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.

Jose De Leon, Dodgers – De Leon profiled several times over the previous weeks gets another mention, as he finally might get the nod with Bud Norris, Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill out. Ross Stripling started Saturday and Hill may be over his blister soon, but De Leon is at the ready if he gets the call. Injuries have limited him to 11 starts, but he now has 66 strikeouts along with a 3.83 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 51.2 innings, the latter two numbers skewed by a one-inning, eight-hit, seven-run debacle on July 25. De Leon attacks hitters with his low-90s fastball and judicious use of plus-plus changeup and slider. He is the second-best pitching prospect for LA, right behind Julio Urias, and the chatter continues that he could be up in the majors in the near-term. DeLeon tossed 114,1 innings last season, striking out 163, and by missing the first month of the year and only tossing 51.2 innings to date, he likely should be able to pitch the entire rest of the 2016 campaign without needing to be shut down. 12-team mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $18 (early spec bid, up more if he gets promoted shortly)

Roberto Hernandez, Braves – Hernandez, formerly known as Fausto Carmona, was promoted from Triple-A Gwinnett to start Saturday against the Cardinals with Atlanta's rotation depleted by injuries. That outing was a mild success, as he allowed three runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four in five innings to earn the win. Hernandez, made 16 starts for Gwinnett, posting a 4.60 ERA with 59 strikeouts and 26 walks over 86 innings, and last pitched in the majors for the Astros in 2015. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Matt Moore, Giants – Moore was acquired at the trade deadline from the Rays for Matt Duffy, Lucius Fox and another prospect. Prior to getting traded, Moore had been rolling last five starts, posting a 1.60 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 33.2 innings to finish with a 4.08 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 109K in 130 innings. With the deal, Moore moves to a good pitcher's park and should have a solid D behind him. Walks are still a concern but he gets a nice boost with the trade. 12-team mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: $65.

Ivan Nova, Pirates - Pittsburgh acquired Nova from the Yankees to fill the fifth spot in their rotation. He basically is a cheap fill-in until Tyler Glasnow (shoulder) returns. When that happens, Nova could move back to the bullpen or replace Ryan Vogelsong in the rotation. Nova may get a slight bump in value moving from the AL to NL and Yankee Stadium to PNC Park, but don't overrate. He picked up a win in his NL debut Saturday, allowed three runs on six hits while striking out five over seven innings. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $9.

Ross Stripling, Dodgers – Stripling was promoted to start for the injured Bud Norris on Saturday. He was brilliant, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out four over five scoreless innings to bet the Red Sox. Prior to this outing, Stripling had made eight starts (and four relief appearances) for the Dodgers, posting a 4.14 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 40:20 K/BB ratio in 54.1 innings. He could get one more start of Rich Hill's blister keeps him sidelined. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2.

Jake Thompson, Phillies – With Philly playing for the future, it was only a matter of time before Thompson was promoted. Originally, his outings were mirroring that of Jeremy Hellickson, who was on the block. Hellickson wasn't traded, but Aaron Nola landed on the disabled list. That opened up a rotation spot for Thompson, who allowed six runs on seven hits and two walks in just 4.1 innings against the Padres on Saturday. He had posted a 2.50 ERA at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, albeit with just 87K in 129.2 innings. Thompson, who came over in the Cole Hamels trade, made a mechanical adjustment after a poor start on May 31, aligning his upper and lower half in his delivery, and credits that for his turnaround, as he now is consistently throwing strikes. His fastball usually sits in the low-90s, topping out at 94 mph, and he mixes in a nasty slider and an improving curveball and changeup. Overall, Thompson was 11-5 with just 105 hits allowed, a 1.10 WHIP and a 87:37 K:BB in 129.2 innings..12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $14.

Rob Whalen, Braves – Whalen won his major-league debut, gave up four runs on four hits and four walks over five innings Wednesday against the Pirates. He earned the promotion, by posting a 2.40 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 112:44 K:BB in 21 starts between Double-A and Triple-A. Whalen was especially good his last 10 starts, posting a 1.93 ERA Whalen came to the Braves along with John Gant last season from the Mets for Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe. He will need to limit his walks due to his lack of swing-and-miss stuff. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

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 last Thursday. He followed that up by tossing four scoreless innings in his next rehab start at this level. Anderson will need to get to seven innings before being considered for a possible activation and LA does have openings in the rotation. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same early spec bid)

Rubby De La Rosa, Diamondbacks – De La Rosa, out since May 25 with elbow inflammation, throw 40 pitches to A.J. Pollock and Chris Herrmann on Tuesday. He was able to throw all of his pitches - using his fastball, slider and changeup during the session. Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale said De La Rosa may throw batting practice one more time before heading out on a rehab assignment sometime next week. De La Rosa, who posted a  4.15 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in eight starts, will likely need anywhere between 3-5 rehab starts before being ready to rejoin Arizona. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec return bid)

Zack Greinke, Diamondbacks – Greinke, out since June 28 with the oblique injury, tossed 83 pitches for Triple-A Reno on Wednesday, allowing five runs on nine hits and two walks with five strikeouts. This was his second outing, as Greinke pitched in an Arizona Rookie League game last Friday, tossing three innings and allowing four hits, one unearned run, and a 5:0 K:BB. Greinke appears to be over the injury and the tightness in his oblique he felt a few weeks ago. He got off to a horrific start, but righted the ship the past several weeks before he was injured. Greinke could rejoin the D-Backs to start August 9 against the Mets. Just an FYI as he should still be owned.

John Gant, Braves – Gant, on the 15-day disabled list with an oblique injury since June 28, made the first of what should be three rehab starts before rejoining the Braves for Low-A Rome on Tuesday. He threw three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and a walk while striking out two. 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)

Rich Hill, Dodgers – Hill was traded with Josh Reddick to LA for three pitching prospects. Hill has been sidelined with a blister since July 17 but despite playing catch Thursday without any issues won't start Sunday against the Red Sox. Prior to being injured, Hill had been on a roll posting a 1.67 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 10.3 K/9 over his last five starts. Overall, Hill has a 2.25 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 90:28 K:BB in 76 innings over 14 starts. He should continue to excel pitching at Chavez Ravine in front of what could be a solid LA offense, though he first needs to get back on the hill for that to happen. 12-team mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: $55 (up bid if you think he starts this week)

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, was promoted to start Thursday against the Braves. He allowed one run on three hits and a walk with six strikeouts in six innings. It looked like Vogelsong would be a luxury for Pittsburgh when/if he returned. But with Tyler Glasnow leaving his July 23 start with right shoulder fatigue and Jon Niese out of the rotation, Vogelsong is now a necessity. Vogelsong pitched to a 2.86 ERA over 22 combined innings between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis during his four rehab starts. Prior to being injured, Vogelsong posted a 3.74 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over 21.2 innings of work. With Jeff Locke moved to the bullpen, Vogelsong should stick in the rotation at least until Glasnow is back. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $9.

Zack Wheeler, Mets – Wheeler, rehabbing from March 2015 Tommy John surgery, finally began a rehab assignment at High-A St. Lucie on Saturday. Now that this has actually happened, the 30-day clock on his activation from the disabled list begins, which means he should be back in the majors by early September. Prior to his injury, Wheeler took a major step forward in 2014, going 111-11 with a 3.54 ERA and 187K in 185.1 along with improved ground-ball and walk rates. If all goes right, Wheeler, who mixes a mid-90s fastball that tops out at 97 mph with a nasty mid-70s curveball and work-in-progress changeup, could get some spot starts in the last month of the season. But, he has already had several small setbacks, so temper your expectations. 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $6; 12-team NL: $9 (early spec return bid)

Relief Pitchers:

Corey Knebel/Tyler Thornburg, Brewers – Milwaukee traded Jeremy Jeffress to the Rangers and Will Smith to the Giants, leaving a hole at the back-end of their bullpen. Knebel and Thornburg are filling that gap. Knebel missed the first two months of the year with an oblique injury and was sent down after throwing just 4.1 innings. He excelled in the minors and has carried that success back up to the majors, using his mid-90s fastball and slider to succeed. Thornburg has been nasty this year, posting a 2.27 ERA, 0.96 WHIP with 61 strikeouts in just 43.2 innings. Prior to the trades, he was setting up Jeffress, but now, has transitioned to the closer role. Knebel may factor in the mix but Thornburg is by far the one to own. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Thornburg - 12-team mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $35

Injury activation/updates:

Arodys Vizcaino, Braves – Vizcaino, out since July 15 with an oblique injury, threw a bullpen session Friday. Prior to being sidelined, Vizcaino had gotten off to a brilliant start, but struggled in his last four appearances, as he had just a 2:6 K:BB ratio in 3.1 innings and saw his ERA rise from 1.93 to 2.75 and WHIP from 1.22 to 1.44 on the year, during that span and increasing his WHIP from 1.22 to 1.44. The time off may have allowed Viz's arm to get refreshed. He reportedly didn't have any setbacks from the bullpen session and he should throw again in the coming days. Vizcaino likely will need a rehab assignment but he could rejoin the Braves at some point later this month. Jim Johnson has done an excellent job standing in for Viz as the Braves' closer, but Vizcaino should regain the role when he returns. 12-team mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $22 (early spec return bid, up as he gets closer)

Catchers:
 
Manny Pina/Andrew Susac, Brewers – Milwaukee, who traded Jonathan Lucroy to the Rangers, may have gotten their catcher in the future in Susac, acquiring him and Phil Bickford for Will Smith. Right now, Susac is at Triple-A Colorado Springs, but he should be up in September. He hit .273/.342/.455 with eight homers and 36 RBI in 58 games with Triple-A Sacramento this season after slashing .218/.297/.368 over 148 plate appearances in the majors a year ago. Susac lost out to Trevor Brown to back up Buster Posey to start the year but may get the chance to be a full-time starter in Milwaukee. Pina is a stop-gap to back up Martin Maldonado, who was profiled last week when it looked like Lucroy was headed to Cleveland. Pina - 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0; Susac- 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec bid)

Cameron Rupp, Phillies – Rupp, profiled a month ago, continues to rake, as he belted his 13th home run of the season Friday. His two hits in the game upped his season line to .278/.329/.502 with 38 RBI to go along with the 13 home runs. Rupp, who has benefited from a change in approach at the plate, resulting in a marked rise in his exit velocity, is the clear #1 catcher over Carlos Ruiz, though Jorge Alfaro looms in the minors. 12-team mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $32, 15-team NL: owned.

Injury activation/updates:

First Basemen:
 
Clint Robinson, Nationals – Ryan Zimmerman landed on the disabled list again, this time with a left wrist injury. The last time Zim was sidelined, Robinson did a decent job filling in for him at first, before slumping. Like last time, Dusty Baker may elect to move Daniel Murphy to first, play Trea Turner at second and reinsert Ben Revere in center. However, look for Robinson, who had 10 HR and 34 RBI in 309 AB last year, to see some playing time at first while Zim is out. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4, 15-team NL: $11

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 was to be a short rehab stint at Triple-A New Orleans last Friday. He was rejoin the Marlins early this past week, but now, the new goal is to have him join the team Monday when Miami returns home to play the Giants. 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, was activated Tuesday as expected following a short rehab stint. 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, though Moss could see some starts at both corner outfield spots. Last week's low bid was due to the hot bat of Jedd Gyorko, who could steal time at first from Moss, even though Matt Adams has struggled. But it looks like Moss will start almost daily resulting in a higher proposed bid. 12-team mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: $35 (if waived), 15-team NL: owned

Second Base:

Dilson Herrera, Reds – Herrera was expected to be the Mets' second baseman of the future when Daniel Murphy was allowed to go to Washington and Neil Walker, who had one year left on his deal, was brought in from Pittsburgh. That now will not be the case, as Herrera was traded with Max Wotell to Cincy for Jay Bruce. Brandon Nimmo, Wotell and one other player was to go to the Reds but when the deal fell through, Herrera was subbed in for Nimmo in the revised deal. Herrera hit .276/.327/.462 with 13 homers and six steals in 86 games with Triple-A Las Vegas this season, but is limited defensively to second base after being a shortstop in the past. If Brandon Phillips can be moved, Herrera, who is in the minors, will battle Jose Peraza to replace him. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec bid)

Tony Renda, Reds – Renda, after just 23 games at Triple-A Louisville, was promoted to the Reds on Tuesday. He hit .326/.369/.467 in 68 games at Double-A Pensacola to earn the promotion to Double-A. Renda, who came over to the Reds from the Yankees in the Aroldis Chapman deal, replaces Jose Peraza and will see the occasional start at second base to give 35-year-old Brandon Phillips extra time off. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Matt Carpenter, Cardinals – Carpenter, out with a high oblique strain that occurred while taking a swing July 6, was activated Friday following a short rehab stint. 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. FYI as he should still be owned

Shortstops:

Cristhian Adames/Daniel Descalso/Rafael Ynoa, Rockies – Trevor Story's torn UCL in his left thumb required surgery, which will sideline him for the rest of the year, leaving a huge hole at shortstop for the Rockies. Adames is great defensively but his offense leaves a ton to be desired. Descalso, after missing the first month of the season with a hand injury, has posting a career best BA, OBP, and SLG aided by a close to .400 BABIP. He likely is in line to see most of the playing time at shortstop but left Thursday's game early with a left shoulder contusion after running into a wall trying to catch a fly ball while playing left field. Ynoa can fill in all over and will likely do so with the Rockies this next go-around. Adames - 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0; Descalso - 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $11; Ynoa - 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Orlando Arcia, Brewers – Arcia was profiled earlier this year and about a month ago about it being when not if he would be up finally came true. He tore through Double-A last season, posting a .307/.343/.453 slash line with eight home runs and 25 steals as a 20-year old. Arcia didn't look out of place in major-league camp this spring and was sent down to get Triple-A seasoning. hit .267/.320/.403 with eight homers and 15 stolen bases in 100 games with Triple-A Colorado Springs this season, against competition that was (on average) more than five years older than him. Jean Segura was traded this past January and Jonathan Villar, who came over this off-season from Houston, ably handled shortstop, but he has been moved to third base, making room for Arcia and shifting Hernan Perez to a super-utility role. 12-team mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $18, 12-team NL: $35 (he may take time to settle in at this higher level).

Jordy Mercer, Pirates – Mercer had a big July, batting .325 in 83 at-bats, continuing a career pattern, and has been red-hot since the All-Star break. He now is up to six home runs and 38 runs batted in for the year and could finish with double-digit home runs and 50+ RBI. While that isn't elite, it's serviceable especially in NL-only and deeper leagues. 12-team mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9, 12-team NL:owned

Matt Reynolds, Mets – Reynolds was promoted for the third time this season this week to give the Mets middle infield and third base depth with Jose Reyes (ribs) and Asdrubal Cabrera (knee) sidelined. He should see decent playing time at shortstop until either Reyes or Cabrera are back. Reynolds does bring a bit of power to the shortstop position. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Jose Rondon, Padres – Rondon, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he now is seeing consistent playing with Alexei Amarista landing on the disabled list. San Diego's trade of Andrew Cashner and Colin Rea created holes in the 25-man roster, one of which was filled by Rondon, who was then sent down and called back up due to Amarista's injury. Rondon's production at Double-A San Antonio was middling, 279/.310/.386 with five homers and 13 steals in 96 games but he 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. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $9.

Injury activation/updates:

Ehire Adrianza, Giants – Adrianza, out since April 15 with a fractured left foot, was activated from the disabled list Tuesday. He was originally expected to miss six weeks but finally started his rehab assignment July 13, during which he posted a .294/.329/.632 line with six home runs between High-A San Jose and Triple-A Sacrament. Now that he's back with the big club, Adrianza will likely serve as a backup to Brandon Crawford and Joe Panik as well as possibly Eduardo Nunez. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $0.

Jhonny Peralta, Cardinals – Peralta, who missed the first two months of the season due to a left thumb injury that required surgery, had been out since July 17 with an unrelated thumb injury. He was activated as expected from the disabled list Tuesday, the first day he was eligible. Peralta is taking over at shortstop from the injured Aledmys Diaz, who is out with a hairline fracture in his thumb. Prior to being injured, Peralta was hitting .221 with five home runs in 113 at-bats. Greg Garcia and Jedd Gyorko both stood in well for Peralta, with Gyorko to see time at second, short and third. 12-team mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $11, 15-team NL: $22.

Third Basemen:

Ty Kelly, Mets – Kelly was promoted for the second time this season Tuesday, this time due to Asdrubal Cabrera landing on the disabled list with a patella tendon injury. Kelly raked in the minors, batting .342 with an .880 OPS, but he hit .148/.207/.259 in 14 games during his earlier stint this year in the big leagues. He started in left Saturday and could see some time in the infield as well. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1, 15-team NL: $4

Injury activation/updates:

Outfielders:

Jabari Blash, Padres – Blash, profiled last week after he was promoted last Sunday to fill the roster spot of Matt Kemp, who was dealt to the Braves for Hector Olivera, gets another mention, as he is seeing extended playing time. 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 have about a month of soli playing time until Manuel Margot and/or Hunter Renfroe is promoted. 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped bid from prior week due to speed potential).

Lewis Brinson, Brewers – Brinson, a top-30 prospect coming into the season, has suffered through a disappointing 2016 campaign, batting just 237/.280/.431 on the year. A shoulder injury cost him a month and likely adversely impacted him at the plate prior to him being sidelined. Brinson, a five-tool player, was the key name traded to Milwaukee from Texas for Jonathan Lucroy. He has hit the ground running at Triple-a Colorado Springs and could be a September call up to get a head start on filling the role as Milwaukee's center fielder. Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec call up)

Alejandro De Aza, Mets – Jay Bruce's acquisition has created a major logjam in the Mets' outfield but there is a huge hole in center field with Juan Lagares out six weeks and Yoenis Cespedes unable to play CF even before his bad quad landed him on the disabled list. New York's best defensive option there us De Aza, who has been redhot since the beginning of July, going 13-for-41 with eight runs scored through Thursday. De Aza isn't starting daily but should continue to see lots of playing time while he is hot at the plate. Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $9.

Brian Goodwin, Nationals – Stop me if you head this before but Ryan Zimmerman (wrist) is back on the disabled list. To replace him on the 25-man roster, Goodwin was promoted from Triple-A Syracuse. Goodwin hit .284/.350/.434 in 109 games with Syracuse and will work as a reserve outfielder in Washington. Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Travis Jankowski, Padres – Jankowski continues to start daily in center field and does he best "Run Forrest Run" impression. Don't expect any power from him, but he has a .350+ OBA with 23 steals on the year. Thirteen over those steals have come in the last month, giving the owners who picked him up a huge boost. Jankowski could lose time when Manuel Margot and/or Hunter Renfroe is promoted. But for now, ride the speedy wave. Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $35

Brandon Nimmo, Mets – Nimmo, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he was sent down and then called back up with Yoenis Cespedes landing on the disabled list. 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 first was called up to replace Juan Lagares, who landed on the disabled list due to the torn ligament in his left thumb. The acquisition of Jay Bruce created a logjam, so Nimmo, who was originally heading to Cincy for Bruce before the trade was reworked, was sent down. Now with Yo out, Nimmo could see some time at both corner spots with Conforto slumping. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1, 12-team NL: $4.

Josh Reddick, Dodgers – Reddick came along with Rich Hill to LA for three pitching prospects. His acquisition was the final straw to enable the Dodgers to send down Yasiel Puig. Reddick, who brings a power bat and strong defense to Chavez Ravine, will start at least against all righties. He may sit against lefties for Scott Van Slyke, as he did Wednesday, but he will see plenty of at-bats for the Dodgers. Mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: $35

Scott Schebler, Reds – I hearken you back to the first column of the year when I wrote the following? "Left field in Cincy initially looks like it will be a platoon between Adam Duvall and Scott Schebler. Duvall should play against lefties and be a decent source of power if he can limit his strikeouts. Schebler will see time against righties and could be a double-double candidate, if he too can limit his strikeouts. Go for Schebler first and view Duvall as a fallback option." How wrong I was. Duvall ran with the job and Schebler ended up in the minors after playing 27 games. Schebler hit  .311/.370/.564 line with 13 home runs over 75 games to earn a second chance. He will be the starting left fielder for the rest of the season following Jay Bruce getting dealt to the Mets on Monday. Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $16.

Denard Span, Giants – Span is giving the Giants the type of leadoff hitter they hoped they were getting when they signed him to a three-year deal this offseason. He has upped his average from .246 to 264 since the All-Star break, going 28-for-84 with nine runs scored and three stolen bases. Span has been limited slightly by a quad injury, which is likely why he hasn't run much. But he is locked in as the leadoff hitter against right-handed pitching. If he can stay healthy, he should be a nice source of runs atop a potent SF lineup. Mixed: $9; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: owned

Injury activation/updates:

Socrates Brito, Diamondbacks – Brito, out with a fractured big toe since June 24, kicked off a rehab assignment last week. Arizona has recently gotten healthy in the outfield, though David Peralta was scratched from Saturday's lineup due to wrist soreness suffered when he crashed into the outfield wall Friday. If Peralta is sidelined, Brito, could get the nod and see time in right field and spilt time with Brandon Drury. Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Enrique Hernandez, Dodgers – Hernandez, out since the end of June with left rib cage inflammation, was activated last Sunday after a short rehab stint. Now that he is back, Hernandez resumes 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

A.J. Pollock, Diamondbacks – Pollock, profiled a few weeks ago, was expected to miss the year after having surgery in April to repair a fracture to the growth plate on his right elbow, the same place it was fractured in 2010. That looks like it won't be the case, as Pollock was the DH in an Arizona League game Friday and manager Chip Hale believes he could return to the Diamondbacks before September. Pollock first progressed to shagging flyballs, swinging a bat and throwing a ball from 60 feet. He then moved to partaking in some soft-pitch hitting, then live batting practice prior to now starting game action. Following the operation, it was announced Pollock would miss at least three months, which will be in July, so Pollock resumed baseball activities right in line with that estimate. Pollock's relatively set timeframe makes him worth a spot on your bench. 12-team mixed: $9; 15-team Mixed: $18, 12-team NL: $24 (early spec return bid)

Jorge Soler, Cubs – Soler, out since June 6 with a strained left hamstring, was activated off the disabled list Friday following a several week rehab stint. He punctuated that return with a bang, blasting a three-run home run. Prior to being injured, Soler hit just 223/.322/.377 line in 50 games but he had just gotten hot, batting .310/.444/.552 with two home runs over the last two weeks before he was sidelined. Now that Soler is back, look for him to play primarily in left field against left-handed pitching. 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 12-team NL: $11.