NL FAAB Factor: Spending your (Ci)shekels

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

Kevin Correia, Phillies – Correia exercised his opt-out clause with the Giants at the end of May, signing with the Phillies and slotting into their rotation. He tossed 5.2 shutout innings, allowing five hits, walking one, and striking out four Friday. At Triple-A Sacramento, Correia went 0-1 with an ERA of 3.58 in six starts, lasting at least six innings in all but one of those starts. Last season, Correia made 32 appearances (26 starts) for the Twins and Dodgers, posting a 7-17 record with a 5.44 ERA. Those numbers should give you pause when evaluating Correia, despite his solid outing Friday. Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

David Hale, Rockies – Hale, called up to make his second run at a rotation spot Monday, did not disappoint, holding the Cardinals to three runs and six hits over seven innings. He struck out seven and didn't walk a batter in earning his second win of the year. That earned him a second start Saturday, in which he surrendered four runs on four hits and three walks while striking out five in six innings. Hale generated 10 groundballs in the game, but also gave up his sixth home run in just 25.2 innings. That ratio makes him a dangerous play, especially when pitching at Coors Field, so tread carefully. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Taylor Jungmann, Brewers – Jungmann, a first-round pick in 2011, was called up to start Tuesday against the Pirates and picked up the win, allowing just one run on three hits and a walk while striking out five in seven innings. He had struggled at Triple-A Colorado Springs, posting a 2-3 record with a 6.37 ERA in 11 games (nine starts), which is likely why he was passed over earlier in the season when Milwaukee needed a starter. Jungmann's fine outing earned him at least one more start in place of Wily Peralta (ribs) in the Brewers' rotation. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Tyler Lyons, Cardinals – Lyons was called up to replace Lance Lynn (strained forearm) in the Cardinals' rotation. Lyons started Saturday, allowing two runs on three hits and a walk with six strikeouts in five innings. He had struggled in three starts for St. Louis earlier this season (5.54 ERA), but had been excellent in eight outings with Triple-A Memphis, going 5-2 with a 2.61 ERA and 56:9 K:BB ratio in 48.1 innings. Lyons likely will get 2-3 starts in St. Louis, as the hope is that Lynn will be ready after missing the minimum. If the absence is longer, Marco Gonzales could get a look if his shoulder is healthy. Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Clayton Richard, Pirates – Richard, who signed with the Pirates as a free agent this offseason, had a 1.69 ERA in 37.1 innings in his first six starts in Triple-A Indianapolis. He is looking to jumpstart his career after missing all of 2014 following shoulder surgery. Richard could be an option to replace Jeff Locke in the second half of the season. Mixed: No; NL: $0 (early spec call-up bid).

Allen Webster, Diamondbacks – Webster was promoted and started in place of Josh Collmenter, who was moved to the bullpen. It was a successful Arizona debut for Webster, who allowed two runs on two hits and three walks while striking out two in 5.2 innings to get the win. Webster, who was traded from Boston along with Rubby De La Rosa in exchange for Wade Miley, had a 9.00 ERA in five starts at Triple-A Reno before his promotion. He did miss some time with shoulder fatigue, so it's possible his numbers may have been adversely impacted by the ailment. Webster had solid numbers at Triple-A Pawtucket last season, but struggled after his promotion to the majors (though he did pitch well in September). With Arizona looking to the future, Webster should get several starts to prove he can stick. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Injury activation/updates:

Henderson Alvarez, Marlins – Alvarez, who has made just four starts this season, posting a 6.45 ERA and 1.57 WHIP over 22.1 innings, is finally over the shoulder inflammation that has plagued him for much of the season. He has started to throw again, tossing from 60 feet, but he has a long road ahead of him and there is no clear timeframe for his return. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (early spec return bid).

Chad Billingsley, Phillies – Billingsley, on the disabled list since May 17 with a Grade 2 lat strain, threw a bullpen session Tuesday and is scheduled to throw one more bullpen session before heading out on a rehab assignment. He struck out only seven and posted a 6.75 ERA over his three starts with the Phillies, which were his first appearances in the majors since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2013. The current injury was expected to sideline him 4-6 weeks, so he likely will need several rehab starts before rejoining the Phillies. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (early spec return bid).

Jarred Cosart, Marlins – Cosart, on the disabled list with vertigo, made a rehab start Thursday with Triple-A New Orleans, allowing two runs – one earned – on nine hits and a walk with no strikeouts in 5.2 innings. That outing comes on the heels of him allowing six runs on six hits while walking three in five innings in an extended spring training start last Saturday. Before he was sidelined, Cosart was 1-3 with a 4.08 ERA in 39.2 innings this season. With back-to-back poor rehab outings, Cosart may need one more minor league start before rejoining Miami. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Matt Cain, Giants – Cain, who had bone chips removed from his elbow last August and was sidelined since April 3 with a strained forearm, threw 55 pitches (36 strikes) in his rehab start for Double-A Richmond on Tuesday, allowing two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out two over 3.2 innings. He is next slated to make several starts for Triple-A Sacramento before potentially rejoining the Giants around the All-Star break, which is when his 30-day rehab clock ends. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (upped early spec return bid).

Jose Fernandez, Marlins – Fernandez made his second rehab appearance at High-A Jupiter on Friday, tossing five scoreless innings and striking out four. Those numbers are a huge improvement from his prior start at Jupiter in which he allowed five runs. Fernandez, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery after making just eight starts and throwing 51.2 innings last season, is set to increase his pitch count to 80 in his next turn with Jupiter on Wednesday before making two more rehab outings to close out June. He is tentatively on track to return to the Marlins for a July 2 start against the Giants, though that timeline is far from set in stone. When he is activated, Fernandez, whose fastball sat in the 94-98 mph range Friday, will be more than 13 months removed from the surgery. Mixed: $15; NL: $42 (upped bid, to continue to rise as he gets closer to the majors).

Doug Fister, Nationals – Fister, sidelined with a forearm strain since mid-May, tossed six scoreless innings during his second rehab start Friday at Double-A Harrisburg. In Fister's first rehab start last Sunday, he allowed seven hits and two runs (one earned) over 3.2 innings for Triple-A Syracuse. Fister, who had a brilliant 2014 campaign in Washington, struggled to start the season, going 2-2 with a 4.31 ERA while having trouble consistently getting his sinker working, so it's possible he was dealing with an arm injury before he was sidelined. He threw 70 pitches Friday after tossing 65 in his first rehab start, so it's possible he'll make one more rehab start before rejoining the team. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Josh Johnson, Padres – Johnson, working his way back from his second Tommy John surgery last April, threw a bullpen session Saturday and has a simulated game scheduled for Monday. Following the simulated game, we will have a better idea about his rehab assignment. Johnson's history means that all this must be taken with a major grain of salt, but he did make a successful return from his first Tommy John surgery in 2012 in Miami, so maybe lightning will strike twice. If that does happen, he could replace Odrisamer Despaigne as the Padres' No. 5 starter. Mixed: $0; NL: $3 (spec return bid).

Mat Latos, Marlins – Latos, sidelined since May 23 with left knee inflammation, was activated off the disabled list Friday and started Saturday. He made just one rehab start in the minors at Triple-A New Orleans, allowing three hits and striking out four in 4.1 innings Monday. Latos, who is in his first year in Miami, struggled with injuries and inconsistency early this season, accumulating a 6.12 ERA and 1.59 ERA through nine starts, but he's been a bit unlucky, as evidenced by his 60-percent strand rate and 3.55 FIP. His solid track record the past five seasons before this one means that he warrants another look-see if he's available in your league. Mixed: $5; NL: $14. (upped return bid).

Jake Peavy, Giants – Peavy, out since mid-April with a muscle strain and continued issues with the SI joint in his lower back, came out of his rehab start last weekend at Triple-A Sacramento with no issues. He surrendered two runs on four hits while walking one and striking out five in 69 pitches over 4.1 innings. Peavy threw 83 pitches with Sacramento on Thursday, allowing four runs on seven hits and one walk with eight strikeouts in just 4.1 innings. His return from the injury has come with starts and stops, as he has dealt with pain in his back, but he seems to be on the right track, though he may need to remain in the minors for one more start. The Giants can afford to be cautious with Peavy's return, as their five-man staff has been solid. His return could eventually push Ryan Vogelsong to the bullpen. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (same bid as prior bid).

Relief Pitching

David Aardsma, Nate Adcock, Mike Broadway, Steve Cishek, Dana Eveland, Miguel Socolovich, and Nick Vincent - This week's key middle reliever call-ups/activations, as well as expected call-ups, were/will be in Atlanta, Cincinnati, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta, St. Louis and San Diego. None have any substantial value save for Cishek, who could work his way into a setup role for the Marlins. Cishek went 1-5 with a 6.98 ERA in 19 appearances for the Marlins, losing his closer job getting demoted to the minors, but he may have righted the ship at Double-A Jacksonville. In five appearances, Cishek pitched six scoreless innings, allowing five hits and no walks while striking out four. Cishek could end up setting up his replacement, A.J. Ramos. All except Cishek - Mixed: No; NL: $0; Cishek – Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Carter Capps, Marlins – Capps has been brilliant in the Miami bullpen, posting a 1.29 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 25:3 K:BB ratio in the 14 innings since his promotion in mid-May. A.J. Ramos is fairly ensconced as the Marlins' closer, but if he stumbles, Capps , Mike Dunn and ex-closer Steve Cishek would battle to replace him. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Rafael Soriano, Free Agent – Soriano, profiled last week, gets another mention as he signed a minor league deal with the Cubs this week. Chicago really wanted Soriano, as his contract includes a $4.1 million prorated base salary and up to $4 million in bonuses. Soriano isn't expected to be up until the All-Star break, when he'll be reunited with manager Joe Maddon, who managed the Rays in 2010 when Soriano put up a 1.73 ERA and notched 45 saves. Once up in the majors, he likely will replace whoever is closing at the time, be it Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop or Jason Motte. Mixed: $4; NL: $11 (upped bid, to rise as he gets closer to promotion).

Injury activation/updates:

Enrique Burgos, Diamondbacks – Burgos, who landed on the DL with shoulder tendinitis, was slated to possibly begin a rehab assignment this weekend. Prior to being sidelined, Burgos posted a lackluster 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 and Addison Reed has been better lately, but Burgos has a power arm that could get a shot at closing when he returns. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec activation bid).

LaTroy Hawkins, Rockies – Hawkins, sidelined since April 22 with biceps tendinitis, was activated Thursday. He went 1-1 with a 10.50 ERA before the injury, pitching just six innings and giving up 11 hits and striking out seven. Hawkins made five rehab appearances with Triple-A Albuquerque, allowing four runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and one walk over 4.2 innings. He could end up setting up John Axford, who is secure in the closer role Hawkins used to have. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Bobby Parnell, Mets – Parnell was activated this week, making his way back from Tommy John surgery 14 months ago and just one appearance in the majors since July 30, 2013. His rehab assignment didn't quite go as planned, as he posted an 11.57 ERA against Single-A and Double-A hitters with just 11 strikeouts in 14 innings along with 14 walks. Parnell's velocity has yet to return to the high-90s, but he says he is happy with the way the ball is coming out of his hand. In addition, he feels his poor minor league numbers were due to him throwing just one type of pitch in each outing. Parnell could eventually end up setting up Jeurys Familia. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Catcher

Cameron Rupp, Phillies – Rupp could be in line for additional playing time as the weather warms up. He has seven hits in his last 19 at-bats while also impressing manager Ryne Sandberg with his play behind the plate. Aiding his cause is Carlos Ruiz's numbers over the past month, during which he is hitting .239 with zero home runs and seven RBI. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Injury activation/update:

Travis d'Arnaud, Mets – D'Arnaud, who suffered a fractured right hand when he was hit by a pitch on April 19, was activated off the disabled list Wednesday. His rehab assignment was stalled a few days due to a bruised wrist, but he's 100 percent healthy now. D'Arnaud was off to a hot start before he was sidelined and has slotted back in as the Mets' starting catcher. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

First Base

Tyler Moore and Clint Robinson, Nationals – Ryan Zimmermann landed on the disabled list with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, creating a hole at first base. Filling that breach will be a platoon between Moore and Robinson. If manager Matt Williams uses a strict platoon, Robinson would see the majority of the action as a left-handed hitter, but it's more likely that the two will split starts roughly equally. That said, Moore has struggled to make consistent contact, so Robinson could see the lion's share of the playing time. Moore - Mixed: No; NL: $2; Robinson - Mixed: $0; NL: $4.

Injury activation/update:

Yonder Alonso, Padres – Alonso, out since May 8 due to a bone bruise on his right shoulder that stemmed from diving for a ground ball against Arizona, was activated off the disabled list Tuesday after a short rehab assignment. He has regained his starting job, but that could only last for as long as Wil Myers (wrist) is sidelined, though it's more likely than Myers comes back and plays in the outfield. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Second Base

Scooter Gennett, Brewers – Gennett, who was sent down to Triple-A Colorado Springs in May, was called back up Thursday. When demoted, Gennett was batting just .154 with a .403 OPS in 21 games. He used the time in the minors to rediscover his stroke, posting a .307 batting average and .840 OPS in 21. Gennett had been red-hot before his promotion and should be in the lineup close to every day, sitting only against certain lefties. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Ivan De Jesus, Reds – De Jesus, profiled last week when he was called up to take the place of the injured Marlon Byrd (broken wrist), gets another mention, as he is seeing consistent playing time. He has started six games, posting a .286/.318/.667 line with two home runs and six RBI. That comes after hitting .303 with a .378 on-base percentage in 50 games for Triple-A Louisville. De Jesus should continue to see some starts at second, especially with Brandon Phillips nursing a groin injury, as well as in left field. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Derek Dietrich, Marlins – Dietrich, who had seven home runs and an .815 OPS at Triple-A New Orleans, was called up to the majors Friday. He showed in the past that his bat may be ready for The Show, but his defense leaves a lot to be desired. The acquisitions of Dee Gordon and Martin Prado made Dietrich more of a man without a position, notwithstanding his weak glove. Dietrich may be used to back up Justin Bour until Michael Morse is able to return. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Hector Olivera, Dodgers – Olivera gets another mention as he was promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma on Friday just a week after making his pro debut at Double-A Tulsa. After signing a six-year, $62.5 million deal with LA in March; Olivera was sidelined recovering from the latest of his litany of arm and elbow injuries. Olivera, who has above-average power and plate discipline, may be ready for the majors shortly, but with Howie Kendrick at second base along with Jimmy Rollins, Justin Turner and Alex Guerrero in the infield, it remains to see where he will play. The best bet is third base, replacing Turner. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (same bid as last week, but he is getting closer to the majors).

Injury activation/update:

Dilson Herrera, Mets – Herrera, who has been on DL with a broken middle finger for four weeks, was activated off the disabled list Thursday. He needed just a week in his rehab assignment to be ready, though his return date may have been accelerated due to Daniel Murphy's and David Wright's injuries. Ruben Tejada will likely move over to third to fill in for Murphy once he comes off the paternity list, leaving second for Herrera. It remains to be seen what happens when Murphy returns, but Herrera will probably remain the starter with Tejada filling in at second and third base. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (upped return bid – if you think he'll remain the starter, add a few dollars to the bid).

Shortstop

Kris Negron and Eugenio Suarez, Reds – The devastating injury to Zack Cozart has left a big hole at shortstop for the Reds. Filling that role initially is Suarez, who will get a long look. Suarez hit .242/.316/.336 with four home runs and 23 RBI in 85 games with the Tigers last season and was traded to the Reds this offseason. At the time of his promotion, Suarez was hitting .256/.348/.438 with eight home runs and 25 RBI in 57 games at Triple-A Louisville. He showed some power and speed in the minors, but his defense was not up to par in the majors last season. If he shows he can handle the position defensively, Suarez should start most days. If he struggles, Negron will get a shot. Negron – Mixed: No; NL: $0; Suarez - Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Third Base

Chris Dominguez, Reds – Dominguez, who batted .208/.256/.377 in 49 games with Triple-A Louisville, was called up Thursday. The Reds needed bodies with Zack Cozart (knee) hitting the DL and Brandon Phillips nursing a groin injury, so the call went out to Dominguez and Eugenio Suarez. Suarez is starting at short while Dominguez may fill a utility role. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Injury activation/update:

Kelly Johnson, Braves – Johnson, out with a strained left oblique since May 12, was activated off the disabled list Wednesday after a short rehab stint. With Juan Uribe and Chris Johnson manning the hot corner, Johnson, who was the Braves' home-run leader with six before he was hurt, likely will see most of his action in left field. Mixed: $4; NL: $11.

Outfield

Norichika Aoki, Giants – Despite going 0-for-7 his last two games, Aoki has proven to be a true table-setter in San Francisco, notching a .395 on-base percentage. Despite the mini-slump, he's still 17-for-42 his last 10 games, and while his BABIP is higher than normal, Aoki's contact rate is fairly close to his usual 90 percent. Aoki has improved his walk and strikeout rates, both of which bode well for continued success. Mixed: $8; NL: owned.

Domonic Brown, Phillies – Brown was profiled nearly two months ago, as after getting shut down March 19 due to tendinitis in his left Achilles, he was in the midst of a minor league rehab stint. After finishing the rehab in late April, Brown was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He didn't set the world on fire there, posting a .257/.302/.357 line with two home runs and 10 steals in 52 games, but he was still called up Saturday to replace Darin Ruf on the Phillies' roster. Brown hit 27 home runs in 2013, but suffered through a miserable campaign last season. As we noted in our preseason outlook, there may be some hope for a rebound. "Underneath the disappointing surface numbers, Brown posted a career-high groundball rate (49.9%) while his HR/FB mark plummeted from 19.3 percent in 2013 to 7.9 percent last season (career 12.7%)." Presuming the GB/FB ratio improves, a subsequent rise in HR/FB mark could occur, especially playing half his games in Philly. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Jarrett Parker, Giants – Parker was called up to fill the open outfield slot left by Gregor Blanco's concussion. San Francisco is also without Hunter Pence, who landed on the disabled list Friday with wrist tendinitis, so Parker could see some time as the fourth outfielder. In 220 plate appearances so far in Triple-A Sacramento, Parker had .268 average with an OPS of .895. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Carl Crawford, Dodgers – Crawford, out with a torn oblique since April 27, has recently begun swinging a bat. He will need to progress to hitting off a tee, batting practice and finally a rehab stint before rejoining the Dodgers, which could happen after the All-Star break. When Crawford does return, he will be a fourth or fifth outfielder, with Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig as clear starters, Andre Ethier solid in left since he was sidelined and Scott Van Slyke playing against lefties. Mixed: No; NL: $2 (early spec return bid).

Corey Dickerson, Rockies – Dickerson, out with plantar fasciitis in his left foot since May 19, was activated off the disabled list and in the lineup Thursday. He said earlier in the week that he was no longer feeling foot pain, but there's always the potential of a flare-up of the condition occurring again. That may have occurred Saturday, as he left the game in the sixth inning after possibly aggravating the injury, so monitor his status closely. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Wil Myers, Padres – Myers, out since May 7 with left wrist tendinitis, was activated off the disabled list Wednesday. He'll slot right back into his old role atop the lineup and playing center field. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Melvin Upton Jr., Padres – Upton, who missed the first two months of the season with sesamoiditis in his left foot, was activated off the disabled list Sunday. He could see some starts against left-handed pitching while also serving as a pinch runner and pinch hitter. It's been a pretty heavy fall from grace for Upton, who batted .255/.338/.430 in his six years in Tampa Bay before signing a five-year, $75 million deal with Atlanta. As a Brave, Upton hit just .198/.279/.314 in two seasons and 267 games before getting dealt to San Diego - who took on his salary - in the Craig Kimbrel deal. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Scott Van Slyke, Dodgers – Van Slyke, out with a back injury, is expected to be ready to come off the disabled list on June 15 when first eligible. With Yasiel Puig having returned to the lineup, Andre Ethier will see most of the playing time in left field with Van Slyke, who began a rehab assignment with High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday, starting against most lefties. Mixed: No; NL: $2.