on the heels of Morrow throwing a 30-pitch bullpen session last Wednesday, his first such effort since landing on the disabled list. Given his extensive injury history, it would not be shocking if he becomes sidelined again, but it looks like he is fairly close to kicking off what should be an extensive rehab stint before that occurs. Mixed: $0; NL: $3 (early spec return bid).

Wily Peralta, Brewers – Peralta, out since May 25 with an oblique injury, began a rehab assignment with Low-A Wisconsin on Saturday. He threw a 30-pitch sim game Tuesday, which comes after tossing 36 pitches off a mound the prior week. Peralta likely will need the full 30 days of a rehab stint, as he has missed six weeks already. Last season, Peralta led Milwaukee with 17 victories and 154 strikeouts in 198.2 innings. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (though he's likely owned in most leagues).

Williams Perez, Braves – Perez, out with a left foot contusion suffered when he was hit by a batted ball in his June 27 start, will make a few rehab appearances and could return to the Braves in late July. His role when that happens is up in the air. Perez could pitch out of the bullpen, especially with Jason Grilli now done for the year, but Manny Banuelos may go to the bullpen instead, so Perez has a shot at returning to the rotation. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (early spec return bid).

Tsuyoshi Wada, Cubs – Wada, out since June 22 with inflammation in his left deltoid, made a rehab assignment for Double-A Tennessee on Monday, giving up four runs in four innings. He struck out five but gave up eight hits, including two home runs. Wada moved his rehab assignment up a level, starting Saturday for Triple-A Iowa. Prior to the outing he left with an injury, Wada was coming his best start of the season in which he tossed seven shutout innings. He'll probably get another start or two in the minors, but should be ready not long after the break and replace Clayton Richard in the Cubs' rotation. Mixed: $0; NL: $3 (early spec return bid).

Jerome Williams, Phillies – Williams, on the disabled list since May 17 with a strained left hamstring, make his first start of a rehab assignment Tuesday for Double-A Reading, allowing two runs in 3.2 innings. He will make one or two more rehab starts before rejoining the Phillies. Prior to being sidelined, Williams was 3-7 with a 6.43 ERA in 14 starts this season. Mixed: No; NL: $0 (early spec return bid).

Relief Pitching

Aaron Barrett, Rex Brothers, Daniel Coulombe, Mike Foltynewicz, Nick Greenwood, Corey Knebel, Hector Neris, Sam Tuivailala, Dale Thayer, Chin-Hui Tsao, and Arodys Vizcaino - This week's key middle reliever call-ups/activations, as well as expected call-ups, don't have any substantial value, save for Foltynewicz and Vizcaino. Folty, despite posting a 5.19 ERA in nine starts before he was sent back down to the minors, likely will get another shot at starting. If he can find a way to consistently locate his 97 mph fastball and command his slider, which has a new grip, he could be a rebound candidate in the second half, either as a starter or possible closer with Jason Grilli out for the year with his Achilles' injury. Vizcaino, who served an 80-game suspension for a positive PED test, could eventually end up as a setup man for Jim Johnson (who will likely take over for Grilli) or he could even see some save chances. All other than Foltynewicz and Vizcaino - Mixed: No; NL: $0; Foltynewicz – Mixed: $1; NL: $4; Vizcaino – Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Jim Johnson, Braves – Jason Grilli's season-ending Achilles' injury creates a huge hole at the back end of the Atlanta bullpen. Johnson, who had been setting up Grilli, is likely to get the first shot at replacing him. Johnson has a 2.09 ERA and 1.23 WHIP, rebounding nicely after a nightmarish 2014. He is not a strikeout pitcher and there is a possibility that Johnson will be dealt with Atlanta looking to the future, so don't pencil in 15 saves just yet. Mixed: $8; NL: $22.

Rafael Soriano, Cubs – Soriano, who signed a minor league deal with the Cubs on June 9, made his debut for Double-A Tennessee on Monday. Prior to that, Soriano had been working out at the team's facility in Arizona. Soriano should make several appearances at this level before moving up to Triple-A Iowa and then the parent club. His role is up in the air, as the Chicago bullpen has been solid lately. Jason Motte has moved into the closer role while both Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop have pitched well in setup roles. When promoted, he will be reunited with manager Joe Maddon, who managed the Rays in 2010 where Soriano put up a 1.73 ERA and notched 45 saves. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec call-up bid, up if you think he closes when promoted).

Injury activation/update:

Jenrry Mejia, Mets – Mejia, who was first sidelined with an elbow injury and then suspended 80 games, completed the suspension and was activated Tuesday. With the issues the Mets have had setting up Jeurys Familia, Mejia could see late-inning duty alongside Bobby Parnell. Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Catcher

Tucker Barnhart, Reds – Through last Sunday, Barnhart had started six of the prior 12 games. Barnhart, known for his defense, was hitting better than expected in June, earning additional playing time. He should continue to be in a timeshare with Brayan Pena, though it may be a one-on, one-off situation (or more likely three on and two off, depending on how well Barnhart and Pena are playing). However, Barnhart is still looking for his first July hit, which could afford Pena additional playing time. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Welington Castillo, Diamondbacks – Castillo, who struggled in Chicago and Seattle, has received a new lease on life with his move to Arizona. In 23 games, he has five home runs and solid slash line, partially aided by a higher-than-usual BABIP and HR/FB ratio. Part of those numbers are attributable to playing his home games at Chase Field, which should continue to augment his stats. Mixed: $3; NL: $9.

Injury activation/update:

Tim Federowicz, Padres – Federowicz, on the 60-day disabled list due to surgery to repair a torn meniscus, will begin a rehab assignment at Low-A Fort Wayne next week. He'll likely spend two weeks in the minors before being ready to return. When that happens, Derek Norris will maintain the primary duties behind the plate, but Federowicz should take over the backup spot in place of Austin Hedges. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

First Base

Travis Ishikawa, Pirates – Ishikawa was claimed off waivers by the Pirates last Sunday, rejoining the team for whom he briefly played last season. He is filling a similar role he did in his short span with the Giants before getting DFA'd, that of a backup first baseman and reserve outfielder. Ishikawa could lose his job to Corey Hart (shoulder), when the latter is ready to return, though it's feasible that Ishikawa will stick with the Pirates while Hart stays in the minors after he is activated. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Dan Johnson, Cardinals – Johnson, who has bounced from organization to organization the last several years, was called up from Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday. He hit .265/.354/.475 line with 11 home runs, 42 RBI and a strong 45:32 BB:K in 265 plate appearances in the minors. Johnson should see some time at first base, helping to fill the gap created due to Matt Adams' injury. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Injury activation/update:

Corey Hart, Pirates – Hart, who landed on the disabled list with a shoulder impingement on June 24, is in the midst of a rehab assignment, though no word has been given on when he'll be activated. When he does return, he will either resume his role as a backup first baseman and outfielder or be optioned to the minors, which may be the likely occurrence with Travis Ishikawa now in Pittsburgh. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Second Base

Wilmer Difo, Nationals – Difo was promoted from Double-A Harrisburg when Denard Span landed on the disabled list Friday with back spasms. Difo had a cup of coffee in May before he was sent back down and was batting .286/.324/.366 with 10 stolen bases when he was called up Friday. He has shown a solid hit tool and plus-plus speed, which should allow him to be an impact player once he becomes a full-time player in the big leagues, possibly as soon as the start of 2016 with Ian Desmond set to become a free agent. For now, Difo will see spot starts at second and short. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (higher in keeper leagues).

Injury activation/updates:

Anthony Rendon, Nationals – Rendon, out since June 26 with a left quadriceps strain, has been able to swing a bat and has started jogging as well. He has played just 18 games this year due to injuries to his left knee, oblique and quad, but may be on his way back. Rendon will need to show he can run at full speed without any setbacks and then should go out on a rehab assignment. Look for him to be back on the Nationals before the end of the month. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Chase Utley, Phillies – Utley, out since June 23 with inflammation in his right ankle, had a cortisone shot last week. He could start hitting this week and is already fielding grounders at second base. When he does return, Utley will at best be a part-time player, as Philly will continue to go with Cesar Hernandez at second base. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (early spec return bid).

Shortstop

Jung-Ho Kang, Pirates –With Josh Harrison expected to miss seven weeks with his injured thumb, Kang should play nearly every day at third base. Kang played well in May when afforded consistent action, but struggled when playing periodically. Pedro Alvarez, Sean Rodriguez and Steve Lombardozzi all could see action at the hot corner, but Kang will see the lion's share of action there. Mixed: $8; NL: owned.

Third Base

Casey McGehee, Marlins – McGehee, designated for assignment by the Giants for a second time late last month, signed with Miami, where he played in 2014. and was in the starting lineup at third base Saturday. His stint in San Francisco was an unmitigated disaster, as he lost the starting job to Matt Duffy and batted just .213/.275/.299 in 138 at-bats. McGehee could be in line for a short-term spike in playing time with Dee Gordon out with a dislocated thumb, as Martin Prado may play second when he comes off the disabled list. McGehee will have to battle Derek Dietrich for playing time until Gordon returns, at which point Prado should move back to the hot corner. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Martin Prado, Marlins – Prado, out since June 14 with a strained right shoulder, kicked off a rehab assignment at High-A Jupiter on Tuesday. Assuming he has no setbacks or further discomfort in the shoulder, Prado should be back right after the All-Star break. Once he returns, he will regain his role as starting third baseman, though it's possible he'll play second while Dee Gordon recovers from a dislocated left thumb that is expected to sideline him for two weeks. Mixed: $4; NL: $11 (in case he was waived while sidelined).

Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals – Zimmerman, who has been bothered by plantar fasciitis in his left foot for much of the year and has been sidelined since June 11 with the injury, is feeling better and could begin a rehab assignment following the All-Star break. He likely will need 7-10 days on that rehab assignment before rejoining the Nats. When Zimmerman comes back, he will resume his role as the starting first baseman. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (early spec return bid, to be upped when he comes back).

Outfield

Matt den Dekker, Nationals – Den Dekker should be in line for a short-term uptick in playing time with Denard Span landing on the 15-day disabled list with back spasms. Michael Taylor is moving from left to center field, so den Dekker could see time in left. Clint Robinson and Tyler Moore could also see some time in left field, though someone has to play first base until Ryan Zimmerman returns. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Mets – Nieuwenhuis broke camp with the Mets after a solid spring, but went 3-for-38 to kick off the year. He was DFA'd and subsequently dealt to the Angels, but his stint in California didn't last long and the Mets eventually claimed him back off waivers. Nieuwenhuis hit .293 with seven home runs in 58 at-bats for Triple-A Las Vegas and was called back up to give the Mets another outfield bat with Michael Cuddyer dealing with a sore left knee. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Stephen Piscotty, Cardinals – Piscotty will see some games at first base for Triple-A Memphis next week. This move was rumored when Matt Adams was first injured, but no change occurred. Now, Piscotty will try his hand at the position, one he has never played before as the Cardinals continue to look for a solution there. He is coming off a big June in which he hit .313/.416/.500 with three homers and a 16:14 BB:K, helping push his on-base percentage and slugging percentage above last year's marks. If Piscotty adapts well to the change, he could be up in the majors before the end of the month. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (early spec call-up bid).

Injury activation/updates:

Norichika Aoki, Giants – Aoki, out since fracturing his fibula while getting hit by a pitch on June 20, is out of his cast and has progressed to wearing a walking boot. Prior to getting injured, he was hitting .338 in June, albeit with no extra-base hits (he only has 12 of those all season). Aoki will continue recuperating during the All-Star break and may not to go out on a rehab assignment, so he could be back in two weeks. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec call-up bid).

Carl Crawford, Dodgers – Crawford, on the 60-day disabled list with a strained oblique, is in the midst of his rehab assignment, playing for Triple-A Oklahoma. Manager Don Mattingly stated that the Dodgers want Crawford to log between 35 and 40 at-bats before coming off the disabled list. Heading into Saturday's game, Crawford had 18 at-bats on his rehab assignment, so he could be ready to rejoin the parent club shortly after the All-Star break. 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 (same return spec bid).

Khris Davis, Brewers – Davis, out since May 30 with a torn meniscus in his knee that required surgery, was activated Tuesday after completing a five-game rehab assignment at Low-A Wisconsin. The original estimate was that Davis would miss 4-to-6 weeks, so his return Tuesday was right in line with that timetable. Davis should start almost daily in left field. Mixed: $5; NL: $14 (same bid as last week).

Matt Holliday, Cardinals – Holliday, out since tearing his right quad June 8, is expected to rejoin the Cardinals for their first game after the All-Star break Friday. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Ender Inciarte, Diamondbacks – Inciarte, working his way back from a hamstring strain that landed him on the DL in mid-June, moved his rehab assignment to Double-A Mobile and is expected to return shortly after the All-Star break. Prior to being sidelined, Inciarte hit .287/.316/.371 in 267 plate appearances, primarily from the leadoff spot, but since he has been out, Yasmany Tomas, David Peralta and A.J. Pollock have all played very well, and Jake Lamb returned from his injury. In other words, through no fault of his own, Inciarte may end up back in the role he filled last season, that of a fourth outfielder. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (early spec call-up bid).

Hunter Pence, Giants – Pence, limited to just 18 games this year and out with wrist tendinitis since early June, was surprisingly activated Tuesday. He was expected to be out until after the All-Star break, but a strong batting practice Sunday paved the way to his activation. He has already driven in seven runs in his first four games back. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Jayson Werth, Nationals – Werth, out since May with two fractures in his wrist, has made solid progress the past two weeks. He got some "extensive outfield work" in Friday at the team's spring training facility, but continues to swing a lighter-than-normal bat, though he has advanced from using a fungo bat. Werth still hopes to be ready in early August, but he will need to show he can swing and take batting practice with a normal bat and then play in rehab games. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec return bid).