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 Pitching:

Steven Brault, Pirates – Brault, profiled last week, made one start, his major league debut, for the Pirates in which he gave up one earned run in four innings of work to go along with five strikeouts. Following that outing, he was sent back to Triple-A Indianapolis. Brault has continued his fine pitching there, where he has a solid 2.15 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 66:22 K:BB ratio in 50.1 innings pitched. He gets rewarded for that solid performance, as he was promoted to start Friday for the Pirates, resulting in his mention again this week. Barult pitched six quality innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and
three walks while striking out three Brewers on Friday. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Jon Gray, Rockies – Gray, who posted a 5.53 ERA in nine starts for Colorado in 2015 and was sidelined to start the year with a strained abdomen, returned to the Rockies in early-May. Upon returning, not much was expected of Gray, but how wrong we have all been, especially lately. Gray has now thrown three straight starts of seven innings or more, and five consecutive quality starts to lower his ERA to 3.94 over 109.2 innings pitched. Add in a 114:35 K:BB rate, and despite pitching at Coors, there is little reason to think that Gray's success won't continue moving forward. 12-team mixed: $18; 15-team Mixed: $35; 12-team NL: owned

Injury activation/updates:

Brett Anderson, Dodgers – Anderson, out since Spring Training after undergoing surgery to repair a bulging disc in his back, allowed a run on five hits over three innings in his first rehab appearance for High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday. He will progress to pitching five and then seven innings before being considered for a possible activation. LA looked as if they had enviable depth in the starting rotation, but with Hyun-Jin Ryu hurt again and both Clayton Kershaw and Alex Wood still out, there may be room at the inn for Anderson. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (upped early spec bid)

Homer Bailey, Reds – Bailey, after a setback in May and getting eased back into action in June, made six rehab appearances at Triple-A Louisville in this iteration of his return from Tommy John surgery in May 2015. He was activated and joined the Cincy rotation this weekend. In his last rehab start, Bailey threw 98 pitches over 4.1 innings showing he was ready to be promoted, even though the results in his six-rehab starts weren't top-shelf. Bailey's velocity has peaked at 95 mph, and if he stays healthy, should remain in the rotation the last two months of the season. 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (same bid as prior weeks, fool me one, shame on you, fool me twice or more, shame on me)

John Gant, Braves – Gant, on the 15-day disabled list with an oblique injury since June 28, will make the first of what should be three rehab starts before rejoining the Braves for Low-A Rome on Tuesday. Prior to being sidelined, Gant posted a 3.38 ERA in his four starts, so he should slot back into the rotation when he returns. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2. (early spec bid)

Zack Greinke, Diamondbacks – Greinke, out since June 28 with the oblique injury, pitched in an Arizona Rookie League game Friday, tossing three innings and allowing four hits, one unearned run, and a 5:0 K:BB. That outing came after Greinke threw 40 pitches in a side session Tuesday, sitting down after the first 25 pitches to simulate a break between innings. Greinke was still experiencing tightness in his oblique as recently as two weeks ago days ago, and with Arizona playing out the string, look for the D-Backs to be cautious with their $206 million investment. Greinke got off to a horrific start, but righted the ship the past several weeks before he was injured. He will make at least one more rehab start and could rejoin the D-Backs to start August 9 against the Mets. Just an FYI as should still be owned.

Lance Lynn, Cardinals – Lynn, who is recovering from November, Tommy John surgery, has thrown seven live batting practice sessions and will continue with those through the end of August. Following the operation. Lynn was expected to miss all of 2016. While that still may be the case, it's possible that Lynn, who has started to incorporate offspeed offerings and tossed 45 pitches, will be available in September, possibly out of the bullpen. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (stash option)

Joe Ross, Nationals – Ross, out since July 3 with a shoulder inflammation, made a rehab start last Sunday for High-A Hagerstown, tossing three innings and 43 pitches. Ross threw a bullpen session Wednesday and started for Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday, allowing three runs on seven his and a walk while striking out four in 4.2 innings. He likely will make 1-2 more rehab starts before being activated by the Nationals. Ross is 7-4 with a 3.49 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 79 strikeouts in 95.1 innings over 16 starts. 12-team mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (if waived)

Ryan Vogelsong, Pirates – Vogelsong, rehabbing after surgery to repair an orbital fracture after he was hit in the head by a pitch on May 23, looked like he would be a luxury for Pittsburgh when he returns. With Tyler Glasnow leaving his July 23 start with right shoulder fatigue and Jon Niese out of the rotation, Vogelsong may become a necessity. Vogelsong tossed seven innings of two-run ball Wednesday for Triple-A Indianapolis and could enter Pittsburgh's rotation in the coming week, depending on what happens at the trading deadline. Prior to being injured, Vogelsong posted a 3.74 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over 21.2 innings of work. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Relief Pitchers:

Jake Barrett, Diamondbacks – Barrett, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he tossed 1.1 innings of relief to notch his third save Saturday. With Daniel Hudson ineffective lately and Tyler Clippard dealt to the Yankees on Sunday morning, Barrett, who has closing experience in the minors and has pitched fairly well since coming up from Triple-A Reno on April 28, could be in line to be the full time closer for Arizona. Barrett has a 2.79 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 39:13 K:BB ratio in 38.2 innings on the season. 12-team mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: $27. (up bid from prior week, up more if think he closes)

Aroldis Chapman, Cubs – If you need me to tell you to put up Chapman, can I suggest a new hobby? 12-team mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: $65.

Carlos Estevez, Rockies – Estevez, aka Charlie Sheen, continues to excel as the Colorado closer. He converted five saves in eight days, including ones on three straight days, to give him 11 on the year. Estevez has a 43:17 K:BB ratio in 38.1 innings and continues to hold off Adam Ottavino for the role. If you invested in Estevez, you are reaping the benefits. 12-team mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $35 (presuming he holds off Ottavino).

Neftali Feliz/Felipe Rivero/Tony Watson, Pirates – Pittsburgh traded their All-Star closer, Mark Melanson, who will be a free agent after the year, to the Nationals for Felipe Rivero and Taylor Hearn. Moving up a notch to replace him is Feliz, who will be the setup man, and Watson, who will close. Feliz has closer experience in Texas but he will be the eighth inning man to Watson. Rivero will likely pitch before both Feliz and Watson but he has the kind of stuff – upper-90s fastball, slider and changeup - that makes him a possible future closer candidate. He has just a 4.53 ERA but also has posted a 1.17 WHIP and 53:15 K/BB ratio in 49.2 innings, the latter number indicating how dominant he could be if he figures it all out. After a rough patch in early-June, Watson, who is a lefty that can also retire righties, has allowed just one run in his last 20 appearances. Watson relies on a fastball/changeup combo to retire hitters, generating a 13 percent swinging-strike rate overall this season. Watson hasn't been as dominant this year as the past few seasons but still has posted more than solid numbers. If he falters, Feliz, who has turned back the clock to his pre-Tommy John surgery days, is waiting in the wings. 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Rivero - 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7. Watson - 12-team mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: $27

Brandon Maurer, Padres – Maurer has grabbed a hold of the Padres' closer role since the trade of Fernando Rodney, excelling in that spot. His resurgence, after a rough first part of the season, started a few weeks ago and has just continued forward. Since June 15, Maurer has allowed just one run on nine hits and one walk with 18 strikeouts in 18 innings over 17 games. San Diego is in rebuild mode and could deal Maurer, but for now, he is their main fireman. 12-team mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $35

Injury activation/updates:

Yimi Garcia, Dodgers – Garcia, who last pitched for LA on April 22 and has been sidelined with a right biceps injury, moved his rehab assignment to Double-A Tulsa and tossed a pair of hitless innings with four strikeouts Monday. He is slowly moving up the ladder, progressing next to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Garcia should be back with the Dodgers in about a week or so, at which point he should help set up Kenley Jansen. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Catchers:
 
Eric Fryer, Pirates – Fryer hit 368/.415/.421 in 41 plate appearances for St. Louis earlier this season, but was sent back to Triple-A in late-June when Brayan Pena was activated to serve as Yadier Molina's backup. With Chris Stewart joining Francisco Cervelli on the sidelines in early-July, the Pirates claimed Fryer off waivers from the Cardinals. Fryer, who debuted with the Pirates in 2011 after coming over in the deal that sent Eric Hinske to the Yankees in 2009, could be in line for some playing time with Cervelli playing through a foot injury and Stewart still sidelined. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $2.

Austin Hedges, Padres – Hedges finished the pre-Triple-A All-Star break part of the season on absolute roll. That strong push helped him finish the first half with 16 home runs and 53 RBI in only 141 at-bats. Hedges benefited from a 388 BABIP, which masked his drop in walk rate and spike in K rate. He has come back to earth lately, struggling his last few weeks, but still has a .348 average on the season and it looks like Hedges' offense may have caught up to his stellar defense. If Derek Norris is traded at the pre-waiver deadline, which is looking more likely, Hedges will be promoted and finish the season as the Padres' starting catcher. 12-team mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22

Martin Maldonado, Brewers – Jonathan Lucroy has been dealt to the Indians, pending his waiving his no-trade clause. If that happens, Maldonado will take over as the starting catcher, though there are rumors Milwaukee may acquire Derek Norris, as San Diego has Austin Hedges waiting in the wings. Maldonado's numbers show why he is a backup, so while he might hot the occasional home run, don't expect much more than that. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

Pedro Severino, Nationals – Severino was promoted to give the Nationals a back up catcher with Jose Lobaton landing on the disabled list. Don't look for Severino to see much action behind the plate. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

First Basemen:
 
Injury activation/updates:

Justin Bour, Marlins – Bour, out since early July with an ankle injury that he suffered during a game against the Braves on July 2, kicked off a short rehab stint at Triple-A New Orleans on Friday. He should rejoin the Marlins early this week. In his place, the Marlins have been shuffling between players at first base, the latest being Derek Dietrich, and he should slot right back into the lineup when he returns. Prior to being sidelined, Bour slashed .268/.347/.526 line with 15 home runs and 46 RBI over 213 at-bats and he returns to a Miami team that has Dee Gordon back in the lineup and a replenished rotation. 12-team mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: $35 (if waived), 15-team NL: owned

Brandon Moss, Cardinals – Moss, out with a left ankle injury since July 5, kicked off a rehab stint this week and might be back as early as Tuesday. Prior to being sidelined, Moss led the Cardinals with 17 HR and also had 40 RBI. Moss will see most of his action at first base with Matt Holiday healthy and locked into left field. The low bid is due to hot bat of Jedd Gyorko, who could steal time at first from Moss, even though Matt Adams has struggled. 12-team mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: $18 (if waived), 15-team NL: owned

Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals – Zimmerman, out since July 8 with a strained left rib cage, was activated as expected Tuesday. He played three games on a rehab assignment prior to returning to the majors. So he might be a little rusty initially, though he has been in the lineup daily following his return. Zimmerman has struggled the past few years and was hitting just .221/.284/.402 but did have 12 home runs in 74 games when he was sidelined. However, he did slash .311/.372/.652 with 11 home runs in 135 at-bats after he was moved across the diamond from third to first base. 12-team mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11, 15-team NL: $22 (in case he was waived and believe he has another second half run in him)

Second Base:

Matt Carpenter, Cardinals – Carpenter, out with a high oblique strain that occurred while taking a swing July 6, began a rehab stint at Double-A Springfield on Sunday. That stint is to be a short one with Carpenter returning to active duty Friday. Jedd Gyorko has done a fine job standing in for Carpenter and Jhonny Peralta, but look for Carpenter and Gyorko to man second and third with Kolten Wong losing playing time. Just an FYI as he should still be owned

Scooter Gennett, Brewers – Gennett extended his hitting streak to seven games with a hit Thursday. He got off to a red-hot start before he was sidelined in late-April 28 with tightness in is right oblique. Gennett struggled a bit following his return but is raking again. He has already tied his career-high with nine home runs while also driving in 33 runs. Even though Milwaukee is in rebuilding mode, Gennett is fairly entrenched in the team's starting lineup. 12-team mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: owned

Dee Gordon, Marlins – Gordon's 80-game suspension for testing positive for performance enhancing drugs ended on July 28. He completed his 10-game rehab assignment with Triple-A New Orleans just before Thursday and was activated on that date as expected. Now that he is back, Gordon reclaimed his spot as the Marlins' leadoff hitter and starting second baseman. If for some reason he was waived and as long as you don't believe that his growth last season was solely due to PEDs, run, don't walk to pick him up, as Gordon should be a difference maker in steals the last two months of the season. 12-team mixed: $45; 15-team Mixed: $55, 15-team NL: $75. (same as prior two weeks)

Phil Gosselin, Diamondbacks – Gosselin has seen an uptick of playing time the past week or so. That increase came as a result of Nick Ahmed landing on the disabled list with Jean Segura moving to short, opening second base for Gosselin. He is benefiting from batting in front of Segura and Paul Goldschmidt; a prime lineup spot. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4, 15-team NL: $7.

Injury activation/updates:

Joe Panik, Giants – Panik was hit in the head by a pitch June 18 but originally passed the concussion protocol. It took 11 days for him to be officially diagnosed with the concussion, which landed him on the disabled list. Panik progressed with his rehab, moving from light physical activity to taking grounders July 9 and this week completed a 3-4 game rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento. He rejoined the Giants on Thursday, resuming his role as starting second baseman. However, the Giants acquired Eduardo Nunez from the Twins on Thursday, which could cost Panik some at-bats. After a rough May, he righted the ship in June prior to being sidelined and will look to pick up from there now that he back. 12-team mixed: should be owned; 15-team Mixed: $13 (slight drop from prior week due to Nunez), 15-team NL: owned

Shortstops:

Alexi Amarista, Padres – Amarista, sent down to Triple-A El-Paso in early-July to make room for Andrew Cashner, was called back up two weeks ago for less than a week before he was sent back down. He is up again with Yangervis Solarte landing on the Family Leave List. Amarista hit .256/.319/.280 in 92 plate appearances in the first half and will resume his utility role off the bench. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Taylor Featherstone, Phillies – Featherstone was promoted to take the roster spot of Andres Blanco, who was placed on the 15-day DL with a fractured left index finger in a corresponding move. The 26-year-old, who didn't do much in his first exposure to the majors last season with the Angels, hit .254/.324/.448 with three home runs and 10 RBI in Triple-A since the start of July to earn the promotion. Featherstone is serving as a backup infielder with the Phillies. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $2.

Eduardo Nunez, Giants – San Francisco acquired Nunez from Minnesota for Adalberto Mejia. Nunez has been struggling a bit of late, with only a .161 BA and no extra-base hits since the all-star break, but still hit .300/.326/.444 with 12 home runs and 26 stolen bags with the Twins for the year. Many Yankees' fans believed Nunez would always hit but the question was his glove. This year, he finally put it all together, earning an All-Star berth. With Joe Panik now back, Matt Duffy possibly a week away and Brandon Crawford entrenched at shortstop, it remains to be seen where and how frequently Nunez plays. But look for him to play all over, as he started 84 games this season, 48 at shortstop, 28 at third, four at second base and four at DH, showing his versatility. 12-team mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: $28.

Jose Rondon, Padres – San Diego's trade of Andrew Cashner and Colin Rea created holes in the 25-man roster, one of which is being filled by Rondon, who was called up Friday. Rondon's production at Double-A San Antonio was middling, 279/.310/.386 with five homers and 13 steals in 96 games, and his stint in the majors may be short. Rondon posted a .267/.320/.359 slash line in 85 games between High and Double-A last year. He success was mainly at High-A, hitting .300 with 22 RBI and 17 steals in 57 contests, compared to just .190 with nine RBI and a steal in 28 Double-A games. While he had some growth at Double-A this year, it wasn't enough to move the needle much. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Trea Turner, Nationals – Turner profiled several times this month gets mentioned again here this week, as he seems to have grabbed a hold of the starting center field job in Washington. The Nationals have been looking for a leadoff man and even though Ben Revere had started to pick it up a bit; manager Dusty Baker started Turner in center field for three straight games. Turner, normally a shortstop, saw some action in center field at Triple-A Syracuse earlier this month, paving the way for his time at the position in the majors. 12-team mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $35 (if he holds on to the starting CF job or regular playing time due to speed potential)

Injury activation/updates:

Jhonny Peralta, Cardinals – Peralta, who missed the first two months of the season due to a tleft humb injury that required surgery, has been out since July 17 with an unrelated thumb injury. He is on track to be activated from the disabled list Tuesday, the first day he's eligible. Peralta is not expected to go out on a rehab assignment, as he'll just rehab his thumb with some baseball activities over the weekend. Greg Garcia and Jedd Gyorko have both stood in well for Peralta, who could lose some playing time Gyorko when he is activated. 12-team mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7, 15-team NL: $11.

Third Basemen:

Jedd Gyorko - Cardinals – Gyorko, profiled a few weeks ago when he was mentioned as possible replacement options for Matt Carpenter, got another mention last week, as his role increased in the short-term with Jhonny Peralta landing on the DL with a thumb injury. Gyorko has been on the tear to begin the second half, going 14-for-48 (.292 average) with seven homers, matching his home run output from the first half of the season. Carpenter is due back next Friday while Peralta could be back around then as well, cutting into Gyorko's playing time. Though Gyorko will also see time at first against lefties and also at short. 12-team mixed: $9; 15-team Mixed: $18, 15-team NL: $25. (very short-term bump)

Adam Rosales, Padres – Rosales hit a walk-off home run Saturday, his career-best eighth of the season. With San Diego really playing out the string, they have nothing to lose in seeing what they have in Rosales, who has shown he can play multiple positions. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1, 15-team NL: $4.

Yasmany Tomas, Diamondbacks – It's been an up-and-down season for Tomas, but now, he is on an upswing again. Tomas' average dropped to .249 in mid-July, but since then, he hit safely in eight of his last 11 games, going 17-for-44 with five doubles, four home runs, 10 RBI and nine runs. Tomas is up to 17 home runs and 44 RBI albeit with an 89:20 K:BB ratio. David Peralta's return will take away at-bats in right field, but Tomas still should see time in left. In addition, Tomas, due to is 31 games at the hot corner last year, still qualifies at third base. 12-team mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22, 15-team NL: owned

Injury activation/updates:

Matt Carpenter, Cardinals – Carpenter, out since July 7 with a strained oblique, was cleared for limited baseball activities Friday. He was able to take grounders and throw to first Friday as his first activity. Carpenter is likely a few weeks away from returning, as he will need some form of rehab assignment. Jedd Gyorko and Greg Garcia will continue to fill in for him at third base. Just an FYI as he should still be owned in all leagues.

Matt Duffy, Giants – Duffy, out since June 19 with an Achilles strain, ran the bases Thursday and should begin a rehab assignment shortly. Prior to getting injured, Duffy was in the midst of a disappointing campaign, as he was hitting just .253/.313/.358 with four home runs, 21 RBI and eight stolen bases in 70 games. Duffy should be back in early-August, though it remains to be seen if he will resume his role as the Giants' starting third baseman now that team acquired Eduardo Nunez on Thursday. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $11 (drop from prior week due to Nunez)

Outfielders:

Jabari Blash, Padres – Blash will be promoted Sunday to fill the roster spot of Matt Kemp, who was dealt to the Braves for Hector Olivera.  San Diego acquired Blash from the A's after Oakland selected him in December's Rule 5 draft. He opened the year with the Padres before getting DFA'd in mid-May, but San Diego re-acquired him from the Mariners, his original team. Blash raked in the minors and could see decent short-term playing time until Manuel Margot and/or Hunter Renfroe is promoted. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Keon Broxton, Brewers – Broxton got off to a horrible start after making the Brewers out of spring training, going 0-for-16 in six games. That slump landed him at Triple-A Colorado Springs, where he has hit .287/.362/.562 with eight home runs and 26 RBI in 178 at-bats, but some of that production has to be discounted due to the park. Broxton received a third chance, getting called up Monday to replace Will Middlebrooks (15-day DL) on the 25-man roster. With the team looking for the future, Milwaukee has little to lose with giving regular time to Broxton, which has been the case since his promotion. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

David Dahl, Rockies – Dahl, selected in the first round of the 2012 draft, was called up to the majors this week. His career had been slightly slowed by injuries but Dahl finally broke through this year. Dahl, who was added to the 40-man roster, slashed .314/.394/.569 with 18 home runs and 17 steals in 92 games between Double-A and Triple-A; though just 16 of them came at the higher level. He will play almost every day in left field, at least until Geraldo Parra (ankle) returns, and could move up in the order if he gets off to a hot start. Dahl projects to be an above-average hitter with power and it will be interesting to see what the Rockies do when Parra returns, though CarGo is believed to be on the block. 12-team mixed: $25; 15-team Mixed: $35; 12-team NL: $55 (up if CarGo is dealt)

Alex Dickerson, Padres – Dickerson was earning additional playing time thanks to his hot streak and now is seeing even more at-bats following the trade this week of Melvin Upton Jr. to Baltimore. San Diego has Manuel Margot and Hunter Renfroe in the minors, but neither are to be called up prior to the September 1 roster expansion. As such, Dickerson, who posted a .307/.374/.503 line with 12 home runs and 36 doubles last year and .382/.425/.622 with 10 home runs in 217 at-bats, should have about a month to prove he deserves to stick in the lineup daily. However, be aware that he left Friday's game with right hip discomfort following a collision in the ouftield. 12-team mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $35 (if believe in the hot streak)

Adam Frazier, Pirates – Frazier was called up in late-June to give the Pirates an extra outfielder with several on the team nursing mild ailments. He earned that promotion by batting.333/.401/.425 with 17 stolen bases for Triple-A Indianapolis. Frazier broke in as a shortstop but played the infield and outfield at Triple-A. He has made the most of his occasional playing time in Pittsburgh, possibly earning additional at-bats as the season wears on, which helps those in deeper leagues. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Manuel Margot/Hunter Renfroe, Padres – Margot was one of the jewels acquired by the Padres for Craig Kimbrel. He projects in the future to be the team's leadoff hitter, providing speed and defense with a modicum of power from the top of the order. That future may be now, as Margot was pulled from Triple-A El Paso's lineup Saturday fueling speculation that he will be promoted. San Diego traded Matt Kemp to the Braves on Saturday, a few days after dealing Melvin Upton Jr. to the Blue Jays, clearing room for Margot, who was batting 306/.356/.431 with four homers, 24 steals and just 40 strikeouts in 93 games with El Paso. Margot should be followed shortly thereafter by Renfroe, who San Diego selected in the first round of the 2013 draft. Renfore hit 20+ home runs in 2014 and 2015 but he has been plagued by a lower walk rate coupled with a high K rate, which has dimmed his prospects a bit. This season, Renfroe has put it altogether, batting .321 with 25 HR and 87 RBI, but that has come with 87:17 K:BB ratio. Renfroe brings power while Margot brings speed and a solid batting average and projects to hit 10-15 HR down the road. Margot - 12-team mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $22 (spec call up bid); Renfroe- 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early spec call up bid)

Brandon Nimmo, Mets – Nimmo was promoted in late-June to take the place of the slumping Michael Conforto, who exchanged places with Nimmo at Triple-A Las Vegas. After a slow start, Nimmo was up to .328/.409/.508 with five home runs for the 51s. Nimmo's 48:33 K:BB ratio showed an advanced approach at the plate and he was receiving solid playing time in left field as well as the occasional start in right. After a hot start, he slumped and he was sent down with just a .585 OPS in 16 games. Nimmo hit well in the minors following his demotion and replaces Juan Lagares, who landed on the disabled list due to the torn ligament in his left thumb. Conforto will play center field and Nimmo could see time there as well, as that's where he played when selected 13th overall in the 2011 draft. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1, 12-team NL: $4.

Justin Ruggiano, Mets – New York's outfield is a mess, so much so that the signed and started Ruggiano, who was recently waived by the Rangers, in center field Saturday. Ruggiano had spent the bulk of the year at Triple-A Round Rock, where he slashed an uninspiring .226/.321/.427 in 164 at-bats. New York needs a center fielder who can hit southpaws, given that they are using or were going to use lefty-hitting Michael Conforto, Alejandro De Aza, Brandon Nimmo and Curtis Granderson in that spot with Yoenis Cespedes quad still bothering him and Juan Lagares out at least six weeks. Ruggiano had close to a .900 OPS versus southpaws the past two seasons and could see short-term playing time against lefties. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $1, 12-team NL: $7

Andrew Toles, Dodgers – Toles was profiled three weeks when he was called up Friday, July 8, after rising through three levels this year, batting .330/.375/.507 with six homers and 23 stolen bases in 73 games. He started that night and Saturday, pushing Trayce Thompson to the bench. Toles missed all of 2015 after getting released by the Rays for an unspecified issue but has resurrected his career this season with the Dodgers. Joc Pederson (shoulder) was activated about two weeks ago but Toles has seen some time lately in RF with Yasiel Puig dealing with a hamstring injury. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Aaron Altherr, Phillies – Altherr, sidelined since March 9 after undergoing surgery to repair a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist, was activated off the disabled list Thursday. He started his rehab assignment with the Phillies' Gulf Coast League squad on July 8 and participated in 12 rehab games between Rookie League, High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, hitting above .285 at each level. Altherr returned with a bang, homering as part of a 3-for-4 night Thursday. Following the surgery, Althierr was expected to miss 4-to-6 months; he returned just shy of the five-month mark. He moved from Double-A to the majors last year, impressing the Phillies in the two months he was up in the bigs and projects to potentially be a 20-20 candidate in the future. His return to the Phillies costs Cody Asche and Peter Bourjos, now injured, at-bats. 12-team mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $22 (upped return bid).

Chris Coghlan, Cubs – Coghlan, out since July 3 with right rib soreness, was activated Friday after completing about a week-long rehab assignment. Prior to being sidelined, Coghlan was hitting just .155 with five home runs and 14 RBI in 194 at-bats. With the emergence of Willson Contreras, who is seeing time at catcher and left, Coghlan, who has played only left and right field in Chicago, will have a hard time finding consistent playing time when he is activated. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $2

Andre Ethier, Dodgers – Ethier, out with a right tibia fracture since mid-March that required surgery and was to sidelined him 10-to-14 weeks, took on-field batting practice for the first time since the injury Tuesay. Despite clearing that fairly significant hurdle, Ethier remains without a timetable to return. A bone scan earlier this month showed that Ethier's fracture was still not completely healed, which means he will remain out and not able to kick off a rehab stint. Ethier hopes to be back this season, though that might not be until September. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (very early spec return bid)

Enrique Hernandez, Dodgers – Hernandez, out since the end of June with left rib cage inflammation, kicked off a rehab stint this past week. He is seeing games up the ladder and should be back in LA this week. Hernandez will resume his role as Swiss army knife, filling in all over the infield and outfield, though most of his time this season has come in left field. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Gerardo Parra, Rockies – Parra, sidelined with a high left ankle sprain since June 14, began a rehab assignment with Double-A Hartford on Friday. If all goes well, Parra should be able to return to the Rockies sometime in early-August. Parra signed a three-year, $26 million contract with the Rockies in January of 2016 but struggled prior to his injury. But playing half your games in Colorado mean that a hot streak could happen at any time. 12-team mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $25, 12-team NL: $45 (if think that Coors Field results in big second half)

Hunter Pence – Giants – Pence, who underwent surgery on his torn right hamstring June 9, completed his rehab assignment at Triple-A Sacramento and was activated Saturday. His original rehab assignment was halted due to soreness in that hamstring, setting him back a week or so. Pence played even games at Sacramento, going 10-for-24 with two doubles and three homers. When injured, Pence was hitting .298 with seven home runs and 36 RBI in 50 games this year. The Giants have mixed-and-matched in right field in his absence and have the best record in major league baseball but will welcome Pence back with open arms. 12-team mixed: $55; 15-team Mixed: $75, 12-team NL: go max remaining

David Peralta, Diamondbacks – Peralta, placed on the 15-day DL on June 20 after dealing with a lower back sprain, was activated Friday. He played five contests for Triple-A Reno after spending a few games both at Double-A Mobile and in the rookie league. This was Peralta's second stint on the DL, which has resulted in him having just 147 at-bats on the year. Prior to being sidelined again, Peralta was hitting a disappointing .259 with four home runs and 15 RBI and a nightmarish 38:8 K:BB ratio. Peralta, who last year hit .312 (eighth best in the National League) with 17 home runs and 78 RBI, gets a chance to turn around his season when he activated likely sometime late this week. 12-team mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22, 12-team NL: $35 (same as prior, if believe he is fully healthy and regains his 2015 form)