NL FAAB Factor: Rockie Rookies

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

Eddie Butler and Jon Gray, Rockies – Butler – and not Gray – now appears to be in line to be called up to start Sunday's game against the Padres. The original speculation was that Gray would get the nod, but that appears not to be the case. Butler struggled earlier this season with the Rockies and it hasn't gotten much better at Triple-A Albuquerque. In six starts with Albuquerque, he has a 6.27 ERA and a 22:16 K:BB over 33 innings, so he might just be a one-and-done option for Colorado. Gray had an unsightly 10.70 in his first four starts with and now sits with a 4.80 ERA in 99.1 innings. Jorge De La Rosa and Chad Bettis are filling the first two slots in the rotation while the pedestrian Kyle Kendrick and Chris Rusin are slotted into two more spots. That leaves the fifth spot, which originally was thought to go to Gray, who has a fastball that routinely hits the upper-90s to go along with his plus-slider. Butler may be starting Sunday, but Gray is not far away from a promotion. Butler: Mixed: No; NL: $0. Gray: Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec call-up bid).

Aaron Nola, Phillies – Nola, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he will be promoted to start July 21 against Tampa Bay. He 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. Nola continued that success in Triple-A, going 3-1 with a 3.31 ERA and a 33:9 K:BB in 32.2 innings. He was the seventh pick in the 2014 draft and went a combined 4-3 with a 2.93 ERA and 45:10 K:BB in 55.1 innings between High-A and Double-A after signing with the Phillies last June. Nola commands all three of his pitches very well, mixing a 91-93 mph fastball with sinker, a changeup that occasionally flashes as a plus offering, and a slider. Mixed: $5; NL: $14 (upped 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 an 0-4 record with a 6.45 ERA and 1.57 WHIP over 22.1 innings. He made his first rehab start Tuesday at High-A Jupiter, allowing two earned runs in 2.1 innings while throwing 32 of his 45 pitches for strikes. Alvarez broke through last season, notching a 2.65 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 187 innings. He could rejoin Miami in early August. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (likely owned in NL-only leagues, but this is his second injury this season).

Tony Cingrani, Reds – Cingrani, out since mid-June with a strained left shoulder, is being stretched out as a starting pitcher again in the minors. He has made two starts for Triple-A Louisville, tossing seven shutout innings with just two hits allowed and a 9:4 K:BB. Cingrani made his third start Friday and could be an option to start one game of the Reds' July 22 doubleheader against the Cubs. With Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake on the trading block, Cingrani could be a member of the Reds' starting rotation the rest of the season. Mixed: No; NL: $2 (early spec return bid).

Jaime Garcia, Cardinals – Garcia, sidelined with a groin injury since his June 24 start, is scheduled to throw live batting practice Saturday. If all goes well, he could make one rehab start and then possibly rejoin the St. Louis rotation next weekend. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Matt Garza, Brewers – Garza, sidelined with a shoulder injury since his July 2 start, is still 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.

Aaron Harang, Phillies – Harang, sidelined with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, threw a bullpen session Friday and no longer has pain in his foot. He could begin a rehab assignment shortly and may only need one or two rehab starts. Harang started the year off with a blaze 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, will return to the mound Monday to face the Padres. He pitched well to start the year but had been up and down recently. The hope is that time off will be just what he needs to regain that prior form. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Wily Peralta, Brewers – Peralta, out since May 25 with an oblique injury, began a rehab stint with Low-A Wisconsin on Saturday, allowing one run on two hits while striking out four in 2.2 innings. He moved his rehab up to Double-A Biloxi on Thursday, allowing just two hits and no runs while striking out three in 3.2 innings and 58 pitches. Peralta likely will make three or four more starts, as he has been out nearly two months already. Last season, Peralta led Milwaukee with 17 victories and 154 strikeouts in 198.2 innings. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (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 on June 27, made a rehab start for Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday, allowing an unearned run in 2.1 innings and tossing 28 of his 45 pitches for strikes. He will make a few rehab appearances and could return to the Braves in late July, but his role when he returns is up in the air. Perez could pitch out of the bullpen, or he could rejoin the rotation when Manny Banuelos hits his inning. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (same early spec return bid).

Jerome Williams, Phillies – Williams, on the disabled list since May 17 with a strained left hamstring, allowed one run on five hits over eight innings in a rehab start for Double-A Reading on Friday. He could rejoin the Phillies this week, especially with Chad Billingsley feeling discomfort in his elbow during his start Saturday. 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

Ross Detwiler, Jumbo Diaz, Jason Frasor, Ryan Kelly, and Sammy Solis - This week's key middle-reliever call-ups/activations, as well as expected call-ups, don't have any substantial value. All - Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Rafael Soriano, Cubs – Soriano, who signed a minor league deal with the Cubs on June 9, was promoted to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday after throwing five scoreless innings, striking out four and walking three for Double-A Tennessee. His role when he's promoted to Chicago is up in the air, as the Cubs' 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, when Soriano put up a 1.73 ERA and notched 45 saves. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (same early spec call-up bid, up your bid if you think he closes when he's promoted).

Catchers:

David Ross, Kyle Schwarber, and Taylor Teagarden, Cubs – I am sure everyone is ready this update to find out about Ross and Teagarden. No? Really, why not? Of course, it's for Schwarber, who received his second call-up with Miguel Montero landing on the disabled list with a thumb injury, which could sideline him six weeks. Schwarber, selected with the fourth pick in last year's draft, was promoted in mid-June to serve as the Cubs' DH for six games while they played in American League parks. At the time, he more than deserved the call-up, batting .320/.438/.579 with 13 home runs and a 49:42 K:BB in 197 at-bats at Double-A Tennessee. Schwarber hit .364 with a home run and six RBI in those six games (22 at-bats), but was sent down to Triple-A Iowa, where he hit .333/.403/.603 with three home runs and 10 RBI in 17 games. He will see some time at catcher, DH and left field, while Ross – who just came off the 7-day DL after being sidelined with a concussion – and Teagarden will pick up the scraps behind the plate. Ross/Teagarden – Mixed: No; NL: $0; Schwarber - Mixed: $25; NL: $60 (go higher depending on your rules if he qualifies at catcher).

Injury activation/update:

Travis d'Arnaud, Mets – D'Arnaud, out with a hyperextended left elbow suffered in his eighth game back from a hand injury, had the brace on the elbow removed this week. He has begun limited baseball activity, including swinging a bat and doing some catching drills Friday, but there is no timeline for his return. Kevin Plawecki will continue to handle the bulk of the playing time behind the plate in d'Arnaud's absence. The hope is that TdA could be back by the end of the month, though that may be slightly optimistic. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (though likely owned).

First Base

Joey Terdoslavich, Braves – Terdoslavich, who was promoted twice already this year, was called back up to take the roster spot of Jason Grilli, who is out for the year with a torn Achilles. 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 corners while Jonny Gomes and Eury Perez see most of the action in left field. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Freddie Freeman, Braves – Freeman, out since mid-June with a sprained right wrist, finally has made progress and could begin a rehab assignment Sunday or Monday. He likely will need 10-14 days before rejoining the Braves. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Corey Hart, Pirates – Hart, who landed on the disabled list with a shoulder impingement on June 24, joined the Pirates in Milwaukee on Friday to be reevaluated after completing his rehab assignment Thursday. If activated, he will resume his role as a backup first baseman and occasional starter. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Second Base

Jedd Gyorko, Padres – Gyorko is hitting .260 with an OPS around .750 since returning from the minors earlier this month to replace the injured Cory Spangenberg as the Padres' everyday second baseman. Those numbers are a major improvement over what he posted before he was sent down in early June. Gyorko had a solid rookie campaign in 2013, but regressed significantly last season and carried those struggles into 2015. The time in the minors seems to have worked wonders and he should continue to start at second base. Mixed: $8; NL: likely owned.

Injury activation/updates:

Anthony Rendon, Nationals – Rendon, out since June 26 with a left quadriceps strain, was able to make it through a full workout Friday and began a rehab assignment Saturday at High-A Potomac. He has played just 18 games this year due to injuries to his left knee, oblique and quad, but may finally be nearing his return. Look for him 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, who has been out since June 23 with inflammation in his right ankle and who had a cortisone shot two weeks ago, believes that his injury is close to being healed. He said that he discovered a flaw in his swing caused by the injury that can be fixed now that he is recovered. Utley should start hitting this week and may be back by the end of the month. As of now, Utley is slated to be a part-time player, as Philly is reporting going with Cesar Hernandez at second base, though that can change Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (early spec return bid).

Third Base

Martin Prado, Marlins – Prado, out since June 14 with a strained right shoulder, completed a short rehab assignment at High-A Jupiter and was activated from the disabled list Friday. He slides in at second base, taking over for the injured Dee Gordon, who landed on the disabled list. Once Gordon returns, Prado will move back to third base, though it's possible he'll get dealt before the trade deadline. Mixed: $4; NL: $11 (in case he was waived while sidelined).

Injury activation/update:

Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals – Zimmerman, who has been bothered by plantar fasciitis in his left foot for much of the year and been sidelined since June 11 with the injury, made it through full workouts Friday and Saturday. He could begin a rehab assignment shortly that should last a week or so before he rejoins the Nats. When Zimmerman comes back, he will resume his role as starting first baseman. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (upped early spec return bid, to continue to rise as he gets closer to returning).

Outfield

Michael Conforto, Mets – Conforto, selected with the 10th overall pick in 2014 out of Oregon State and profiled two weeks ago, augmented his prospect status with a fine performance at the Futures Game, going 2-for-2 while throwing a runner out on the bases. He blew past High-A St. Lucie and has continued to rake at Double-A Binghamton. The bat has slowed a bit since his brilliant run after the promotion, but he still has a .310/.390/.490 line for Binghamton. GM Sandy Alderson is not yet ready to promote Conforto, but if he continues to hit while the rest of the Mets struggle and ownership does little, the team may have no choice but to promote him. '[Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec call-up bid).

Jaff Decker, Pirates – Decker, hitting .275 with three home runs and 24 RBI, was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday. He gives Pittsburgh another bench bat while serving as the sixth outfielder. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Injury activation/updates:

Norichika Aoki, Giants – Aoki, out since fracturing his fibula while getting hit by a pitch on June 20, ran and took batting practice Thursday for the first time since being placed on the disabled list. Prior to getting injured, he was hitting .338 in June, albeit with no extra-base hits. Aoki, whose CT scan Saturday revealed his fibula is 80 percent healed, remains about two weeks from a return to action, so he could be back with the Giants in early August. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (same 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 with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He was to log 35-40 at-bats before coming off the disabled list and had 30 plate appearances heading into the weekend. Crawford will conclude his rehab assignment Sunday and is likely to rejoin the Dodgers on Monday in Atlanta. When Crawford does return, he could end up as a fourth or fifth outfielder, as Andre Ethier and Scott Van Slyke are already sharing left field. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (same return spec bid).

Corey Dickerson, Rockies – Dickerson, who landed on the disabled list June 17 for a second time this season due to a flare-up of the plantar fasciitis in his left foot, will begin a rehab assignment Sunday at High-A Modesto. The month off appears to have done wonders for Dickerson's foot, enabling to head out on the rehab stint. He likely will only need a few games before rejoining the Rockies, probably next weekend. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

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

Ender Inciarte, Diamondbacks – Inciarte, who landed on the DL with a strained hamstring in mid-June, was activated Friday after proving his health in a seven-game stint in the minors. 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, so Inciarte may end up back in the role he filled last season, that of a fourth outfielder. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (call-up bid).

Wil Myers, Padres – Myers, out since May 7 with left wrist tendinitis, was activated off the disabled list on June 11. Unfortunately, he landed back on the shelf four days later and needed surgery to remove a bone spur in the wrist. Myers was cleared to resume baseball activities Friday and is expected to begin swinging a bat next week. Look for Myers to rejoin the Padres in the middle of August after a rehab stint. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (early spec return bid in case he was waived).

Jayson Werth, Nationals – Werth, out since mid-May with two fractures in his wrist, began a rehab assignment with High-A Potomac on Thursday. That assignment came after 2-3 weeks of solid progress. Werth still hopes to be ready in early August, but that will depend on him remaining healthy and getting enough at-bats in several rehab games. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (upped early spec return bid).