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

Archie Bradley, Diamondbacks – Bradley, profiled last week, deserves another mention as he allowed just one run on four hits while walking three and striking out a career-high 10 in a no-decision against the Cubs on Friday. This outing builds off his strong start last Sunday, when he went 7.1 innings to defeat the Padres, allowing three runs on four hits and a walk while fanning nine. He was 5-1 with a 1.99 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 47:18 K:BB in seven starts for Triple-A Reno and got the nod when Shelby Miller landed on the DL due to his sprained right finger. Bradley's solid two starts should keep him in the majors even when Miller returns to the D-Backs. 12-team Mixed: $6; 15-team Mixed: $12; 12-team NL: $18 (upped bid from prior week)

Erik Johnson, Padres – Johnson, who came to San Diego this weekend along with Fernando Tatis, Jr. in the James Shields trade, could be in the majors starting for the Padres before too long. His two starts for Chicago this season did not go well as he allowed nine earned runs and 14 hits, including five homers, across 11.2 innings. Johnson had much better success in eight Triple-A starts, posting a 2.94 ERA with a 35:17 K:BB in 49 innings. If he can limit his walks, Johnson could find success pitching at Petco Park. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Bud Norris, Braves - Norris got the start Saturday as Mike Foltynewicz (elbow) was placed on the disabled list. Norris opened the season as a starter for the Braves but moved to the bullpen after struggling in several consecutive starts. This latest move back to the rotation may be short-lived. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Colin Rea, Padres – Rea earned another shot at sticking in the majors, as he was called up to start Thursday in place of Cesar Vargas (elbow). That outing didn't go particularly well with Rea allowed six runs (five earned) on six hits and one walk while striking out three over 5.1 innings against the Mariners as the Padres coughed up a 12-2 lead. Prior to that outing, Rea had a 4.47 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in nine starts and has yet to put it all together in the majors despite a solid arsenal that includes a low-90s fastball, a mid-to-high 80s cutter and a curveball. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Julio Urias, Dodgers – Urias, the Dodgers' uber-prospect, is profiled again this week, as he was called back up to replace Alex Wood, who is out a month with a posterior impingement in his throwing elbow. He lasted just 2.2 innings in his first start against the Mets, but Wood's injury created a second chance. Urias struggled again in his second outing, lasting five innings while allowing six runs (five earned), eight hits and one walk and striking out four against the Cubs. His two opponents so far have been no walks in the park and he is slated to start Tuesday against the Rockies. At the time of his first call up, He had a PCL-best ERA to 1.10 with just 24 hits allowed along with a 41:8 K:BB in 41 innings, leaving his overall minor league numbers at a 2.63 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 308:83 K:BB over 263.1 innings. Urias features an upper-90s fastball, nasty curveball and developing change-up and after tossing 48.2 innings so far, may be limited to just 110-120 innings on the year, a decent amount of which could still come in the majors. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (same as prior week)

Injury activation/updates

Anthony DeSclafani, Reds – DeSclafani, sidelined with an oblique injury, made his second rehab start for Triple-A Louisville on Monday, tossing 62 pitches and allowing one run on one hit with no walks while striking out seven over four innings. He will make at least one more rehab start in which he is set to throw 80 pitches, and he could be activated to make his 2016 big league debut next week against the Cardinals. Prior to the injury DeSclafani, who had 151 strikeouts in 184.2 innings in 2015, was slated to start Opening Day, as he looks like build on his successful first year in Cincinnati. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $10; 12-team NL: $15 (slightly upped bid)

Matt Garza, Brewers – Garza, out since the start of the season with a strained lat, kicked off a rehab stint Tuesday at Low-A Wisconsin, tossing two innings. He will steadily increase his pitch count and move up the minor league ladder before joining the Brewers later this month. Garza lost a career-high 14 games last season while posting a 5.63 ERA and 1.57 WHIP, adversely impacted by a drop in his K rate and rise in his BB rate. Garza is in the midst of the four-year, $52 million contract he signed with Milwaukee in January 2014, a deal that right now looks like an albatross around their necks. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2

Shelby Miller, Diamondbacks – Miller, 1-6 with a 7.08 ERA and 6.56 FIP, is sidelined with a sprained right finger. The belief, hope, prayer (including by me, as I have him in two leagues) is that the injury suffered in mid-April resulted in his struggles. Miller threw a side session Wednesday and was to pitch in an extended spring training game over the weekend. He likely will need two rehab starts before rejoining Arizona, possibly by the third week of the month. Arizona overpaid to get Miller as their No. 2 starter, so look for them to be cautious with his return, especially due to his struggles. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: Likely Owned; 12-team NL: Owned

Frankie Montas, Dodgers – Montas, who came to the Dodgers in the three-team, seven-player trade that also netted them Trayce Thompson and sent Todd Frazier to the White Sox, underwent surgery on Feb. 12 to remove his right first rib. Montas was expected to miss 2-4 months and he kicked off a rehab assignment with Double-A Tulsa on May 20. So far he has been limited to 1-2 inning outings but will make his first start for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday. He posted a 2.97 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 108 strikeouts in 112 innings as a 22-year-old at Double-A last season. His fastball is usually 96-97 mph but can hit triple digits and he also possesses a plus slider. Montas' changeup is a work in progress and may determine if he meets his ceiling as a No. 2 starter or instead settles in as a high-leverage reliever. Right now, he projects to join the Dodgers this season in the 'pen but he could get a shot at filling the fifth starter slot. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec bid, higher in keeper leagues)

Relief Pitcher

Ryan Buchter, Padres – Buchter was profiled a few weeks ago after he was called upon to notch the save with Fernando Rodney unavailable after working both games in the Padres' doubleheader sweep over the Cubs. After Friday's game, manager Andy Green said Buchter is now the primary setup guy to closer Rodney. That announcement isn't a major surprise, as Buchter has posted a 2.16 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with a 35:12 K:BB over 25 innings this season. But it does seem to mean that Buchter is next in line if Rodney is dealt as part of the Padres' expected fire sale. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Injury activation/updates

Mike Dunn, Marlins –Dunn, who missed the first two months with a strained forearm, was activated Wednesday. He had a disappointing 2015 season, posting a 4.50 ERA and 1.39 WHIP over 54 innings but still struck out 65 batters. Despite his unsuccessful return to action in allowing James Loney's home run Friday, Dunn should be the primary lefty in the Miami 'pen, enabling him to post holds in additional to the strikeouts. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Corey Knebel, Brewers – Knebel, out with a strained left oblique since early April, begin a rehab assignment at High-A Brevard County on Tuesday. He made two appearances there and is to toss two more for Triple-A Colorado Springs before rejoining the Brewers. He earned a significant role in the Brewers' bullpen last year, using his mid-90s fastball and solid slider to strike out 58 in 50.1 innings to go with a 3.22 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. When he is back in Milwaukee, look for Knebel to set up Jeremy Jeffress and Will Smith. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Michael Lorenzen, Reds – Lorenzen, sidelined with a strained right elbow and then delayed by mononucleosis, is working in extended spring training and close to heading out on a rehab assignment. When he does rejoin the Reds, likely in a few weeks, he will pitch as a reliever (his role in college) rather than a starter. Lorenzen's two-pitch arsenal makes him a possible Cincy closer candidate with that role in a state of flux this season following the trade of Aroldis Champan. Get those closer spec bids in. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $2

Will Smith, Brewers – Smith, out since spring training with a torn right LCL, completed a short rehab stint and was activated Tuesday. Prior to getting injured, he was battling Jeremy Jeffress to open the season as Milwaukee's closer. Now that he is back, manager Craig Counsell said that once he knocks some rust off he would be an option to close games. Smith could be an option against lefty-heavy lineups with Jeffress getting the call against righties, though Smith's nasty slider allowed him to make major strides and prove last year that he could retire and dominate righties as well. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped bid due to possible saves)

Catcher

Christian Bethancourt, Padres – Bethancourt, who failed to live up to his prospect status in Atlanta, came to the Padres this offseason. Despite being blocked by Derek Norris and Austin Hedges, he earned a spot on the team this spring, beating out Hedges. Bethancourt has four home runs and 11 RBI in limited duty and got a start as the DH spot on the road in Seattle this past week. If Norris is dealt, Bethancourt will battle Hedges to be the starter behind the plate for San Diego. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Derek Norris, Padres – Norris is a strong buy-low candidate. Through Thursday's game, his BABIP was only .234, well below his career mark of .296, leading to a .195/.257/.346 line. He hit 14 home runs and drove in 62 runs last year but has just five and 12, respectively, this season. Norris is a trade candidate with Christian Bethancourt and Austin Hedges in San Diego and a move to a better team and park could increase his fantasy value. 12-team Mixed: $6; 15-team Mixed: $12; 12-team NL: Owned

Chris Stewart, Pirates – Stewart surprisingly wasn't a zero at the plate the last two years but he has reverted to prior form in his limited action this year. X-rays cleared Francisco Cervelli of a fracture after a pitch hit him Thursday, but he is dealing with significant bruising, keeping him out of the lineup. As such, Stewart will get a short-term bump in playing time. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Injury activation/updates

Travis d'Arnaud, Mets – D'Arnaud, out since April 26 with a right rotator cuff strain, began participating this week in extended spring training games as a designated hitter but is still "a ways away" from throwing. The hope is that he might be back by the end of June, but that all depends on his ability to throw well by that time. He is seeing at-bats as a designated hitter to try and quicken his return to the majors once he is able to throw, as he will have hopefully regained his timing at the plate. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4, 15-team NL: $7 (in case he was waived, very early spec return bid)

Nick Hundley, Rockies – Hundley, out since May 4 with a strained oblique, was activated Friday after completing a short rehab assignment with Tony Wolters landing on the 7-day DL due to a concussion. Hundley missed time himself earlier in the season with a concussion, resulting in him having just 54 plate appearances in 13 games. Now that he is back, he is slotting back into his starting catcher role. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7, 15-team NL: $11

First Base

Brandon Snyder, Braves – Snyder was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday to take the place of the injured Gordon Beckham on the Braves roster. He could see the occasional game at first, third and in the outfield. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Second Base

Jimmy Paredes, Phillies – The Phillies acquired Paredes from the Blue Jays for cash considerations this week. Paredes will see time in the outfield in addition to second and third base while also receiving some pinch hitting opportunities. If Cesar Hernandez continues to struggle, Paredes could see more time at second, but that would only happen down the road. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Shortstop

Wilmer Flores, Mets – Flores, out since May 9 with a strained right hamstring, was activated off the disabled list last Sunday. He now is getting the first chance to fill David Wright's shoes at the hot corner with Wright out for at least two months with a herniated disc in his neck. If Flores can replicate the power he provided last season, when he blasted 16 home runs and drove in 50 runs in 137 games, it would go a long way to making up for Wright's absence and enable Flores to remain in the lineup. Ty Kelly and Matt Reynolds are also in the mix at third base while Troy Rivera, who is raking at Triple-A but not on the 40-man roster, could also factor into the equation, though the Mets are also rumored to be exploring the trade market. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $14

Jose Reyes, Rockies – Reyes completed his 52-game suspension for domestic abuse on May 31 and kicked off a rehab stint with Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday. He can remain on the restricted list for a few more weeks, allowing him to kick off the rust and regain his swing in the minors. Trevor Story is fairly entrenched at short for the Rockies and it appears as if Colorado would like nothing better than to deal Reyes and get rid of the headache of having him on the roster. He could be dealt and starting for another team over the next few weeks, at which time, he would be a nice source of runs and steals. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $8; 12-team NL: $16 (if he gets traded somewhere he can start)

Matt Reynolds, Mets – Reynolds was promoted for the second time in the past few weeks to give the Mets middle infield and third base depth. He benefits from his 40-man roster spot, as he was called up over Troy Rivera despite hitting just .230/.291/.360 in 35 games at Triple-A Las Vegas. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Trea Turner, Nationals – Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty Turner is free at last from Triple-A… but it's probably just for the weekend. Turner was called up with Ryan Zimmerman landing on the paternity list and got a start at second base Friday with Daniel Murphy sliding over to first base, but found himself back on Dusty Baker's bench Saturday in favor of Clint Robinson. Turner is hitting .310 while going 17-for-17 in the minors, so while this stint will be brief, it's only a matter of time before he is up and starting for good over Danny Espinosa at shortstop, bringing 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: $16 (stash candidate, up bid in keeper leagues)

Injury activation/updates

Jhonny Peralta, Cardinals – Peralta, who underwent surgery on his left thumb on March 10, is in the midst of his rehab stint. When he does return to St. Louis, which is expected to be on Tuesday, GM John Mozeliak seemed to indicate that he will move to third with Aledmys Diaz staying at shortstop, Matt Carpenter shifted from third base to second and Kolten Wong either riding the pine or sent back to the minors. This bit of news seems to imply that Peralta will be close to a full-time player, upping his value. 12-team Mixed: $6; 15-team Mixed: $12; 12-team NL: $19 (upped early spec bid)

Third Base

Chase d'Arnaud, Braves – D'Arnaud gets a mention for the second straight week, as he is seeing close to full-time at-bats with Gordon Beckham landing on the disabled list due to a hamstring injury. Daniel Castro is also in the mix, but d'Arnaud's surprising production since his promotion (.351/.431/.474 through 57 at-bats while walking eight times and stealing a handful of bases) has likely afforded him the lion's share of the playing time at second base. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

Injury activation/updates

Cody Asche, Phillies – Asche, recovering from a strained left oblique muscle he suffered in late March, was activated Thursday after completing his rehab assignment. He will see time in left field and at third base, but is not expected to be a regular in the lineup. Asche, the Phillies' fourth round pick in 2011, should provide a little bit of pop. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Outfield

Gregor Blanco / Jarrett Parker / Mac Williamson, Giants – The absences of Angel Pagan and Hunter Pence from the starting lineup due to hamstring injuries (and in Pence's case, he will be out for two months) raises the value of all three players. Blanco was already starting for Pagan, who is likely out at least two more weeks, so his value doesn't change much. When Pagan returns, Blanco will see some time at all three outfield spots, providing solid defense, some speed and an uptick in power, a trend which began for him last year. Parker was profiled last week when he was called up for his second big league stint of the season, taking Pagan's spot on the active roster. He earned that promotion by posting a .274/.359/.607 line with 13 HR and 29 RBI in 135 at-bats at Triple-A. Parker strikes out a ton but brings power, somewhat similar to Adam Duvall. As a lefty, he should be on the better side of a platoon with Williamson, who would likely start against southpaws. Williamson has hit well in the minors but struggled when promoted, but gets another shot with Pence out. Blanco - 12-team Mixed: $6; 15-team Mixed: $12, 12-team NL: Owned; Parker - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $5, 12-team NL: $9; Williamson - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $2

Matt Joyce, Pirates – Joyce could see an uptick in playing time if either Andrew McCutchen (thumb) or Gregory Polanco (foot) is sidelined. To date, Joyce hasn't gotten a lot of playing time, but he has been extremely productive when on the field. He could get exposed with the additional at-bats, but at worse, he will provide some counting stats. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7

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

Injury activation/updates

Scott Van Slyke, Dodgers – Van Slyke, out since April 9 with a lower back injury, was activated Friday after completing his rehab assignment. After a breakthrough 2014 campaign, (.297/.386/.524 in 98 games) he had a disappointing season last year. Yasiel Puig's hamstring injury makes room on the roster for Van Slyke and with other LA outfielders also banged up, he provides the Dodgers with added depth and a decent bat against southpaws. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team NL: $7