NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

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.

This year, we're incorporating grids into the FAAB articles, so users can easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The grids, which are sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This serves as a reflection of a player's skills and role on an A-E scale. Carlos Correa would have been an "A" grade player last year -- that mark will be reserved for similar high-impact prospects stepping into an everyday role.

As always, if there is a player that was not discussed in the article that you would like to know about, feel free to ask about the player in the comments.

Starting Pitcher

Jose De Leon, Dodgers – De Leon burst on the scene late in 2014 and then broke the door down in 2015. He's now the Dodgers' second-best pitching prospect, right behind Julio Urias. De Leon, who possess a low-90s fastball, changeup and slider, missed all of April with an ankle injury, but returned to throw five shutout innings of two-hit ball for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday. He tossed 114.1 innings last season, striking out 163, and by missing the first month of the year, he likely should be able to pitch the entire rest of the 2016 campaign without needing to be shut down. It may be a race as to who reaches L.A. first, De Leon or Urias, which is a nice problem for a team to have. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (early spec bid)

Mike Foltynewicz, Braves – Foltynewicz recovered from his blood clot scare at the end of last season to post a 1-2 record, 1.64 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 20:14 K:BB in 22 innings for Triple-A Gwinnett this year and earn a promotion to the Braves. His season debut didn't go particularly well, as he allowed four runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out four in 3.2 innings against the Mets. Folty didn't pitch particularly well last season in Atlanta either before he was sidelined by the blood clot, notching a 5.71 ERA and 1.627 WHIP in 18 appearances (15 starts). His over-reliance on the fastball and fly ball tendency hurt him and are why some believe he might be better served down the road pitching out of the 'pen. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Tyler Glasnow, Pirates – Glasnow continues to toy with Triple-A hitters, allowing no runs on four hits and a walk while striking out 11 on Saturday to lower his ERA to 1.64 on the season. Each time Jon Niese or Jeff Locke or Juan Nicasio struggle and Glasnow excels, the calls to bring him to Pittsburgh get louder. He has refined his changeup, giving him another option along with his top-shelf fastball and curveball. He has a 48:13 K:BB in 33 innings and his ability to limit walks may decide his promotion date, which likely will be sometime in June. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL - $14 (early spec bid, up if think he is up quickly)

Jon Gray, Rockies – Gray, after allowing 11 runs in his first two appearances, had his second straight solid start Saturday, surrendering one hit and two walks with five strikeouts in seven scoreless innings against the Giants. He has now yielded just two runs in his last 13 innings, though he is still without a win as a major leaguer. Gray posted a 5.53 ERA in nine starts for Colorado in 2015 and missed the first part of the season with a strained abdomen. Last season, Gray had an 8.27 ERA and 2.03 WHIP at home (21 innings) and 2.70 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP on the road (20 innings), and his numbers this year are just a start, so use him as a streaming option away from Coors Field. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

John Lamb, Reds – Lamb (back) made three rehab starts for Triple-A Memphis, including an excellent performance in his final outing, and was promoted to Cincinnati this week to start in place of Jon Moscot (shoulder). That went exceedingly well, as he allowed just one run on six hits and three walks over six innings Tuesday against the Giants. Lamb has always had the talent; the issue with him is health, but his upside and strikeout potential are why the Reds acquired him in the Johnny Cueto deal. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Drew Pomeranz, Padres – Pomeranz gets his third mention of the year, as he outdueled Noah Syndergaard on Friday to even his record at 3-3 with a stellar 2.12 ERA and 41:16 K:BB in 34 innings. Pomeranz isn't going deep in games and needs to cut down his walks, but if he can stay healthy, look for him to rack up plenty of strikeouts with a solid ERA and decent WHIP. 12-team Mixed: $12; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: owned

Julio Urias, Dodgers – Urias, the Dodgers' uber-prospect, retired all 18 hitters he faced for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Los Angeles has been cautious with Urias, limiting his innings and pitches since he turned professional, but his talent may force L.A. to promote him to the big leagues in the very near-term. He is being considered for a bullpen role, as he could pitch multiple innings per appearance and could also serve as a swingman when necessary. That's not the greatest value in single-season leagues, especially since many – including me – had hoped he would be in the Dodgers' rotation for a month or two. Urias, who has a plus fastball, nasty curveball and developing changeup, now sports a 1.88 ERA and 29:3 K:BB in 24 innings as a 19-year-old at Triple-A, building on the success he has had annually. Since he only threw 86.1 innings last season, he may be limited to just 110-120 innings this season, many of which could come in the majors. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (bid a bit lower than expected due to possible usage pattern)

Cesar Vargas, Padres – Vargas, a former Yankee farmhand, has pitched well in his three starts in San Diego. He hasn't been perfect, though, as he has walked nine batters in 16.1 innings. In addition, the past two seasons, Vargas pitched out of the bullpen and just switched back to starting this year, making two starts for Double-A Sam Antonio before he was promoted. He is pitching in a great ballpark but be somewhat wary, even though he has earned a slightly longer leash. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team NL: $7

Austin Voth, Nationals – With all the hype over Lucas Giolito, Voth has traveled somewhat under the radar. Voth has a 2.79 ERA and 1.00 ERA with a 29:5 K:BB in 29 innings and could be in line for a promotion later this season. He possesses a low-90s fastball along with a solid curveball and developing change. That stuff isn't elite but it is playable at the next level, though there is no room at the inn for him right now and he isn't yet on the 40-man roster. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec bid)

Matt Wisler, Braves – Wisler had his best start of the season Tuesday, shutting out the Mets for eight innings while mixing his fastball, curveball and slider to keep New York hitters off-balance. If he can cut down his walks and home runs allowed, Wisler – who at one-point was a top prospect for San Diego – could post better than expected stats in Atlanta. In addition, he worked on his changeup this offseason with Tom Glavine, potentially adding another weapon to his arsenal. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Injury activation/updates:

Michael Bolsinger, Dodgers – Bolsinger, out with an oblique injury, began a minor league rehab assignment Saturday. Upon completion of those starts, he could replace Ross Stripling as the Dodgers' fifth starter. Due to injuries in the rotation last season, Bolsinger posted a 3.62 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 109.1 innings over 21 starts, but faded late with a 7.08 ERA his last five outings. Even then, his hold on that spot might only last until Hyun-Jin Ryu or Brandon McCarthy are ready. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0

Brandon McCarthy, Dodgers – McCarthy, working his way his way from Tommy John surgery last April, could begin a minor league injury rehabilitation assignment in the next two weeks. At a minimum, McCarthy will likely need 4-5 starts and could stay in the minors for the full 30 days of the rehab. When he is ready to return, McCarthy could replace Alex Wood or Ross Stripling in the Dodgers' rotation. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers – Ryu could head out on a rehab assignment after his next bullpen session, his third overall. Ryu had surgery last May to repair a torn labrum in his pitching shoulder and suffered a small setback earlier this year due to a groin injury. Now that he has recovered from that ailment, Ryu's return to game action looks to come in the not-too-distant future. Presuming he has no further setbacks, which isn't a given, Ryu could use all 30 days of a rehab assignment, putting him back in the Dodgers' rotation in early-to-mid June. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (early bid, up as he gets closer)

Relief Pitcher

Tony Cingrani, Reds – Cingrani notched his first save of the year Friday and may be the favorite to close for the Reds going forward. J.J. Hoover was sent down Saturday and with no other standout option available Cingrani, despite being a lefty, could be the last man standing. He has shown he can rack up strikeouts but will need to cut down on the free passes to be truly effective in this role. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $17

Shawn Kelley, Nationals – Kelley, who signed with the Nationals this past off-season, has a 0.00 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 14:1 K:BB in 9.2 innings on the season. If Jonathan Papelbon was to go down or was unavailable, Kelley looks like he will be the next man up to close for Washington. His K/9 has spiked while his BB/9 has dropped dramatically, but it remains to be seen if he can sustain those numbers over the balance of the year. Even if not, his strong GB/FB ratio helps him retain his value. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Hector Neris, Phillies – Neris' early-season spectacular success continued Wednesday, as he threw another scoreless inning to pick up his seventh hold of the season. With that effort, Neris had a 1.04 ERA and 27:4 K:BB in 17.1 innings. Neris did have a bobble Friday, taking the loss while allowing two runs on three hits and a walk against Miami. The Phillies have exceeded expectations early on this year, spurred by the fine pitching of their bullpen after a rough first week. Neris has been a bit part of that and with Jeanmar Gomez no lock to keep the job, Neris, Andrew Bailey or David Hernandez all could get a shot at closing. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $9

Injury activation/updates:

Jason Motte, Rockies – Motte threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Friday with no pain in his right shoulder. No timetable has been set for a rehab assignment or return, but when he comes back, he should set up Jake McGee. In addition, if McGee falters, Motte – who saved 42 games in 2012 – could close for Colorado. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Catcher

Tucker Barnhart / Ramon Cabrera / Jordan Pacheco, Reds – Last season, a hip injury limited Devin Mesoraco to just 23 games. This season, a torn labrum in his left shoulder will require surgery, which could sideline him the balance of the season. Mesoraco's absence leaves a big hole behind the plate for Cincinnati, which will be filled by a three-headed monster. Barnhart, who is solid defensively and in calling a game, should initially see most of the playing time. He has hit better than expected but got exposed last year when he saw too much action. Cabrera was just promoted from the minors, but he is third in the pecking order. Pacheco had an excellent 2012 campaign in Colorado, aided by the thin air at Coors Field, but saw his numbers tumble in 2013 and has been relegated to spot duty since then. Barnhart - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4 / Cabrera - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0 / Pacheco - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1

Dustin Garneau / Tony Wolters, Rockies – What I wrote three weeks ago is accurate again, as Nick Hundley was placed on the disabled list with a strained oblique. Garneau surprisingly lost out to Wolters in his battle to open the year as the Rockies' backup catcher. His stint in the minors was shorter than expected, as he was originally called up after three weeks with Charlie Blackmon (toe) landing on the 15-day DL and Hundley landing on the 7-day DL with a concussion. Garneau was sent back down when Hundley returned, but now, will once again split the catching duty in Colorado. Yes, that sound you hear is me grumbling as a Hundley owner in several leagues. Garneau / Wolters - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

First Base

Chris Carter, Brewers – Carter has really taken off in May, blasting five home runs in seven games. He has a .288/.347/.673 line after batting just .199 last year. Maybe Carter continues at this pace, but after not hitting above .227 in any of his three full seasons in the majors, color me skeptical. What is for real is the power and if he somehow could hit .240, you will gladly take it since it could come with 35-40 home runs. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: $24

Second Base

Javier Baez, Cubs – Baez, who was activated three weeks ago after missing time with a thumb injury, has hit the ground running. He is hitting .304 in 46 at-bats while seeing time at first, second, third, short and left. That usage pattern should continue for Baez, enabling him to see at least 300 at-bats in Chicago. Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Emilio Bonifacio, Braves – Bonifacio, who signed with the Braves this offseason, failed to earn a spot out of camp and was designated for assignment. Atlanta re-signed him, placing him in the minors, and now that 30 days has passed, he is eligible to and on the verge of getting called up. Bonifacio gives Atlanta some speed and he should see time at second, third, short and in the outfield. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $6

Aaron Hill, Brewers – Come on, did you really think Hill wouldn't be here after hitting three home runs and driving in seven runs Saturday? After a brutal start to the season, Hill has now hit safely in eight straight games, raising his slash line to .244/.283/.400. Hill hit 26 home runs and drove in 85 runs in 2012, but since then, his production and playing time have plummeted. He is a short-term option in Milwaukee who should see most of the action at second base as the Brewers try to raise his trade value. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $11, 12-team NL: Owned

Brandon Phillips, Reds – Phillips homered for the fourth straight game Saturday, blasting two against the Brewers and giving him six on the year. After tallying just 33 extra-base hits all of last season, Phillips already has 13 in 27 games this year. In addition, after seeing his OPS drop three straight years before bottoming out in 2014, it is on the uptick for a second straight season. Cincinnati will likely once again look to deal him with Jose Peraza looming in the minors, but ride the wave while Phillips is hot. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16, 12-team NL: Owned

Injury activation/updates:

Gordon Beckham, Braves – Beckham, out since mid-April with a strained hamstring, began a rehab assignment Saturday. Once he has played a few games, look for him to be back up. When that happens, he could split time with Emilio Bonifacio at second base. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Scooter Gennett, Brewers – Gennett, out since April 28 with tightness in his right oblique, finally resumed hitting Friday. He should progress next week to a short rehab assignment and then return to the Milwaukee lineup by early the following week. Gennett was off to a red-hot start when he was sidelined and will immediately slot back in to his starting second baseman role. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $12; 12-team NL: Owned

Shortstop

Chase d'Arnaud, Braves – D'Arnaud was called up from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday as part of wholesale changes in Atlanta. He will see time in the middle infield as well as the occasional game in the outfield. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0

Trea Turner, Nationals – Turner continues to rake, batting .336/.407/.477 through his first 27 games at Triple-A Syracuse while Danny Espinosa is still struggling in the majors, batting just .180. A change may not be imminent, but if the Nationals start losing the pressure could mount to make a change. Turner would bring speed along with solid contact and a line-drive swing to an already potent Washington lineup. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $8, 12-team NL: $12 (stash candidate, up bid in keeper leagues)

Injury activation/updates:

Daniel Descalso, Rockies – Descalso, out since mid-March with a small fracture in his left hand, is slated to begin a rehab assignment this week. Once completed, he should join the Rockies as a utility infielder. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $0

Jung Ho Kang, Pirates – Kang, profiled a few weeks ago when he was cleared to play in extended spring training games with no restrictions, was activated off the disabled list and played for Pittsburgh on Friday. Out with a knee injury, suffered Sept. 17 on a slide by Chicago's Chris Coghlan, Kang was originally slated to play two out of every three games as his knee still isn't fully recovered from that major injury. However he returned with a bang, hitting two home runs Friday, which could alter that thinking. Prior to getting hurt, Kang hit .287/.355/.461 with 15 homers and 58 RBI in 434 plate appearances in his first year in MLB. Kang is unlikely to play shortstop this season, seeing his action at third base, where David Freese has been filling in for him. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $15; 12-team NL: $22 (likely owned)

Jhonny Peralta, Cardinals – Peralta, who underwent surgery on his left thumb March 10, took fielding practice on May 1. He still has a cast on his thumb but is progressing faster than first thought, as the original target date for his return was around the All-Star break. Peralta may begin a rehab assignment May 21, and if that plan holds, he might make his season debut at some point in June. Aledmys Diaz has ably replaced Peralta and there are rumors that Peralta could see time at first, leaving shortstop for Diaz. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early spec bid)

Third Base

Reid Brignac, Braves – Brignac's career has gone south since a solid 2010 campaign in Tampa Bay. He signed a minor league deal this past offseason with the Braves and posted a .329/.422/.400 line at Triple-A to earn a promotion this week. Brignac will split time at third with Kelly Johnson following the demotion of Adonis Garcia. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Adam Rosales, Padres – Roasles is in line for additional playing time at second, as Jemile Weeks will land on the disabled list due to the strained right hamstring he suffered Saturday night. With Alexi Amarista (hamstring), Yangervis Solarte (hamstring), and Cory Spangenberg (quad) all several weeks away from returning, San Diego has few other options than Rosales to play second. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Rio Ruiz, Braves – Ruiz, who came to Atlanta in the Evan Gattis deal, has been absolutely raking at Triple-A Gwinnett, notching a .324/.405/.471 line in 28 games. He came into the season off a poor year at Double-A Mississippi, though his numbers were adversely impacted by a low BABIP and difficult home park. Atlanta has a major hole at third, which could be filled before too long by Ruiz, who is solid defensively and should post decent numbers albeit without much power. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec bid)

Brett Wallace, Padres – Wallace has made the most of the additional playing time he has received with Alexi Amarista (hamstring), Yangervis Solarte (hamstring), and Cory Spangenberg (quad) all sidelined. He is 9-for-27 with a home run in his last 15 days and should receive most of the playing time at the hot corner until those three players return, especially since Adam Roslaes will be filling in at second base for the injured Jemile Weeks (hamstring). 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $9

Outfield

Gregor Blanco / Mac Williamson, Giants – Blanco and Williamson are filling in for Angel Pagan, who is sidelined with a strained hamstring. Blanco saw plenty of action last season in San Francisco due to injuries and posted a 291/.368/.413 line to go along with five homers and 13 stolen bases over 372 plate appearances. Williamson, who was hitting .355/.382/.629 with 22 hits, 18 RBI and four homers in 15 games (62 at-bats) at Triple-A, was called up due to Pagan's injury. Blanco should see most of the playing time due to his solid defense and versatility, but Williamson's potential will allow him to factor into the mix. Blanco - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 / Williamson - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Alex Dickerson, Padres – Dickerson was promoted to give San Diego another corner outfield option. He posted a .352/.405/.549 slash line with three homers, 13 RBI and 13 runs scored in 71 at-bats over 22 games with Triple-A El Paso to earn the call up. Dickerson lacks power, but makes great contact and has a good eye, each of which could him some playing time. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Tyler Goeddel, Phillies – Goeddel, a Rule 5 selection this offseason, started for the third straight game in left field Friday and will receive additional playing time moving forward. Despite a strong start by Philly they are in rebuilding mode and have little to lose by seeing what they have in Goeddel, who has some power and good speed. If he can find a way to get on base, he could be a nice source of cheap stolen bases. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Ryan Kalish, Cubs – Kalish was raking at Triple-A Iowa, posting a .368/.471/.509 line, and received the nod when Matt Szczur landed on the disabled list due to a hamstring injury. This is Kalish's first stint in the majors since 2014 and he will see occasional playing time at all three outfield spots. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0

Alex Presley, Brewers – Presley has made the most of the additional playing time he has received with Domingo Santana (shoulder) sidelined. In addition, Presley benefited from Ryan Braun dealing with some soreness and the struggles of Ramon Flores. If Flores continues to flail away or Kirk Nieuwenhuis' performance regresses, Presley should see at-bats even when Santana returns. Ride the wave while he is hot. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Matt Tuiasosopo, Braves – Tuiasosopo was promoted this week to serve as a backup at the corner infield and outfield spots in Atlanta. Most of his action will come in center field against southpaws. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0

Kyle Waldrop, Reds – The Reds called up Waldorp on Saturday night to replace Scott Schebler on the active roster. He will serve as outfield depth in Cincy. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Mallex Smith, Braves – Smith, promoted three weeks ago due to Ender Inciarte's injury, is sticking with the Braves even though Inciarte has returned. Atlanta will play Inciarte in left when Smith starts and move Inciarte back to center when the rookie sits against left-handed pitching. Smith, who came to the Braves in the Craig Kimbrel deal, has one true skill and that's speed. He had 88 steals between two levels in 2014 and 57 between Double-A and Triple-A last season. Smith had a strong spring and it looked like it was only a matter of time before he would be promoted, as he was sent down to work on his plate discipline. After a slow start, Smith is 9-for-26 in his last seven games with a pair of steals. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9, 12-team NL: $16 (due to SB potential)

Injury activation/updates:

Ender Inciarte, Braves – Inciarte, who landed on the disabled list with a strained hamstring suffered while running to first base during the third game of the season, was activated off the disabled list after Friday's game. In his stead Mallex Smith was called up and has been playing center field. Inciarte will likely play some left and center with he and Smith giving the Braves speed in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $18; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: Owned

Tommy Pham, Cardinals – Pham, out since Opening Day with a strained oblique, began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday. Jeremy Hazelbaker more than ably filled in for him, so it's unclear what will happen with each player when Pham returns. St. Louis could elect to play Brandon Moss or Matt Holliday even more at first base, opening up the fifth outfield spot for Pham. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $4