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.

Aaron Blair, Braves - Blair, who posted a 7.99 ERA earlier this season in Atlanta before he was sent down, will be called up start Sunday for the Braves. His time at Triple-A Gwinnett wasn't much better, as he went 2-4 with a 5.98 ERA and a .313 opponents batting average, so don't rush out to grab him. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0.

A.J. Cole, Nationals – Cole was promoted this week to make his first MLB appearance in 2016, starting in place of the injured Stephen Strasburg (elbow). He took the loss Monday, giving up four runs on five hits (including two home runs) over seven innings. Cole got the nod with Reynaldo Lopez (since demoted) already in the majors and Lucas Giolito starting in the minors. His numbers at Triple-A Syracuse aren't stellar, as he's 8-8 with a 4.26 ERA after 22 starts, but he received get a second start Saturday against the Rockies, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks with four strikeouts in 5.2 innings. That so-so start coupled with the roster expansion Thursday might result in Cole moving to the bullpen, though as of now, he is scheduled to start Friday versus the Mets. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3.

Jose De Leon, Dodgers – De Leon profiled several times over the previous weeks gets another mention, as he continues to excel in the minors. He has allowed six runs in 27 innings over his last four starts, including a 32:3 K:BB ratio, for Triple-A Oklahoma City, giving him a 2.86 ERA and 0,98 WHIP on the year. De Leon allowed seven earned runs in an inning six starts ago; if you remove that outing, it's 18 ER in 77.2 innings pitched. Los Angeles called up Brock Stewart to start Saturday rather than add De Leon to the 40-man roster and promote him. The belief/hope is that De Leon will be up when the rosters expand Thursday, though that is somewhat up in the air since he has yet to be promoted. He attacks hitters with his low-90s fastball and judicious use of plus-plus changeup and slider. De Leon is the second-best pitching prospect for LA, right behind Julio Urias. He tossed 114,1 innings last season, striking out 163, and by missing the first month of the year and only tossing 78.2 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: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (slightly lowered spec call up bid)

Amir Garrett, Reds – Garrett has steadily moved up the ladder, moving from High-A Daytona to Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Louisville in the past two years. He posted a 2.44 ERA with a 133:55 K:BB over 140.1 innings in High-A last year to begin this season at Pensacola. Garrett didn't show any signs of slowing down, notching a 1.75 ERA in 13 games for Pensacola before getting moved up to Louisville. He struggled slightly at the next level but has made the adjustment, excelling lately. Cody Reed and Robert Stephenson saw the majors this year, look for Garrett to maybe do so as well. 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Lucas Giolito, Nationals – Giolito was called up to start Sunday. He struggled in his first three major-league starts, failing to go more than four innings in any of them, as walks have been a major problem (nine in 11 innings) leading to a 4.91 ERA and 1.91 WHIP. Giolito, after struggling initially, posted a 3.17 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 72:34 K:BB over 71 innings (14 starts) for Double-A Harrisburg this year to earn the promotion. He has been solid at Triple-A Syracuse, notching a 2.76 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in his six starts with a 35:9K:BB ratio in 29.1 innings. Giolito has a mid-90s fastball, 12-to-6 nasty curveball and solid changeup. When he is on, he can be unhittable, though at times, his fastball can be straight. Giolito is taking Reynaldo Lopez's spot but it remains to be seen if he will stay in the rotation when Joe Ross is ready to return. 12-team mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14.

Robert Gsellman, Mets – Gsellman, who has the "flow" to rival Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, now joins those two in the Mets' rotation. He was promoted to originally shadow Jon Niese on Monday. When Niese's knee injury forced him from the game, Gsellman went 3.2 innings to get the win and with Niese out for the year, Gselllman takes his spot. Gsellman posted a 5.73 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 40:16 K:BB in 48.2 innings over nine starts for Triple-A Las Vegas but had a 2.71 ERA and 1.09 WHIP through 11 starts at Double-A Binghamton. If Gsellman falters, Seth Lugo, who is starting for Steven Matz, will replace him in the rotation. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Josh Hader, Brewers – Hader was profiled earlier this season but with the September 1 roster expansion around the corner, he gets another mention. A 19th round pick by the Astros in 2012, Hader came to the Brewers in the Carlos Gomez trade last season. He continued his rise last year and was brilliant in the AFL, posting a 0.56 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 16 innings. Hader didn't slowed at all earlier this season, notching a 0.95 ERA in 57 innings of work, to go along with a 1.00 WHIP and a 73:19 K:BB ratio at Double-A Biloxi to earn a promotion. He hasn't fared as well at Triple-A Colorado Springs, going 1-5 with a 4.79 ERA, but his road ERA is 3.79, which is more than two runs less than his mark at home. Hader had a dominant effort earlier thus week, striking out 12 hitters in six innings fueling speculation of a promotion. His unorthodox delivery and build has raised questions about his durability, but for now, he projects to remain in the rotation. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec bid)

Mike Montgomery, Cubs – Montgomery made his second straight start in place of the injured John Lackey (shoulder), allowing three runs on six hits and four walks with five strikeouts Friday versus the Dodgers. Lackey is slated to throw a bullpen session Monday but look for Chicago to remain cautious with his return given their big divisional lead. As such, look for Montgomery to remain in the rotation as a five-inning starter, who has some wins and strikeout upside. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Ivan Nova, Pirates - I profiled Nova when Pittsburgh acquired him from the Yankees to fill the fifth spot in their rotation. This is what I wrote then: 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." Well, I have to admit so far I have been wrong. Nova has allowed nine runs over 25.1 innings in four starts en route to a 3-0 record with his new team; aided by a ridiculous 18:1 K:BB ratio, drop in his HR/IP ratio and strong GB/FB ratios. If you have Nova, roll with him until the wheels fall off. 12-team mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18.

Robert Stephenson, Reds – Stephenson, who has struggled at Triple-A Louisville, with a 6-9 record and 4.66 ERA in 22 starts, could still be promoted after September 1. He has shown an inability to make adjustments but didn't pitch badly in two starts in the majors this year. Stephenson may get a chance to show that his struggles are due to the level he is in and that he needs the challenge of the majors. Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7.

Brock Stewart, Dodgers – Stewart was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to start Sunday against the Cubs. LA opted to go with Stewart rather than promote Jose De Leon. Stewart has had a rough time on the mound with the Dodgers this season, allowing 15 runs (including five home runs) over 12 innings of action, including a pair of start. However, he's been fantastic in the minors, posting a 2.49 ERA and 0.94 WHIP across nine starts, which is why he received the promotion. Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Albert Suarez, Giants – Suarez was promoted Saturday to start for Jake Peavy, who landed on the disabled list with a back injury. Peavy was replacing the injured Matt Cain, who is due back shortly. But Suarez, who made 16 appearances, including six starts, made the spot start against the Braves. Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0.

Rafael Montero, Mets - Montero will be promoted and start Monday in place of Jacob deGrom, whose turn on the rotation os being skipped due to fatigue and to work on mechanical issues. Montero, who missed almost all of last-season with shoulder woes that the Mets' doctors were unable to find, opened the season at Triple-A Las Vegas but was demoted due to poor performance after he posted a 4.60 ERA in 16 starts with the 51s. With his prospect status diminished and his career possibly hanging by a thread, Montero turned it around at Double-A Binghamton, posting a 1.70 ERA in eight starts, albeit with 19 walks in 47.2 innings pitched. With the rosters expanding Thursday, look for Montero to remain with the Mets as a spot-starter and bullpen arm. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0, 15-team NL: $3

Injury activation/updates:

Tyler Glasnow, Pirates – Glasnow, profiled the last three weeks, gets another mention, as he made a rehab start Monday for Double-A Altoona tossing 57 pitches over three scoreless innings. He threw another side session Wednesday and could make a rehab start for Triple-A Indianapolis before rejoining the Pirates. Glasnow has been out with shoulder discomfort since his July 23 start, and as long he doesn't have any more setbacks, he likely will be back when the rosters expand September 1. Ryan Vogelsong and Chad Kuhl have filled the bottom two spots well enough, so Pittsburgh does not need to push Glasnow back, and it remains to be seen what role he will play when activated. 12-team mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (same bid)

Junior Guerra, Brewers – Guerra, sidelined since his August 3 start with an elbow injury, began a rehab assignment Saturday with Triple-A Colorado Springs. He likely will need 2-3 starts before rejoining the Brewers in mid-September. Guerra has been an out of the blue godsend for Milwaukee, posting 7-3 with a 2.93 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 90 strikeouts in 107.1 innings before he was sidelined. Any setbacks likely mean he will be shut down for the season. 12-team mixed: $22 (in case he was waived); 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

Chris Heston, Giants – Heston, out since late-June with an oblique injury, began a rehab assignment with High-A San Jose on Tuesday, allowing three runs on five in 4.1 innings. He likely will need 1-2 more starts before he is ready to be activated and join the Giants. With Matt Cain and Jake Peavy less than optimal options, Heston could end up as the team's fifth starter when he is activated. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid)

Rich Hill, Dodgers – Hill, traded with Josh Reddick to LA for three pitching prospects, was sidelined with a blister since July 17. He made his long-awaited Dodgers' debut Wednesday against the Giants and was brilliant. Hill held the Giants scoreless on five hits with three strikeouts over six innings and 81 pitches in a 1-0 win. 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. 12-team mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: $75 (if couldn't bid until he was activated).

Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers – Kershaw, out since his back pain flared up after a simulated game on July 16, threw 22 pitches in a bullpen session Saturday. He said his back felt 100 percent after the session and tossed a solid bullpen session this past Tuesday. Kershaw will throw another extended bullpen session – about 60 pitches - in a couple days, then face live hitters and head out on what is likely to be a one-outing rehab start. He is eligible to return from the 60-day disabled list August 27 but clearly will be out beyond that, possibly by just a week or so. 12-team mixed: $45; 15-team Mixed: $55; 12-team NL: $65 (in case he was waived, you believe he was healthy and he is back in early-September)

Lance Lynn, Cardinals – Lynn, who is recovering from November, Tommy John surgery, made his second rehab start, tossing three scoreless innings, allowing three hits while striking out three, August 24 for Double-A Springfield. That outing comes after he tossed 1.2 innings in his first outing Monday, August 15. He struck out two while allowing just one hit on 27 pitches at High-A Palm Beach. Lynn, who was expected to miss all of 2016, has reported no setbacks, so he should continue to progress forward with his rehab. It's possible that Lynn, who is using all of his 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).

Tyson Ross, Padres – Ross, who has made just one start this year and is now sidelined with arm and shoulder injuries, made his first rehab start Thursday and it was a short one. He lasted just two-thirds of an inning against High-A Rancho Cucamonga, allowing four earned runs on three hits and a pair of walks in 27 pitches. Ross has tossed a pair of stellar bullpen session this past week, paving the way for the start of his rehab assignment. He will likely need another 2-3 rehab starts to build up his pitch count for a return to the majors. It's likely that this return will not occur until mid-September. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid)

Relief Pitchers:

Randall Delgado/Daniel Hudson, Diamondbacks – Arizona's late-inning bug-a-boos reach another level this week when Jake Barrett and Enrique Burgos imploded, yes, that scream is from me as I have owned both. In response, Manager Chip Hale said this week that Delgado and Hudson will see late-inning work. Hudson was brilliant early in the year, but then posted a 24.21 ERA in 165 appearances from June 23 to Aug. 2, before rebounding lately, reeling off 11 scoreless appearances. Delgado, who has a 4.10 ERA, is also on a roll, reeling off 12 consecutive games without allowing an earned run to drop his ERA from 4.86 on Aug. 4 to its current mark. Hudson, who has 17 holds this year and 20 last year, likely will get the first shot to close, but he is a free agent after the year, so Arizona could hedge their bets. Complicating matter is that Delgado is arbitration eligible, so experience as a closer could boost his asking price. Delgado - 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4 12-team NL: $7; Delgado - 12-team mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14.

Injury activation/updates:

Catchers:
 
Jorge Alfaro, Phillies – Alfaro, acquired as part of the deal that sent Cole Hamels to the Rangers last season, was called up Friday then sent back down Saturday. A roster spot opened with the trade of Carlos Ruiz to the Dodgers for A.J. Ellis until Ellis met the Phillies. Alfaro slashed .279/.322/.444 with 13 HR and 61 RBI over 369 at-bats at Double-A Reading this season, but batted just .212/.278/.288 in August. The Phillies now have solid depth at catcher with Rupp, Alfaro and Andrew Knapp and Alfaro could start 2017 at Triple-A Lehigh Valley to work on his plate discipline and defense – besides his arm – behind the dish. Look for Alfaro to be called back up sometime in September and see two starts a week behind Cameron Rupp and Ellis. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1, 15-team NL: $4 (up in keeper leagues)

Rafael Lopez, Reds, - Lopez was promoted Saturday to take the place of the injured Ramon Cabrera as a backup to Tucker Barnhart, who also is a bit banged up. In 47 games at Triple-A Louisville, Lopez batted .213 with a home run and 17 runs batted in, so don't expect much offense when/if he plays. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $0

Injury activation/updates:

Chris Stewart, Pirates – Stewart, out since early-July with left knee discomfort, is playing nine innings every other day with Double-A Altoona during his rehab stint. With Eric Fryer backing up Francisco Cervelli, Stewart likely won't rejoin the Pirates until rosters expand in September, at which point he might start once a week. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $0

First Basemen:
 
Stephen Cardullo, Rockies – Cardullo, who was a 24th round by Arizona in 2010, played four years in the independent league before returning to affiliated play, was promoted by the Rockies on Friday. He posted a .308/.367/.522 line at Triple-A Albuquerque, including 328/.401/.632 against lefties. Geraldo Parra started at first the other day, so Colorado may be setting up a righty-lefty facing platoon at first base with Parra and Cardullo. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Brandon Snyder, Braves – Snyder was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday following the trade of Jeff Francouer. He posted just a .182 batting average in 24 games with the parent club in June-July but had a .515 SLG in 24AB and a .327/.358/.442 slash line in 43 games at Gwinnett. Snyder will see the occasional start. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Second Base:

Dilson Herrera, Reds – Herrera, profiled a few weeks after he was traded to the Reds, is expected to be a post-September 1 call up now that he is over the shoulder injury that sidelined him. He 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 is 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)

Luis Sardinas, Padres – Your garden-variety back-up middle infielder. Will see some time at second base for the Padres. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0

Chase Utley, Dodgers – Utley is on a roll lately. He went 3-for-5 Monday, his third straight multi-hit game and seventh since August 9. That hot streak has upped his average from .250 to .258 on the season. Utley still only has a .328 OBA but he now has 11HR, 42RBI and 67 runs scored, more than solid production from a second baseman. He went over 1,000 runs this season and is inching up on 250 home runs (247) and 1,000 runs driven in (967) during his solid career. 12-team mixed: $22; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

Injury activation/updates:

Shortstops:

Ozzie Albies, Braves – Albies, due to the presence of Dansby Swanson, has moved from shortstop to second base. He opened the year at Triple-A Gwinnett, but was moved down to Double-A Mississippi and shifted position so he could play alongside Swanson. With Swanson now in the majors, Albies could join his keystone partner in Atlanta for the last month of the season. Albies struggled at Triple-A but has hit .322/.394/.446 in 72 Double-A games through Thursday. He is not on the 40-man roster and just 19, so Atlanta could opt to keep him in the minors the rest of the year and see if he earns a spot in spring training. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4, 15-team NL: $7 (early spec call up bid)

Charlie Culberson, Dodgers – See Luis Sardinals, then sub Culberston for Sardinas and Dodgers for Padres since the situation is the same. He could see some playing time against lefties. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0

Jedd Gyorko - Cardinals – Gyorko, profiled a month ago, gets another mention, as he continues to rake at the plate. Originally, he was a replacement for Matt Carpenter, when he was out, then for Jhonny Peralta when he landed on the DL with a thumb injury, and now, for Aledmys Diaz who is out with an injury as well. Gyorko has made the most of his chances, especially lately, as he has blasted seven homers to go with 13 RBI and 13 runs over the last 12 games through Friday. He is now up to 22 HR and 47 RBI, albeit with a .249 average, depressed by a .246 BABIP. If that number rises as expected, his overall counting stats could rise as well. 12-team mixed: $35; 15-team Mixed: Owned, 15-team NL: owned

Eugenio Suarez, Reds – Despite slumping a bit the last few games, Suarez is still having a nice August. He is hitting .304/.371/.491 with two home runs and 11 RBI, giving him career-highs of 19 and 59 on the year. Suarez loses shortstop eligibility after the season, as his playing time has been at third base, but his bat could still play at the position, especially in NL-only leagues. 12-team mixed: $35 (in case not owned); 15-team Mixed: owned, 15-team NL: owned

Injury activation/updates:

Third Basemen:

Jhonny Peralta, Cardinals – Peralta, who missed the first two months of the season due to a left thumb injury that required surgery, has been fairly solid since his return. He has picked it up in August, batting .301/.329/.438 in August with 13 runs, though he has just one home run this month. Peralta has six home runs and 19 RBI on the year, down from the 19 and 71 he had a year ago, adversely impacted by the time off. He qualifies at short and third and should play just about daily the final month of the season. 12-team mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $25, 15-team NL: owned.

Rio Ruiz, Braves – After a good start to the year, Ruiz hit the skids for a while but he has righted the ship. Ruiz blasted his 10th home run Thursday and upped his average to .273/.357/.406 on the year at Triple-A Gwinnett. Adonis Garcia has been solid since he returned to the major leagues and Austin Riley looms in the minors, but Ruiz might be the starter at the hot corner next year. He is not on Atlanta's 40-man roster but could be a September 1 call up with the Braves looking to the future. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4, 15-team NL: $7 (early spec call up bid)

Injury activation/updates:

Outfielders:

Lewis Brinson, Brewers – Brinson, a top-30 prospect coming into the season, suffered through a disappointing first part of the 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, homering after his recent return from injury, and could be a September call up to get a head start on filling the role as Milwaukee's center fielder. However, Keon Broxton has taken off since his promotion and Milwaukee may give Broxton more time to mature in the minors. Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec call up)

Gorkys Hernandez, Giants – Hernandez, promoted Tuesday, could see some action with Hunter Pence dealing with right hamstring tightness and Gregor Blanco on the disabled list. Hernandez posted a .302/.382/.421 with 20 steals at Triple-A Sacramento this season, so he could provide some cheap speed if he gets playing time. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $3.

Manuel Margot/Hunter Renfroe, Padres – Margot, profiled a few weeks ago, gets another mention as he projects to be a post-September 1 roster expansion call up. One of the jewels acquired by the Padres for Craig Kimbrel, Margot 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. Earlier in the month, speculation was rampant that Margot would be promoted then after 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. However, he remained in the minors and is in the midst of a slump, though that shouldn't preclude a promotion after Wednesday. 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 .307 with 28 HR and 96 RBI, but that has come with 106:22 K:BB ratio, though like Margot, he too has slumped lately. 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)

Nick Markakis, Braves – Markakis never fully lived up to the six-year, $66.1 million deal he signed with Orioles in 2009 and saw his career take another step backwards late year in Atlanta. But he has been the Braves most consistent threat throughout the season, batting over .300 with men-on-base, driving in 73 runs despite just none home runs. The slugging average is below.400 and his K/BB ratio and OBA have dropped a bit, but as long as he continues to drive in runs, he still has some value as a corner outfielder. 12-team mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: owned, 15-team NL: owned

Roman Quinn, Phillies - Quinn is to be promoted when the rosters expand September 1. He has built off the success he had last year at Double-A Reading before suffering a tear in his hip flexor in mid-June that ended his season. This season, an oblique injury sidelined him for six weeks, the third straight season an injury has impact his year. But he has been solid since returning August 4. Quinn is on the 40-man roster and with the Phillies looking to the future; they get a small peak at him up close and personal. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4, 12-team NL: $7 (early spec call up bid)

Rob Segedin, Dodgers – Segedin had a pretty good week, blasting a pair of home runs while more importantly, making it to the birth of his child. Josh Reddick is back from his injury but he has struggled at the plate, opening the door for Segedin to see more time. Segedin raked in the minors against lefties, which is who he should face in the majors, though if he remains hot, he could eke out more playing time despite the logjam of outfielders in LA. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1, 15-team NL: $4

Andrew Toles, Dodgers – Toles rose through three levels this year, batting .330/.375/.507 with six homers and 23 stolen bases in 73 games, to earn a promotion in early-July. He went 12-for-38 in 16 games before landing back in the minors. Toles was promoted again Sunday and is seeing time at all three outfield spots, but mainly in left field, against righties. He missed all of 2015 after getting released by the Rays for an unspecified issue but has resurrected his career this season with the Dodgers. The Dodgers are dealing with a ton of outfield injuries, so Toles should see decent short-term playing time. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Jesse Winker, Reds – Winker may be a post-September 1 call up by the Reds. After a slow first half of the year, Winker has picked it up after the second half and is batting .301/.390/.394 on the year. However, Winker has not hit for power, blasting just five home runs after at least 13 the past three seasons and only one since April 30. Winker will need to be added to the 40-man roster in order to be promoted. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up in keeper leagues)

Injury activation/updates:

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, kicked off a rehab assignment Thursday with High-A Rancho Cucamonga. It's been a slow road back for Ethier, who took a move to go from batting practice to game action. The Dodgers hope Ethier will rejoin the team sometime in September, filling the role of part-time starting outfielder. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (very early spec return bid)

A.J. Pollock, Diamondbacks – Pollock, out the entire season with a fractured right elbow, was activated off the disabled list Friday. He completed a 12-game rehab stint, showing no after-effects from the surgery and time off. Pollock originally 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 proved not to be the case, as Pollock slowly progressed through his month-long rehab and was activated Friday. Pollock, a first-round pick by the Diamondbacks in 2009, hit .315 last season with 20 home runs, 76 RBIs and 39 stolen bases and should provide a nice boost to your lineup the last five weeks of the season. 12-team mixed: $40; 15-team Mixed: $55, 12-team NL: $75 (upped return bid).