NL FAAB Factor: New Folks in NL

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

Note: This week's column is not an exhaustive list of who was promoted. Instead, I have profiled those players who will either fill a substantive role on their team down the stretch or project in the future to have a key role or bright future with their team. If I missed anyone or there is someone you would like profiled, please put it in the comments section of the blog. In addition, several players were profiled the past few weeks and if you want a full list of call-ups, see MLB transactions, with updates for them provided on the RotoWire site.

Starting Pitcher

Tyler Anderson, Rockies – Anderson, a first-round pick by Colorado in 2011, has been out of action since last August with elbow injuries. Despite that, GM Jeff Bridich implied Thursday that Anderson is on track to push for a starting job in the spring. Anderson posted a 1.98 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 106:40 K:BB with Double-A Tulsa last season before getting shut down, though he did earn Texas League Pitcher of the Year honors. He projects to be a middle-of-the-rotation starter, using a quality change-up and an improving breaking ball aided by a deceptive delivery to retire hitters. Mixed: $0; NL: $3 (pure future spec bid).

Michael Bolsinger, Dodgers – Bolsinger lost his rotation spot when LA acquired Mat Latos and Alex Wood, but the Dodgers started Bolsinger on Friday and he allowed three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out six in five innings to get the win. It's not yet clear if it was a spot start or if LA is turning to a six-man rotation as a way to rest to rest their top arms. In addition, it's possible that if Latos struggles, Bolsinger could replace him on the starting staff. Bolsinger dominated Triple-A this year, posting a 2.31 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 61 strikeouts in 46.2 innings, and he has a 2.97 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 17 starts for the Dodgers. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

A.J. Cole, Nationals – Cole was called up last week for his third stint with Washington this season. He posted a 5.79 ERA in three games (one start), holding opponents to a .185 average in his two appearances out of the bullpen. Cole was much better in the minors, going 5-6 with a 3.15 ERA in 21 games (19 starts) at Triple-A, though those numbers don't tell the whole story. He was 4-1 with a 1.65 ERA in six starts last month, which came on the heels of his adjusting the placement of his plant foot. Cole is slated to work out of the bullpen in long relief, but Washington is monitoring Joe Ross' innings, which could result in him getting shut down early or flip-flopping roles with Cole. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (if he starts).

Zach Davies, Brewers – Davies, acquired from the Orioles at the trading deadline, posted a 2.84 ERA and 1.224 WHIP across 101.1 innings for Triple-A Norfolk. He struggled at Triple-A Colorado Springs, notching a 5.00 ERA in five starts. That didn't stop Milwaukee from calling him up and starting him this week. He allowed four runs on four hits and three walks while striking out three in 4.1 innings in his MLB debut against the Pirates. Davies, who features a strong change-up but projects as a back-of-the-rotation starter in the long term, should remain in the Brewers' rotation the rest of the season. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Jorge De La Rosa, Rockies – De la Rosa has been brilliant in his last six starts, posting a 2.64 ERA to lower his season ERA from 5.03 on Aug. 1 to 4.24. The big key has been cutting his walks down substantially from his normal rate. If de la Rosa can continue to limit his free passes, he should close out 2015 in fine fashion and be sought after for 2016 leagues. Mixed: $8; NL: owned.

Zack Godley, Diamondbacks – Godley, who was 4-0 with a 1.90 ERA for Arizona, was called up to start Friday's game against the Cubs. That outing did not go well, as he allowed six runs on four hits and six walks with three strikeouts in just 3.2 innings. Godley had a high strand rate and low BABIP, so it's not a surprise his numbers took a tumble. He had a 4.07 ERA at Double-A, so maybe that was a better indication of his true talent level rather than the numbers he had in the majors. Godley is on an innings limit, so he may only get one or two more starts the rest of the way. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Michael Lorenzen, Reds – Lorenzen, demoted to Triple-A Louisville in mid-August, was called back up and started Monday. In the minors, Lorenzen put a 1.13 ERA over three starts, including eight shutout innings in his last outing, but he didn't have the same success Monday. He allowed five runs on six hits and a walk with five strikeouts over 4.2 innings, making it seven straight efforts without a quality start. Lorenzen expected to hit an innings limit at some point, which could eventually result in a move to the bullpen, but for now he'll remain in the Reds' rotation. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Tanner Roark, Nationals – Roark was brilliant last year as a starter, but struggled with his move to the bullpen this year when Washington added Max Scherzer. Roark got another chance to start Friday against Atlanta in the place of an injured Stephen Strasburg. He allowed one run on five hits while striking out three in 4.1 innings. Prior to Friday, Roark was 3-1 with a 5.65 ERA in six games as a starter this season. Overall he has a 4.41 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 83.2 innings with the Nationals this year. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Manny Banuelos, Braves – Banuelos, sidelined with a bone spur in the back of his elbow since July 25, made his return to the majors, lasting just 2.2 innings and allowing three runs on six hits with a walk and no strikeouts on 52 pitches. He should make at least one more start for Atlanta and then may work out of the bullpen for the Braves, and if all goes well he'll get a chance to break camp next spring as a starter for Atlanta. Mixed: $1 NL: $4 (spec keeper league bid).

A.J. Burnett, Pirates – Burnett, out since July 30 with a strained flexor tendon, may pitch in key series against the Cubs in the middle of September. Originally, the concern was that Burnett's season and career were over, but the UCL turned out to be intact. Burnett, 8-5 with a 3.06 ERA in 21 starts, completed a 55-pitch bullpen session last Tuesday and tossed 71 pitches in a three-inning simulated game Sunday. He threw a simulated game Friday and may not need or get a rehab start before rejoining the team's rotation. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (upped early spec return bid).

Matt Cain, Giants – Cain, who landed on the disabled list on Aug. 28 with nerve irritation in his pitching elbow, was slated to kick off a rehab stint Friday. He likely pitched with the injury for a bit, as his ERA ballooned from 4.91 to 6.15 over five starts in August before he was shut down. Cain will likely be used in the bullpen for San Francisco when he returns. Mixed: $0 NL: $3.

Jarred Cosart, Marlins – Cosart, who has been dealing with vertigo due to a nerve issue for more than two months, was called up from High-A Jupiter, where he gave up seven runs in nine innings in two starts. He's expected to start against the Mets on Sunday. Cosart, on medication to treat the nerve problem, is hitting 94 mph on the gun and should remain in the Marlins' rotation the rest of the way. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Jeremy Hellickson, Diamondbacks – Hellickson, out since mid-August with glute tightness, will make a rehab start for Triple-A Reno on Sunday. Prior to being sidelined, Hellickson posted a 3.41 ERA, .233 BAA and 27:10 K:BB in six second-half starts. He might need one more rehab start before rejoining the Arizona rotation. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (early spec return bid).

Steven Matz, Mets – Matz, sidelined with a slightly torn lat muscle since July 5, will start for the Mets on Sunday in place of Noah Syndergaard, whose turn in the rotation will be skipped. He tossed 5.1 scoreless innings and 78 pitches in his second rehab start (and fourth overall) at Double-A Binghamton (and third overall) last Monday. Matz should see regular starts the rest of the way, either as part of a six-man rotation or in replacing Syndergaard and Matt Harvey. Mixed: $8 NL: $22 (upped return bid).

Relief Pitcher

Miguel Castro, Rockies – Castro, acquired by the Rockies in the July 27 deal that sent Troy Tulowitzki to Toronto, opened the season with Toronto and received a chance to close, but early struggles led to his demotion to the minors. Castro was up and down at Triple-A, but was one of several September call-ups who joined the team Tuesday. He had a rough first outing, allowing four runs on three hits and a walk over 1.1 innings. Castro needs to improve his walk rate, but will get a chance to fill a role at the back end of the Colorado bullpen as early as next season and could be a closer down the road. Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Jeremy Jeffress, Brewers – Jeffress, who came back to Milwaukee, who originally drafted him, last season and pitched well out of the bullpen, has continued to build on that fine pitching this year. In 61 outings for Milwaukee, Jeffress is 5-0 with a 2.75 ERA and 1.28 WHIP along with a 51:17 K:BB ratio in 55.2 innings. Just as impressive, of the 28 runners he has inherited; only 10 have scored as Jeffress has settled in as Francisco Rodriguez's set-up man. While K-Rod has a two-year deal with a third-year option, Milwaukee tried to pass him through waivers in August but took him back when he was claimed. That means, the Brewers might consider dealing him this offseason, especially if they get help elsewhere knowing that Jeffress is waiting in the wings to take over. If that happens, Jeffress could enter 2016 as the Brewers' closer. Mixed: $3; NL: $9.

Catcher

Wilin Rosario, Rockies – Rosario was called up when rosters expanded. His power vanished with the move from catcher to first base, where he also struggled defensively. With Justin Morneau (concussion/neck) off the disabled list, Rosario will see limited playing time and it wouldn't be surprising if the Rockies elected to cut ties with him entirely during the offseason. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (if catcher eligible).

First Base

Brandon Moss, Cardinals – Moss got off to a horrible start with St. Louis, but has righted the ship lately. He has been red-hot the past two weeks, hitting over .400 while blasting four home runs. Moss should be in the lineup daily, likely at first base, especially with Matt Adams suffering a setback and possibly out for the season. Mixed: $8; NL: owned, of not, go $22.

Injury activation/updates:

Lucas Duda, Mets – Duda, out since Aug. 22 with back stiffness, kicked off a two-game rehab stint with Double-A Binghamton on Saturday. He is eligible to be activated on September 6, but clearly won't be back by that date, though he might return shortly thereafter. Prior to being sidelined, Duda was hitting .246 with 21 homers and 56 RBI this season. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Justin Morneau, Rockies – Morneau, out since suffering a concussion and neck sprain while diving for a groundball on May 13, was activated off the DL and in the lineup Friday after a short rehab assignment at Double-A New Britain. Morneau was off to a decent start – .290/.317/.450 with three home runs and nine RBI over 100 at-bats in 27 games – before being sidelined. Mixed: $5; NL: $14 (upped return bid).

Second Base

Phil Gosselin, Diamondbacks – Gosselin, acquired by the D-backs on May 20 in the Touki Toussaint deal, was activated off the 60-day disabled list and called back up to the majors. He had been sidelined after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured left thumb that was injured earlier in May. Gosselin hit .316 in 14 rehab games for Triple-A Reno, Class A Visalia and the Arizona League and batted .344 at Triple-A last season. He should see time at second, third and short as well as possibly the outfield the remainder of the season. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Injury activation/updates:

Howie Kendrick, Dodgers – Kendrick, out since Aug. 10 with a hamstring injury, was nearing a rehab assignment, but unfortunately appears to have "plateaued" in his recovery and could miss another week. Prior to being sidelined, Kendrick was hitting well, upping his line to .296/.341/.418 on the year. Upon his return, Kendrick will remain the Dodgers' everyday second baseman despite the addition of Chase Utley. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Joe Panik, Giants – Panik, out since the beginning of August with lower-back inflammation, started a rehab stint with Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday. He looked solid in the field and should be back with the Giants at the beginning of the week. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Shortstop

Cristhian Adames, Rockies – Adames has steadily climbed the Rockies' ladder, culminating in call-ups last year and this season. He enjoyed a strong season at Triple-A, slashing .311/.362/.438 with 51 RBI, 11 home runs and 11 steals in 116 contests, aided by a .336 BABIP. Those numbers come on the heels of him hitting .338/.392/.441 over 38 games last year, bolstered by a .403 BABIP. Jose Reyes remains entrenched as the team's starting shortstop, but Adames could see a handful of spot starts down the stretch. His status for next year depends on what Colorado does with Reyes and if Trevor Story is viewed as ready. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Javier Baez, Cubs – Baez, who missed seven weeks with a fractured finger, was promoted as expected on September 1. Despite playing just 74 games at Triple-A Iowa, Baez hit .328/.391/.526 with 13 home runs and 18 steals. Baez has benefitted from a .407 BABIP and has a weak K:BB ratio, but when he makes contact, look out. Baez's power potential could allow him to claim the everyday second base role over Starlin Castro and Tommy La Stella with Chris Coghlan back in the outfield due to Jorge Soler's injury. Mixed: $17; NL: $45 (upped bid now that he has been promoted).

Corey Seager, Dodgers – Seager, who struggled a bit in August, was promoted Thursday. He hit .278 with 13 home runs, 61 RBI and 64 runs in 464 plate appearances at Triple-A Oklahoma City after posting an OPS well over 1.000 in 20 Double-A games to start the year. Seager has played short and third since his promotion and should see fairly consistent time at both spots the remainder of the season, though he may not start daily. Next season, Seager is likely to take over for Jimmy Rollins at short. Mixed: $11; NL: $25 (much higher in keeper leagues and up if you think he plays daily).

Third Base

Brandon Drury, Diamondbacks – Drury was called up by Arizona as part of roster expansion. He hit .303/.344/.412 with 61 RBI and 40 doubles in 524 at-bats across Double-A and Triple-A this year. However, he doesn't have big power or speed (just five home runs and four stolen bases in 11 attempts this year), so his fantasy ceiling may be limited. Drury should see time at second, third and short the balance of the season. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Hector Olivera, Braves – Olivera, traded to Atlanta as part of a three-team deal and sidelined with a hamstring injury, finally joined the Braves on Tuesday. He struggled a bit during his rehab stint, but should replace Adonis Garcia and start almost daily at third base for the Braves. Atlanta is investing $6.5 million in Olivera for each of the next five years, which gives them ample incentive to see what he can do. Mixed: $7; NL: $18.

Outfield

Quintin Berry, Cubs and Eric Young Jr., Mets – Both Berry and Young are one-trick ponies who will come off the bench as a pinch runner to try and steal a base. If you have a spot and a steal or two would make a difference, take a flier on either. Both - Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Michael Conforto, Mets – Conforto has more than settled into the Mets' lineup, serving as the cleanup hitter Friday. While his starts are mainly against righties, his overall numbers have been solid since his promotion. Conforto has a .292/.375/.531 line in 32 games, showing line-to-line power, especially the opposite way. He projects to be the team's starting left fielder next season while also providing excellent value down the stretch. Mixed: $18; NL: owned.

Alejandro De Aza, Giants – The Giants acquired de Aza from the Red Sox for Luis Ysla to provide the team outfield depth. De Aza was removed from the Orioles' 40-man roster earlier this season after hitting only .214/.277/.359 over 30 games. He landed in Boston, where he hit .292/.347/.484 with four homers and three steals in 60 games. With Hunter Pence working his way back from an oblique injury and Angel Pagan just activated, de Aza will back up Gregor Blanco and Marlon Byrd. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Austin Jackson, Cubs – The Cubs acquired Jackson from the Mariners in exchange for a player to be named later and international bonus slot money. Jackson hit .272/.312/.387 with eight homers and 15 stolen bases for the Mariners this season, but was particularly hot recently, going 28-for-71 his last 18 games with Seattle. He gives Chicago some outfield depth with Jorge Soler out with an oblique injury. Mixed: likely owned; NL: $5.

Justin Ruggiano, Dodgers – The Dodgers acquired Ruggiano for a player to be named later or cash from the Mariners. Ruggiano was taken off the M's 40-man roster in June after hitting just .214/.321/.357 in 81 plate appearances. He found his stroke at Triple-A Tacoma, hitting .296/.385/.514 with 10 homers and 29 RBI over 49 games. Ruggiano, who has batted .266/.331/.505 against southpaws in his career, should play against lefties with Enrique Hernandez and Yasiel Puig each out with hamstring injuries. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Michael Taylor, Nationals – Taylor has been dealing with a sore knee, which has kept him out of the Nationals' starting lineup. When he is ready to go, he should be back in center field daily with Denard Span sidelined. Washington could ultimately move on from Span, entrusting Taylor, who despite a subpar K:BB ratio has been solid in the field while providing double-digits in homers and steals. Mixed: $8; NL: owned.

Injury activation/updates:

Corey Dickerson, Rockies – Dickerson, out with various injuries for much of the year, has been able to swing without incident for the past week. He believes he is ready to play, though the Rockies haven't indicated whether he will be back in the lineup before the end of the season. Look for him to get a few at-bats so he enters the offseason with some peace of mind, knowing that he is healthy and good to go in 2016. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (early spec return bid in case he was waived).

Randal Grichuk, Cardinals – Grichuk hit in a cage last week for the first time since injuring his right elbow in mid-August, and he was slated to throw at the end of the week. St. Louis can be cautious with his return, as they are all but locked into a playoff spot. Look for Grichuk to return the latter part of the month. Just an FYI as he should still be owned in all leagues.

Billy Hamilton, Reds – Hamilton, out with a sprained capsule in his right shoulder, was able to begin throwing Wednesday and took batting practice Friday. He began a rehab assignment with Double-A Pensacola on Saturday. The hope is that Hamilton will rejoin Reds in mid-September. Just an FYI as he should still be owned in all leagues.

Jon Jay, Cardinals – Jay, out since late June with a wrist injury, was activated off the disabled list Friday. That activation came after a short rehab stint. Jay could push for at least a part-time role in center alongside Tommy Pham and Peter Bourjos with Randal Grichuk (elbow) and Matt Holliday (quad) sidelined. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Wil Myers, Padres – Myers, out for much of the year with various wrist injuries, was cleared to resume baseball activities in mid-July but was shut down again a few days later with wrist irritation. He finally kicked off a rehab assignment at High-A Lake Elsinore last Tuesday and was activated Friday. With Yonder Alonso still injured, Myers received the start at first base in his return, batting sixth for the Padres. He should see time there and in center field the last month of the season. Mixed: $5; NL: $14 (upped return bid in case he was waived).

Angel Pagan, Giants – Pagan, out since Aug. 11 with right patella tendinitis, rejoined the Giants as expected when rosters expanded. Injuries have plagued Pagan all season, as he has batted just .258/.290/.308 with no homers and just six stolen bases in 102 games. Now that he is back, it remains to be seen how he will be deployed following the acquisitions of Marlon Byrd and Alejandro De Aza, even though Hunter Pence is out with an oblique injury and Gregor Blanco is playing through a neck injury. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Hunter Pence, Giants – Pence, out with a strained oblique, took 20 light swings Monday and Tuesday, including some off a tee. He likely will need a rehab stint before attempting to rejoin the Giants. This season, Pence, who averaged 159 games per year in his seven full previous MLB seasons, has appeared in just 52 games. With Gregor Blanco and Marlon Byrd healthy, Angel Pagan just back and Alejandro De Aza acquired, the Giants can give Pence a bit more time to recover, though they clearly could use his bat. Just an FYI as he should still be owned in all leagues.

Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins – Stanton, out since June 27 with a left wrist hamate fracture that required surgery, kicked off a rehab assignment game at High-A Jupiter on Tuesday. He went 0-for-2 with a walk, saying his hand and wrist "just felt OK" and "not 100 percent." There was some hope that Stanton would return to Miami's lineup Friday against the Mets, but that did not happen, as he hasn't played since Tuesday. Prior to being sidelined, Stanton was off to a tremendous start, batting 265 with 27 homers and 67 RBI over 74 games. Due to ongoing issues with the wrist, temper your expectations when he does return. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.