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 $100 starting 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. Dansby Swanson 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.

Ty Blach/Matt Cain, Giants - Cain "beat" out Blach to earn the fifth starter spot in San Francisco. Blach did make the team as reliever and was expected to replace Cain if his spring issues and decline that began in 2013 continue. Cain held that spot with a strong start to the season, as he has posted a 2.42 ERA through his first four starts and was even better in his fifth outing Saturday, allowing just one run on six hits to go with seven strikeouts in five innings of work. Blach got his chance, due to the absence of Madison Bumgarner, who is sidelined 6-8 weeks following a dirt bike accident that left Bumgarner with bruised ribs and a Grade 1 or 2 left AC sprain. Blach doesn't have exceptional stuff, relying on location and a plus-changeup to retire hitters. Blach had a solid first start against the Dodgers, allowing two runs on four hits and walks with two strikeouts in five innings. Blach will remain in the rotation and Tyler Beede, who is next in line, may be needed in Cain's right hamstring tightness forces from his start this week. Blach - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team NL: $1; 12-team NL: $4; Cain - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team NL: $5; 12-team NL: $9.

Mike Foltynewicz, Braves - Folty put together his best start of the year last Sunday, striking out nine in seven innings, while allowing two earned runs on four hits and a pair of walks. In four starts, Folty has posted a 3.20 ERA and 17:9 K:BB ratio, the latter number largely aided by his Sunday outing. Foltynewicz has surrendered just one HR in 19.2 IP after surrendering 18 in 123.1 innings last year. He uses a nasty repertoire: a mid-90s heater, a piercing slider, a hammer curve and an emerging changeup to retire hitters. Foltynewicz took a step forward last year and if he can put it all together, like he may be doing this year, you are looking at ace-like stuff bought at a discount. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

German Marquez, Rockies - Marquez lost his battle for a rotation spot this spring but opened the year in the bullpen. He was sent down the first week of the year and posted a 2.70 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 10 innings at Triple-A Albuquerque. Marquez, who came over from Tampa Bay in the Jake McGee deal last year, was promoted this week to replace Jon Gray (foot) in the rotation. That start didn't go particularly well, as he allowed eight runs on nine hits and three walks in four innings. Marquez will remain in the rotation but another bad start could cost him a roster spot. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3.

Nick Pivetta, Phillies - Pivetta profiled last week gets another mention, as he was promoted this week to fill in for the injured Aaron Nola (back) and will start Sunday. He mixes a decent fastball and above average breaking pitches, doesn't get the hype of some of the Phillies' other pitching prospects. But Pivetta has allowed just two runs and 12 hits over his first three starts at Triple-A this season with a 24:2 K:BB in 19 innings. Pivetta has gotten better as he has moved up the ladder although this stint may be a one-shot deal, as Nola might be ready to return for his next start. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Julio Urias, Dodgers - Urias, as expected, was promoted and started this week. He allowed one run on four hits with four walks while striking out four in 5.2 innings. He began the year in Triple-A so that LA could limit his innings early in the season to keep him fresh. The Dodgers likely will allow Urias to pitch 135-150 innings in the big leagues this season, so he originally was expected to be up sometime in late May. That timeframe was moved up with Rich Hill (blister on the disabled list). Urias is here to stay but he may be capped at 90-100 pitches a start and could also possibly end up working out of the bullpen. Urias posted a 1.93 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 15 strikeouts in 14 innings at Triple-A, but he also walked nine over that span. For now, look for him to be a starter and the bid should reflect that and his potential. However, with Rich Hill (blister) coming back shortly and L.A. to move to a five-man rotation, it's possible Urias could be the odd-man out. 12-team Mixed: $14; 15-team Mixed: $27; 12-team NL: $40 (if not owned).

Injury activation/updates:

Rookie Davis, Reds - Davis, who came to the Reds in the Aroldis Chapman deal, broke camp with the Reds. He blazed through Double-A Pensacola, but his inability to strike out hitters came back to bite him big time at Triple-A. Davis made two starts but landed on the disabled list with a right forearm (pitching arm) bruise after getting hit by a pitch in the fifth inning of his second start. His return didn't go particularly well, as he surrendered seven earned runs on 11 hits in 2.2 innings. He likely needs to head back to the minors for more seasoning. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL - $0.

Junior Guerra, Brewers - Guerra, who injured his right calf in his first start of the season April 3, threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and was scheduled for a 45-pitch session Saturday. He is slated to throw live batting practice this week and is close to beginning a rehab assignment, if there are no setbacks. Guerra likely will need 2-3 rehab starts before he rejoins the Brewers. (Just an FYI as still should be owned in all formats, if not, $8/$16/$24, likely upped as he gets closer to returning.)

Rich Hill, Dodgers - Hill, sidelined with yet another blister, threw 30 pitches this week with the blister uncovered. He tossed 48 pitches in a simulated game Saturday and will make a rehab start Thursday for High-A Rancho Cucamonga, going four innings or 60 pitches. Manager Dave Roberts said Saturday the goal is to bring Hill back as a starter, which seems to quash the notion of relegating Hill to the bullpen. Alex Wood has pitched well enough to possibly force Hill to the bullpen, but it looks like he will be the odd man out, either heading to the minors or the pen. L.A. has a six-man rotation with Clayton Kershaw, Alex Wood, Julio Urias, Kenta Maeda, Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-Jin Ryu, so it remains to be seen who besides Wood will be the odd man out for Hill. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (up if think he is over the blister woes)

Jeff Locke, Marlins - Locke, out with a shoulder tendinitis, has progressed as expected and is already throwing in simulated games. He is expected to participate in a rehab assignment with High-A Jupiter sometime in the near future. Locke was a starter in his six seasons with the Pirates but profiles as a long reliever with the Marlins. But if Tom Koehler or Adam Conley struggles, Locke could be a rotation option. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Seth Lugo/Steven Matz, Mets - Lugo (partial UCL tear) and Matz (strained flexor tendon) are slated to throw off the slope of a mound Sunday and targeting a late-May return. Each player has been limited to throwing off flat ground, advancing recently to tossing from 120 feet. Lugo and Matz are building up their arm strength and will need several rehab assignments before they are ready to rejoin the team. Of course, that timeframe assumes no setbacks, which has been an issue for both pitchers. Lugo likely is to be used as a swingman out of the bullpen while Matz should move back into the starting rotation as the only lefty in the Mets' starting five. Lugo - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2 (early spec bid); Matz - 12-team Mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: $5 (early spec bid); 12-team NL: owned (same bids as prior, increased as they get closer to returning)

RELIEF PITCHER
 
Archie Bradley, Diamondbacks - Bradley struggled last season in the Arizona rotation, posting a 5.02 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in 26 starts. He lost his battle this spring to break camp as the D-Backs' fifth starter, but that setback opened a new role for Bradley in which he has excelled. Bradley has been Arizona's version of Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances, working high-leverage, multiple innings out of the bullpen. Bradley has pitched in six games (14.1 innings) and has fanned 17 batters while allowing just two runs. However, with Shelby Miller lost possibly for the year, the D-Backs may move Bradley back to the rotation. If not, it's also possible that Bradley closes for the D-Backs once they more on from Fernando Rodney, who has struggled mightily and has a 12.60 ERA. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up if think he closes or starts)

Johnny Barbato/Mauricio Cabrera/Grant Dayton/ Sean Gilmartin/T.J. McFarland/Jason Motte/Chad Qualls/Matt Wisler/Kirby Yates - This week's key middle reliever callups/activations, as well as expected callups, were/will be in Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Arizona, Atlanta, Colorado, Atlanta and San Diego. None have any substantial value, save for Cabrera and Dayton. Cabrera began a minor-league rehab assignment Friday at High-A Florida. He was scheduled to throw two innings Saturday before moving to Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday. Once he is back, Cabrera, who had baseball's second-highest average fastball velocity (100 mph) while posting a 2.82 ERA and six saves in 41 appearances, will work as a setup man to Jim Johnson. He needs to limit his walks, as he had 19 versus 32K in 38.1 innings, to have further success. Dayton (intercostal strain) completed a short rehab assignment was activated Saturday to resume his role as L.A.'s top left-handed reliever. All save for Cabrera and Dayton - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2; Cabrera and Dayton - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5.

J.J. Hoover, Diamondbacks - Hoover closed out the D-Backs' win Thursday with a scoreless ninth inning. While it wasn't a save situation, Hoover generated three groundball outs on 12 pitches, which might convince manager Torey Lovullo he should be next in line. Rodney blew the save Saturday and now has a bloated 12.60 ERA with 16 hits allowed and seven walks surrendered in 10 innings while going 6-for-8 in save situations on the year. Hoover seemingly aced the test, and it appears likely that he'll be the leading candidate to close out games. Hoover has alternated good and bad years the past five seasons, with this year what should be the good season. He was brilliant in 2013 and collapsed in 2014. Hoover rebounded in 2015, aided by a drop in his HR/9 rate but regressed again last year. Arizona signed Hoover this offseason and has been rewarded with his return to 2013 form, which may make him next in line in the bullpen. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

CATCHER

Tyler Flowers, Braves - Flowers has yet to homer but is batting .391 with a .916 OPS through the first month of the season. Last season, Flowers platooned with A.J. Pierzynski at catcher for Atlanta, starting against lefties. This year, he was slated to be the starter, backed up by Kurt Suzuki and his play has earned him most of the action between the plate. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: owned
 
Injury activation/updates:

Devin Mesoraco, Reds - Mesoraco (hip) was activated Thursday from his rehab assignment with Double-A Pensacola. He struggled hitting in the minors, so it will take a while before he finds his form in the majors. As such, Mesoraco will initially split time with Tucker Barnhart, starting five of the Reds' 10 games from Friday on, one for each of the team's five starters. Mesoraco had a breakout season in 2014, during which he had 25 HR and 80 RBI, prompting the Reds to sign him to a four-year, $28 million extension in January 2015. Since then, hip and shoulder injuries and surgeries have limited Mesoraco to just 39 games in two seasons. If Mesoraco is healthy, look for Cincinnati to ease him back into game-action, increasing his playing time during the season. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team NL: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (slightly lowered bid than prior, due to initial drop in playing time)

Tom Murphy, Rockies - Murphy, who opened the season on the 10-day disabled list after he fractured his right hand when it made contact with Kris Bryant's bat on March 11, had a follow-up bone scan Friday but won't receive the results until Monday. He recently ditched the thumb-extending brace but has yet to pick up a baseball. If the arm has healed, Murphy will still likely require multiple weeks to test out the hand in fielding and throwing drills, batting practice and rehab games before the Rockies would consider activating him from the 10-day disabled list. In the interim, Tony Wolters and Dustin Garneau will hold down the catching spot. Once Murphy is back, he will at a minimum platoon with Wolters and likely should end up garnering most of the playing time behind the plate. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

FIRST BASE
 
Cody Bellinger, Dodgers - Bellinger, the sixth-rated prospect on RotoWire and seventh-rated prospect by Baseball America, earned a promotion this week thanks to his hot start at the plate. He batted .343/.429/.627 with five home runs and 15 RBI over 18 games at Triple-A Oklahoma City to earn that call up. Bellinger, a 2013 fourth-round pick, is just 21 but he has progressed rapidly up the ladder. For now, he is seeing time in left field with L.A. dealing with several injuries, including Franklin Gutierrez and Joc Pederson. However, when Pederson, Gutierrez and Logan Forsythe are activated from the disabled list, Bellinger will head back to the minors, regardless of how well he hits, though maybe his two home runs Saturday changes that thinking. For now, Bellinger is hitting anywhere from first to eighth in the lineup and could also see occasional starts at first base. Adrian Gonzalez is signed through next year, so Bellinger was need to play left field this year and next before replacing A-Gone at first base. Bellinger has a stellar combination or power and average at the dish with solid plate discipline and is worth a solid bid in keeper leagues. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (up substantially in keeper leagues, bid is low since he isn't intended to be up long)

Injury activation/updates:

Lucas Duda, Mets - Duda, on the 10-day DL with a hyper-extended elbow, began a rehab assignment Friday. After an injury-plagued and poor 2016, Duda was off to a steady start in his first 13 games as well, batting .238/.360/.571 with four home runs and seven RBI. Duda believes he will be ready to go Monday and his presence will be a sight for sore eyes in a Mets; lineup struggling for offense. Once back, Duda should start just about daily at first base sitting possibly against certain southpaws. 12-team Mixed: $11 (in case not owned); 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

SECOND BASE
 
Josh Harrison, Pirates - Adam Frazier's injury has opened additional playing for Harrison, who has taken advantage of the opportunity. Harrison is leading off, meaning he should be a nice source of runs, if he continues to get on base as he has. The power he should in 2014 was an aberration, so hope for a solid batting average, on-base averages, runs and stolen bases with a modicum of RBI thrown in. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $14, 12-team NL: owned

T.J. Rivera, Mets - Rivera, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he may be looking at a solid spike in playing time. With Yoenis Cespedes (hamstring) sidelined, Jay Bruce, who has been filling in for the injured Lucas Duda (hyper-extended elbow) and Wilmer Flores (knee infection), is moving back to the outfield. Rivera will start at first base, at least until either player is ready to return, which might occur by next weekend. Once that occurs, Rivera will stick as a bench bat or be sent back down. His main issue is a lack of walks, but Rivera consistently puts the ball in play, resulting a high BABIP. In 2016, Rivera slashed .333/.345/.476 over 105 at-bats in 33 games, adding three home runs and 16 RBI, while striking out 17 times. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4, 12-team NL: $7.

Kelby Tomlinson, Giants - Tomlinson was called up this week to fill in for Brandon Crawford, who was placed on the bereavement list and is also dealing with a minor groin injury. He has always been able to hit at this level, boasting a .301 career batting average over 318 plate appearances. Tomlinson does have some speed and will get some counting stats and could be a decent fill in if Crawford ends up on the disabled list. Once Crawford rejoins the club, Tomlinson he likely will be pushed into a utility role or end up back to the minors. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

Kolten Wong, Cardinals - Wong lost his 2016 job due to his horrific start at the plate, when he batted .222/.306/.286 the first 49 games of the season. That resulted in a demotion to the minors, and after he came back, Wong was a utility player. His 2017 didn't begin auspiciously, but he has started to heat up at the plate, solidifying his hold for now on the second base job. With Jhonny Peralta out and Jedd Gyorko seeing most of his time at the hot corner, Wong's only competition is Greg Garcia, who has been productive in his spot starts, so Wong will need to continue producing to keep the job. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Injury activation/updates:

Logan Forsythe, Dodgers - Forsythe landed on the disabled list with a fractured toe after getting hit-by-a-pitch on April 18. Original speculation was that Forsythe could miss up to six weeks but that timeframe was dialed back. The fracture has healed and Forsythe has resumed baseball activities. He likely will need a short rehab stint and could be back as soon as sometime next week. Chase Utley and Chris Taylor are manning second base with Forsythe out but L.A. will be happy to get its offseason acquisition back in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

SHORTSTOP

Daniel Descalso, Diamondbacks - Descalso has shown his versatility, filling in at first, second, third and left field already this season. He won't wow you with his office but at-bats - especially in single-leagues - are key, making him worth a roster spot in NL-only leagues. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Chris Owings, Diamondbacks - Owings was profiled the first two weeks of the season, when he was named the starter and after he started to see more time than maybe initially expected. He now gets another mention, as he is more than making the most with those additional at-bats. In fact, this is starting to look like a breakout season for Owings, whose four homers on the campaign already put him two off a career best. In addition, he also already has 19 RBI, 12 runs scored and six stolen bases with most of that damage done at home, seen in his vast home/road splits. Add in outfield to his shortstop eligibility along with his numbers spike and that window to get him cheap has long since past, Owings has been the beneficiary of a BABIP nearly 50 points above his career mark but even with some expected regression in batting average to come, he's unlikely to be a liability in the category. 12-team Mixed: $18; 15-team Mixed: owned; 15-team NL: owned

Amed Rosario, Mets - Rosario continues to rake at Triple-A Las Vegas, but for now, despite his hot start, the team's slump and myriad of injuries, the Mets seem inclined to keep him in the minors. If the team's slump continues, especially Jose Reyes' or Asdrubal Cabrera's hamstring acts up, New York may have no choice but to promote their top prospects earlier than anticipated. The one thing Rosario hasn't done is hit for power, but he is getting on-base and playing stellar defense while also stealing six bases in 20 games. Rosario may force the Mets' hands or their hands may get forced for them, resulting in the slick fielding shortstop, who is also playing third base, getting promoted. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 12-team NL: $11 (early spec bid to be upped as likely up by June)

THIRD BASE

Christian Arroyo, Giants - Arroyo joined the Giants on Monday with Aaron Hill landing on the disabled list. He batted sixth and played third base in his big-league debut Monday.  The Giants' top prospect has been mashing in Triple-A this season, batting .446/.478/.692 with three homers, 12 RBI and two stolen bases in 69 at-bats (16 games) after a down year at Double-A Richmond. Part of that down year might be explained by hitting in a pitchers' park, as his home/road splits were starkly split, heavily favored toward his road numbers. Drafted 25th overall in 2013 as a shortstop, Arroyo is playing third base, where he played this year in the minors, with Eduardo Nunez shifted to left field and Brandon Belt seeing time there as well due to injuries at that position. Arroyo likely won't hit for much power, despite having two already, but should at a minimum provide a solid batting average with some counting stats and maybe the power develops. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $8; 12-team NL: $14

Gift Ngoepe, Pirates - Ngoepe, who became the first black South African player to sign a pro baseball contract in 2008, became the first player born in Africa ever to appear in the majors when he debuted this week. Although he doesn't offer much with the bat, Ngoepe is considered an excellent defender and has shown some base-stealing ability at times. Ngoepe should stick with the Pirates until David Freese (hamstring) and Adam Frazier (hamstring) return from the disabled list, backing up second base and shortstop. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

Hernan Perez, Brewers - Perez had a breakthrough campaign in 2016, receiving 430 at-bats last year, producing 13 HR, 56 RBI and 34 SB. This season, the additions of Eric Thames and Travis Shaw has pushed him into more of a super utility role. Milwaukee continues to find a place for him in the lineup, playing Perez at short, third and all three-outfield spots. If Keon Broxton continues to struggle, Perez could take over the starting job in center field at least until Lewis Brinson is ready. 12-team Mixed: $12; 15-team Mixed: $24; 12-team NL: owned

Jose Reyes, Mets - Reyes extended his modest hit streak to five games Saturday, raising his average to .173 on the season. After an extremely slow start, Reyes is finally finding his way at the plate. With the Mets desperate for offense, the team might move Reyes back to the leadoff slot and shift Michael Conforto down to a run-producing position in the batting order. Reyes has shown a bit of power and has stolen three bases in the past eight games, evidencing his wheels on the bases are still good. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22 (in case he was waived); 12-team NL: owned

Injury activation/updates:

Wilmer Flores, Mets - Flores, on the 10-day DL with a knee infection in the joint of his knee kicked off a rehab assignment Saturday at High-A St Lucie. He broke camp with the Mets as a backup infielder but Jose Reyes' horrific start looked to afford Flores additional playing time before he was sidelined by the injury. Reyes has shown signs of life but the Mets' offense could use any boost they can get. Flores was already seeing time at first against southpaws while also seeing action at second and third. He mashes lefties, which is likely his role, but could see time against righties if he shows he can fix that deficiency. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4, 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid).

OUTFIELD

Lane Adams/Rafael Bautista/Mike Morse/Danny Ortiz/Drew Stubbs/Mike Morse - This week's fourth and fifth outfielder call ups/activations, as well as expected callups, were/will be in Atlanta, Washington, San Francisco, Pittsburgh and San Francisco. None have any substantial value, save for Morse (hamstring) and Stubbs, who could see playing time in left field. Last week, it looked like Morse might start once activated from his rehab stint. But Christian Arroyo is now playing third moving Eduardo Nunez to left, taking the spot Morse might have received. Stubbs is seeing playing time in center with Denard Span (shoulder) out. Once Span is back, Stubbs will head to the bench or minors. All save for Morse and Stubbs - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0; Morse and Stubbs - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Jabari Blash, Padres - Blash, profiled the first two weeks of the year, was called back up Monday with Travis Jankowski landing on the disabled list with a bruised foot. At a minimum, Blaah should start in left field against southpaws, with occasional starts against righties sprinkled in. But of Blash hits for power, as he did Tuesday, blasting a home run, he could carve out additional at-bats with no real other threats at the position with Alex Dickerson (back) out as well, though Allen Cordoba will see some action at the position. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7.

Michael Conforto, Mets - Conforto, profiled the last two weeks, gets another mention, as he has been raking at the plate and is playing full-time with Yoenis Cespedes (hamstring) landing on the disabled list. He went 3-for-4 with two homers and three RBI Saturday giving him six home runs and 12 RBI on the season, including four taters his last seven games. Conforto's second long ball of the game came against lefty Enny Romero, an area of weakness in the past for the outfielder. Conforto is seeing time at all three outfield spots, but will play nearly all of the time in left field while Yo is out. The only question is what happens when Cespedes come back as well as Lucas Duda, creating a logjam in the outfield, since Jay Bruce wouldn't be able to move to first base. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: owned.

Enrique Hernandez, Dodgers - Hernandez is seeing time in center field with Joc Pederson (groin) on the disabled list. Kike, who normally starts against southpaws, now is seeing time against righties. He had a breakthrough year in 2015 but fell out dramatically last year, partially due to a ribcage injury. If he can recapture that form while Pederson, he might carve additional playing time even once LA is healthy. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Jose Martinez, Cardinals - Martinez, who started his career with the Royals, was traded to the Cardinals last May. He surprisingly struggled there, especially as compared to his career numbers in the minors, but earned a spot in St. Louis with a strong spring. Martinez isn't seeing consistent at bats, but getting some playing time at first base and in the outfield, making him worth a spot in NL-only and usage in DFS when he is in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7.

David Peralta, Diamondbacks - Our preseason outlook said it all about Peralta: "Following a breakout 2015 season, 2016 was pretty much a lost cause for Peralta. The 29-year-old outfielder made three trips to the DL and only appeared in 48 games as he dealt with wrist and back injuries. He ended up getting shut down for good in August and finished with a .728 OPS, a far cry from the .893 OPS he posted in 2015." Now healthy, Peralta is making up for a lost year, as he is flat-out raking at the plate. That strong start has also come against southpaws, against whom in the past he has struggled. Peralta will cool down but his placement at the top of the Arizona lineup should mean a spike in his run and RBI totals. 12-team Mixed: $18; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

Scott Schebler, Reds - Left field last year in Cincy initially looked like it would be a platoon between Duvall and Schebler. But Duvall took the job and ran with it, relegating Schebler to Triple-A. Schebler did get a chance late in the season to replace the traded Jay Bruce and hit .290/.367/.461 in his final 55 games. He carried that solid play into the spring, where he beat out Jesse Winker for the starting right field spot. Schebler isn't hitting for much average but he has shown impressive power, blasting seven home runs with a high ISO. As long as he continues to produce, Schebler should hold off Winker in right field. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22 (if not owned)

Michael Taylor, Nationals - Taylor is in line for an everyday role in center field with Adam Eaton out for the year with a torn ACL. He saw a lot of action last year and was coming off of a big spring but had Eaton and Jayson Werth ahead of him. Taylor will need to show some resemblance of his 2015 production at the plate, when he knocked in 14 home runs and 63 RBI, while at the same time cutting down on the strikeout rate (77 in 76 games last year). Last year, he struggled both in the majors and Triple-A, as his old bug-a-boo, strikeouts, really reared its ugly head along with a decline in his walk rate. But right now, the Nats have few options there, so Taylor will get a chance to play nearly every day, at least until Washington explores the trade market now or before the deadline depending on how well he plays. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18.

Injury activation/updates:

David Dahl, Rockies - Dahl, sidelined with a stress reaction in his sixth rib, began hitting off a tee Thursday and surprisingly took batting practice Friday. He likely will a few live batting practice sessions, after which he can embark on a rehab assignment. Dahl's recovery was slow, as he finally was cleared following an MRI last week to resume swinging the bat and rotational activity after being limited to throwing, running and weight training, Barring any extraneous circumstances, Dahl appears to be a couple weeks out from returning to the Rockies, although a firmer timetable should become evident as he progresses further. In addition, with Ian Desmond seeing action in left field, Dahl's playing time could be mildly limited once he does return. (Just an FYI as should be owned in all leagues, but if not, the bids should be $4/9/14, drop from prior with Desmond in outfield.)

Ian Desmond, Rockies - Desmond, sidelined since March 12 after taking a pitch to the hand, started extended spring training games Friday. That game-action continues his progression from hitting off a tee last Friday, then to taking batting practice and flyballs in the outfield this past Monday. Desmond may be activated quicker than expected Sunday and start in left field. He is shifting there because Mark Reynolds is tearing it up at the plate at first base. (Just an FYI as should be owned in all leagues but if not, the bids should again be $18/35/45.)

Alex Dickerson, Padres - Dickerson, on the 60-day DL with a herniated disc in his back, has been participating in cardio and light lifting and is expected to resume baseball activities within a week. Jabari Blash will likely continue filling in for Dickerson as long as Travis Jankowski (foot), who's currently on the 10-day DL, remains sidelined. If Dickerson has no setbacks and can be back at the end of May or mid-June, he could take over the left field job building off last year's strong performance following his promotion. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec bid)

Franklin Gutierrez, Dodgers - Gutierrez, sidelined since April 10 with a strained hamstring, was to be activated last Monday. A hit-by-pitch set him back and now the hope is he will be back Tuesday after kicking off a short rehab stint with High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday. When the season started, Gutierrez and Andrew Toles were to platoon in left field for the Dodgers with Andre Ethier (back) sidelined indefinitely. Gutierrez is on the shorter side of the platoon, batting against southpaws due to his success against lefties and issues against righties, while Toles faces righties. Cody Bellinger was promoted this week, but he is to be sent down Joc Pederson, Logan Forsythe and/or Gutierrez return. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2