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 are again using 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.

Starting Pitching

Randall Delgado, Diamondbacks – Delgado had been strong in his first starts this season, posting a 1.80 ERA while striking out a batter per inning in that span. Those numbers come after he opened the year in the bullpen, notching a 4.05 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 24:5 K:BB through 26.2 innings of relief (15 appearances). Those three strong outings have swayed the Diamondbacks to keep him in the rotation even after Taijuan Walker (finger) returns from the disabled list, which may be Tuesday. This likely means that either Zack Godley or Patrick Corbin, likely Godley, will get booted from the rotation once Walker returns. Delgado moved into the bullpen in 2014, where he has been a better fit than starting, so this upswing in performance in the rotation may be an aberration, so monitor his next few starts closely. Friday's outing didn't inspire a lot of confidence, as he allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks with five strikeouts in seven innings. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Mike Foltynewicz, Braves –Foltynewicz is rolling again, posting back-to-back stellar starts after a misstep May 27 against the Giants. Folty has posted a quality start in five of his last six outings, with four of the six either above average or dominant, and in seven of his last 10 starts. He now has a 3.48 ERA on the season, lowering that number over a run while also dropping his WHIP from 1.42 to 1.28 since his May 5 outing. If there is a concern, it's the drop in K rate and FIP almost a run higher than his era, but that may be due to his increased GB:FB ratio, so he is pitching smarter as he matures. Folty has the upside of a #2 starter and looks to be learning how to pitch rather than just throw. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: owned
 
Jeff Hoffman, Rockies – Hoffman, the centerpiece of the 2015 trade that sent Troy Tulowitzki to Toronto, has hit the ground running in his first few starts for Colorado. He was 3-0 with a 24:2 K:BB and 2.33 ERA over 19.1 innings in his three starts heading into Saturday's start against the Cubs. Hoffman continued to roll versus Chicago, allowing one run on four hits and a walk whike striking out eight in 6.1 innings to get the win. Colorado, with several young starters pitching well, originally had no room in the rotation but Tyler Anderson landed on the disabled list. Hoffman is clearly next in line and making a case to stick in the rotation even once Anderson, who carries a 5.85 ERA for the season, is healthy again. He had posted a 3.68 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 38:16 K:BB ratio in 44.0 innings for Triple-A Albuquerque, showing the talent that made him a first round pick in 2014 by the Blue Jays. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33 (up if think he sticks in the rotation)

Sean Newcomb, Braves – Newcomb, the 15th overall pick of the 2014 draft, headlined the package Atlanta received from the Angels for Andrelton Simmons two off-seasons ago. Walks are an issue with Newcomb, and while he showed some improvement the last nine starts he made at Double-A Mississippi, he has regressed again this season. Newcomb is averaging 5.2 BB/9 for Triple-A Gwinnett but has limited the damage by striking out 11.64 per 9IP, helping him post a 2.97 ER albeit with a 1.36 WHIP. Nobody doubts the big southpaw's stuff -- a mid-90s fastball and hammer curveball stand out in his repertoire, along with a developing changeup – but unless he learns to limit the walks, Newcomb could struggle to lock up a rotation spot in Atlanta, which might pave the way for him to shift to the bullpen. However, he allowed just one unearned run on four hits and just two walks with seven strikeouts in 6.1 innings, likely earning him several more starts, especially with Bartolo Colon on the DL. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (up if think he sticks).

Dan Straily, Marlins – Straily continues to pitch well, as he had allowed three earned runs or fewer in 10 of his last 11 starts prior to Saturday's outing. He sported a 3.59 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 9.2 K/9, though his 4.13 FIP suggests Straily could be overachieving, but the high strikeout total is providing plenty of fantasy value. Starily struggled Saturday, giving up four runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out three batters over four innings against the Pirates. He resurrected his career last season, after coming over to Cincy off waivers, posting a career-best 14 wins, 3.76 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. The rebuilding Reds decided to maximize what they thought was Straily's high-value, water mark, dealing him this offseason to the Marlins in exchange for prospects Luis Castillo, Austin Brice and Isaiah White. If streaming Straily, keep in mind his stark home/road splits, as he has a 2.27 ERA with only two home runs allowed in 39.2 IP over seven starts at home but a 5.46 ERA and seven home runs allowed in 30 innings on the road, numbers that don't include his Saturday outing, which actually made his road stats worse. 12-team Mixed: $14; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

Edinson Volquez, Marlins – Volquez bottomed out last season, his last in KC, as his ERA rose almost two runs after a solid 2015 campaign. The Marlins signed Volquez to a two-year, $22 million deal last offseason, and for the first nearly two months of 2017, Volquez largely struggled — until last week. On May 29, he held the Phillies to one run in six innings, but was just the warm-up act, as he threw a no-no June 3 versus Arizona. To show those two starts were no fluke, Volzquez threw seven scoreless innings June 8 against Pittsburgh, lowering his ERA to 3.79 and WHIP to 1.38 on the year. The Volquez bandwagon has picked up many passengers the last few weeks, but there is still room to get on board. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33

Trevor Williams, Pirates – Williams had a nightmarish first start when stepping in for the injured Jameson Taillon on May 8, allowing six runs in three innings. Since then, until Saturday, Williams has surrendered five runs in 33.2 innings in his prior five starts. Taillon is back this week and Tyler Glasnow was the one optioned down, leaving Williams and Chad Kuhl in the rotation. Williams, who relies on his defense to help retire hitters, as he is not a big strikeout pitcher, may have the edge over the struggling Kuhl the next time a change is made. However, he allowed five runs on six hits in four innings Saturday, so his leash in holding spot could be limited once/if Glasnow turns it around. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Injury activation/updates

Homer Bailey, Reds – Bailey, limited to just eight starts the past two seasons due to elbow and other arm woes, started Friday for Double-A Pensacola in his return from February elbow surgery. He was to throw four innings and/or 60-65 pitches. Bailey was brilliant Friday, allowing just three hits and a walk over five shutout innings with five strikeouts while tossing 64 pitches, in line with the established plan. Assuming Bailey has no setbacks, which is not given, as seen by his past injury history, he could rejoin the Reds' rotation before the end of June. Bailey has somewhat steadily progress in his rehab, working his back from surgery to remove bone spurs from his elbow. Bailey has had setbacks the past two seasons, so tread lightly after each start until he shows that he is really ready to return to action. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (upped spec return bid)

Chad Bettis, Rockies – Bettis, who fortunately appears to have won his battle with testicular cancer, is working to regain his stamina with the hope of throwing a bullpen session in the next two weeks. He is currently throwing from 75 and 90 feet with the next step to progress to bullpen sessions. After that will be simulated games and several rehab starts, putting Bettis' possible return somewhere around the All-Star break, which would be fantastic news considering the concerns when he was first diagnosed. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec return bid)

Brandon Finnegan, Reds – Finnegan had an excellent first start, lousy second one and pitched one inning in his third start before getting pulled with a left teres major strain. He pitched 2.1 innings in a scrimmage on Tuesday at extended spring training, using his slider in the outing, a good sign for the future. Finnegan will begin a rehab assignment on Monday with Double-A Pensacola, throwing will three innings and/or 45-50 pitches. Assuming no setbacks, like Homer Bailey, Finnegan could rejoin the Reds rotation at the end of this month. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped early spec return bid)

Jon Gray, Rockies – Gray suffered a stress fracture in his left foot in mid-April during the best of his three starts to open the season. The bone scan on his foot in early-May showed solid healing and Gray has been working his way back. Gray threw a 35-pitch simulated game Tuesday and then fielded grounders and bunts around the mound while also throwing bases with no setbacks or limitations. He will start his minor-league rehab assignment at High-A Lancaster on Wednesday. Gray will make 2-3 rehab starts prior to returning to what has proven to be a deep Colorado rotation. 12-team Mixed: $12; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: Owned (upped early spec return bid)

Seth Lugo / Steven Matz, Mets – Lugo (partial UCL tear) and Matz (strained flexor tendon) each made their final rehab appearance last week and rejoined the Mets' rotation. With the team in the midst of 18 hames in 17 games, New York may use a six-man rotation, which will limit the number of starts Lugo and Matz receive in that stretch, as Robert Gsellman may remain a starter. Lugo starts Sunday while Matz started one of the two games in Saturday's doubleheader against the Braves, earning the win by allowing just one run on five hits and a walk with a pair of strikeouts in seven innings. Lugo's last start for Double-A Binghamton was his best while Matz's next-to-last outing for Triple-A Las Vegas was his finest rehab appearance. Lugo was to be used as a swingman out of the bullpen, but due to the upcoming stretch of games, he will start for now. Down the road, there is a possibility that Lugo remains as a starter depending on how Gsellman and Matt Harvey pitch and if and Zack Wheeler's innings are managed. Lugo - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (slightly upped early spec bid based on his starting) / Matz - 12-team Mixed: $35 (upped from prior); 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned.

Kris Medlen, Braves – Medlen will continue his rehab at Triple-A Gwinnett, starting there Friday after two effective outings for Double-A Mississippi and a pair of starts for High-A Florida. He likely will remain there for three weeks before receiving consideration for a call-up. Medlen is trying to make it back to the majors following a second Tommy John elbow surgery in 2014 and shoulder issues that hampered him while pitching for the Royals in 2016. From 2012-13 with the Braves, Medlen posted a 2.47 ERA over 82 games, moving from relieving to starting (43 starts), but he didn't have the same success in Kansas City, compiling a 5.12 ERA in 21 games (14 starts). I have a bit of a soft spot for Medlen, after owning him during his halcyon days, and hope he make a full return, though it could be as a starter rather than a reliever. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Jameson Taillon, Pirates – Taillon, profiled the past few weeks, gets another mention, as he is inching closer to returning to the majors. After landing on the disabled list May 6 with groin discomfort, Taillon underwent surgery for testicular cancer two days later. Less than a week later, Taillon was cleared to play catch and resume light cardio drills and threw 25- and 35-pitch bullpen sessions before kicking off a rehab assignment. Prior to being sidelined, Taillon had been scuffling, allowing 11 earned runs on 18 hits and six walks with 14 strikeouts in 15.1 innings covering his last three starts. Taillon posted a 85:17 K:BB as a rookie and registered a 3.38 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 104 innings relying on a 12-to-6 curveball and pinpoint accuracy with his low-90s fastball. He made his third and final rehab start Wednesday for Triple-A Indianapolis, striking out nine batters in six innings and giving up five runs while throwing 97 pitches. Taillon will rejoin the Pirates' starting rotation Monday, replacing Tyler Glasnow. 12-team Mixed: $30; 15-team Mixed: $45; 12-team NL: owned (if waived, upped bid from last few week)

Relief Pitchers
 
Carter Capps, Padres – Capps, returning from Tommy John surgery, is once again slowly working his back. After starting a rehab assignment April 11, Capps was pulled in early-May back from the assignment and sent him to their spring-training facility to address delivery and command issues. Capps is back on his rehab assignment, pitching Tuesday for Triple-A El Paso. Saturday, he was activated from the 60-day DL and optioned to El Paso. Once Capps is back to his prior form and in the majors, which may not be for a little while longer, he should begin his role as Brandon Maurer's or Brad Hand's set-up man. Capps has elite stuff, mixing his high 90s fastball, nasty slider and pitching motion that draws major ire since he doesn't stay on the rubber when he releases his pitches, making him a closer in waiting. The only questions are how long will that wait be, will he replace Maurer/Hand and can he stay healthy enough to remain as the closer? 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (lowered from prior weeks).

Tony Cingrani / Sam Dyson / Casey Fien / Josh Hader / Adam Ottavino / Felix Pena / Edgar Santana / A.J. Schugel / Drew Steckenrider / Jose Valdez - This week's key middle reliever call ups/activations, as well as expected call-ups, were/will be in Cincinnati, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Colorado, Chicago, Pittsburgh (2x), Miami and San Diego. None, save for Ottavino, have any substantial value. Ottavino, sidelined with shoulder inflammation, regains the top setup role in front of Greg Holland, as he did Friday when he struck out two in a scoreless eighth inning and picked up the hold. Prior to being sidelined, Ottavino, who lost the closer job to Holland this spring, had posted a 2.57 ERA on the year with a 24:15 K:BB ratio in 21 innings. All except for Ottavino - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0 / Ottavino - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (future closer spec).

Miguel Diaz, Padres – Diaz, a Rule 5 pick by Minnesota from Milwaukee, was traded right after the draft to San Diego. He posted a 3.71 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 91:29 K:BB ratio in 94.2 innings in the Midwest League and with the Padres in rebuilding mode, San Diego is keeping him in the majors, originally using him in the bullpen. But with Jarred Coast (elbow) on the disabled list, the Padres turned to Diaz to start Saturday. Diaz has struggled with big-league hitting so far this season, compiling a 7.50 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and 18:13 K:BB through 24 innings of relief. Those struggles are due to Diaz only having a fastball and working on developing a second pitch. In addition, prior to Saturday, he hadn't pitched more than three innings or 43 pitches in any outing this season. Saturday, he was brilliant the first two innings and lost it as he was extended in the third; finishing with 46 pitches thrown, getting bailed out by Craig Stamman. Temper your expectations until he proves he can last longer in a start. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3.

Mike Montgomery, Cubs – Montgomery made what could be a spot start Friday in place of Kyle Hendricks (right hand tendinitis), allowing two runs on three hits and three walks with five strikeouts in four innings. He transitioned from starting to relieving last year, where he had success, and lost his battle to open as the fifth starter to Brett Anderson. Anderson struggling mightily, sitting with an 8.18 ERA, and landed on the disabled list but the Cubs turned to Eddie Butler to fill the fifth starter spot. Montgomery needs to reduce his walk rate, as he now has allowed 23 free passes in 40.1 innings, which will continue to adversely impact him, even if he does make 1-2 more starts if Hendricks remains sidelined. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5.

Pat Neshek, Phillies – Neshek has found the fountain of youth in Philadelphia, posting a 0.82 ERA and 0.77 WHIP in 22 innings over 24 appearances. Hector Neris has had "a lack of success lately" and hanging too many splitters, resulting in his recent struggles. Neshek, who pitched for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, came from Houston to Philly in the offseason. He will be a free agent but should draw heavy interest in the trade market before the deadline, so a move to closing full-time may only be short-lived. But jump on the bandwagon, since saves and save chances are golden in leagues. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14.

Juan Nicasio / Felipe Rivero, Pirates – Nicasio, who pitched well out of the bullpen last year after struggling as a starter, and Rivero have excelled this season and are replacing the struggling Tony Watson – 4.44 ERA, 1.52 WHIP - as the Pirates' closer (s). As a starter, Nicasio lasted only 12 games, compiling a 5.05 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 63:25 K:BB in 62.1 innings. As a reliever, he registered a 3.88 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 75:20 K:BB in 55.2 innings. This season, Nicasio has only given up four runs with a 25:8 K:BB in 26.2 innings, seeing higher leverage usage recently. Rivero, acquired from Washington at the 2016 trade deadline as a key piece in the Mark Melancon trade, could be the short-term, future option in Pittsburgh.  Watson, who was closing, will be a free agent after the season, so a changing of the guard is not a surprise. Rivero is sporting a 0.58 ERA with 9.87 strikeouts per nine. His FIP (2.62) and xFIP (2.83) suggest he's been getting a bit lucky, aided by a 100% strand rate, .219 BABIP and halving of a BB/9 rate, but we are quibbling now. Pitching coach Ray Searage has developed another solid pitcher, and if you haven't grabbed Rivero already in your league, it may be too late. How Nicasio and Rivero will be deployed is uncertain, but Watson's experience as closer bodes well for Rivero, who also is a southpaw like Watson, though for now, Nicasio could see the majority of the save chances due to him being a righty and also to keep Rivero's arb value down slightly. Though, Saturday, Nicasio got the first two outs in the eighth and was bailed out by Rivero, who then threw a scoreless ninth to notch the save. For me, Rivero should be the favorite to close, as Nicasio has also benefitted from a low BABIP and high strand rate while Nicasio has the better skill set. Nicasio -12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 / Rivero - 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22.

Fernando Rodney, Diamondbacks – Rodney, after a horrific start to the season, has it really working right now. He has not allowed an earned run while also posting a 0.66 WHIP since April 29, a span of 12.2 innings over 13 appearances. His overall ERA is still 5.82, which gives you a sense as to how just bad he was the first three-plus weeks of the season. Rodney did post a 2.85 ERA in 2014 in Seattle and was dominant in Chicago in 2015 San Diego last year, but had ERAs of at least 5.68 in Seattle in 2015 and Miami last season. So which one is the real Rodney is unknown, but he is locked in as the Arizona closer for the foreseeable future. 12-team Mixed: $25 (though likely owned); 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

Catchers
 
Elias Diaz, Pirates – Diaz is in line for a significant uptick in playing with Francisco Cervelli (concussion) landing on the disabled list, joining Chris Stewart (hamstring) there. Although the Pirates called up Jacob Stallings from the minors to provide depth, Diaz's early-season performance along with his status as the team's catcher of the future should afford him ample opportunities to show the club how well he can perform in a full-time role. Keep in mind though that Stewart could start a rehab assignment next week and it's not clear how long Cervelli will be out. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Jacob Stallings / Tomas Telis - This week's third/backup catcher call-ups/activations, as well as expected call-ups, or those potentially to see a slight uptick in playing time were/will be in Pittsburgh and Florida. Neither has any substantial value, though Stallings could see some starts if Elias Diaz doesn't hit while Francisco Cervelli (concussion) is sidelined. Stallings and Telis - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0.

Injury activation/updates

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, made back-to-back starts for Triple-A Albuquerque last weekend. He is continuing to make rehab starts in the minors and should be back in the majors shortly. It's been a slow healing process for Murphy but he seems to have finally turned the corner. Once Murphy is back, he will at a minimum platoon with Tony Wolters and likely should end up garnering most of the playing time behind the plate, though that might not be until sometime in mid-to-late-June. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16.

First Basemen
 
Matt Adams, Braves – Adams continues to nicely fill in for Freddie Freeman, who is to miss 8-10 weeks with a non-displaced fracture in his left wrist. Atlanta, to fill the major void left by Freeman's absence, acquired Adams and cash considerations in exchange for minor-league infielder Juan Yepez on May 20. Adams, who was slashing .292/.340/.396 through 53 plate appearances with St. Louis, has six home runs and 15 runs batted in during his first 17 games with the Braves. He is usually on the pince against lefties, due to his struggles against southpaws, but rakes and should be in your lineup any time the team faces a righty. 12-team Mixed: $45; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: Owned.

Rhys Hoskins, Phillies – Tommy Joseph has hit better lately, but his overall production is done from his breakthrough 2016 season. If Joseph does regress again, it likely paves the way for a sooner than expected promotion of Hoskins. Hoskins had a monster year at Double-A Reading where he hit .281/.377/.566 with 38 home runs in 498 at-bats. He took advantage of a hitter-friendly park in Reading where he slashed .292/.396/.636 with 25 of his 38 home runs. Hoskins has shown that production is no fluke, batting .306/.400/.608 with 14 HR and 48 RBI in his first 61 games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Most impressive may be his 37:32 K:BB there, continuing his solid eye at the plate that is coupled with a simple but effective swing, which should allow him continued success as he advances. Hoskins has shown in the minors that he can hit lefties and righties, though there are questions regarding whether he will hit enough when he gets to the majors and has to face better offspeed stuff. But so far, he has answered every challenge in the minors. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 12-team NL: $11 (early spec bid to be upped once he is promoted).

Tyler Moore, Marlins – Moore broke camp with the Marlins but saw minimal at-bats before he was designated for assignment and sent back down to the minors after passing through waivers. With Miguel Rojas (thumb) landing on the 60-day disabled list, a 40-man roster spot opened up for Moore to re-emerge in the big leagues. Moore had been limited to pinch-hit and spot duty due to Justin Bour's hot bat, including against southpaws. But Bour landed on the disabled list due to a left ankle contusion, opening up first base for Moore.  J.T. Realmuto could move out from behind the dish to man the position occasionally, and Derek Dietrich can also play first base in a pinch, while Bour may be back June 16, so don't overrate Moore, who has been solid filling in for Bour. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1, 12-team NL: $4.

Second Base
 
Mike Freeman, Dodgers – Freeman joined the Dodgers organization from Seattle at the end of May following a waiver claim and was promoted Monday. His positional versatility should help him fill holes in the Dodgers' lineup while their regulars are hurt. Look Freeman to be sent back down when LA gets healthier. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Jose Pirela, Padres – Pirela, who came to the Padres from the Yankees after the 2015 season, looked like his career was going to be spent in the minors. He has resurrected his career this year, looking like the player that had the Bronx Bombers so excited at one point, posting a .331/.387/.635 slash line with 13 home runs and eight stolen bases in 48 games at Triple-A El Paso. Pirela has logged innings at first base, second base and left field already, so there is a chance he could serve as a super-utility player when San Diego get healthy. For now, though, while he continues to hit as well as he has his first week with the Padres , manager Andy Green may be forced to play him almost daily. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Injury activation/updates

Kolten Wong, Cardinals – Wong, sidelined and on the disabled list with left elbow soreness since May 27, was to be activated Friday when eligible. He was lifted from Wednesday's rehab game at Low- Peoria for precautionary reasons, which could extend his due date for returning. When Wong does return, he will need to battle Paul DeJong for playing time at second base, though Wong's hot May after a poor April should give him the playing time edge. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: owned

Shortstops

Amed Rosario, Mets – Rosario continues to rake at Triple-A Las Vegas, and now that the super-2 deadline has basically all but passed, it may just be a matter of time before he is promoted. Through Friday's games, Rosario is hitting .339/.379/.500, though he has been in a mild slump for him recently. The Mets want Rosario to work on his plate discipline in the minors, as he has a 3:1 K:BB ratio. But with Asdrubal Cabrera's fielding having really fallen off and his bat struggling, New York could promote Rosario to give the team a boost at shortstop. With Wilmer Flores all but locked in at third base, the Mets could try Jose Reyes at short, though Reyes' bat has been ice cold. It likely is just a matter if time before Rosario is promoted, as he already has a career-high six home runs while also stealing 11 bases and playing stellar defense at short. However, it may not be until late-July or early-August before that call up occurs. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 12-team NL: $11 (early spec bid to be upped once he is promoted)

Eric Sogard, Brewers – Sogard continues to see copious amounts of playing time and get on base consistently. He has benefitted from Ryan Braun's calf injury but Sogard has taken advantage of the opportunity to move from a depth move promotion into a starter. Milwaukee will eventually be at full strength and as Mike wrote last week, Sogard will fall more in line with his career .244/.306/.324 averages (and you should too). But for now, he is seeing time at multiple positions and should be in your lineup for as long as he remains hot. Sogard's play along with the injury to Braun and now one to Jonathan Villar has forced manager Craig Counsell to put his name in the lineup daily, so enjoy the ride while it lasts. Check Sogard's elibibility, as he started 17 games last season at short and seven so far this year. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 12-team NL: $11.

Third Basemen

Andres Blanco, Phillies – Blanco is filling it at second base with Cesar Hernandez sidelined with an oblique injury. The best you can say about Blanco this year is that he qualifies at multiple positions, as his bat has significantly regressed following a solid 2016 season. Maybe consistent playing time will help him get over the Mendoza line. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $2.

Outfielders

Lane Adams / Jeremy Hazelbaker / Chad Huffman - This week's fourth and fifth outfielder call ups/activations, as well as expected call-ups, or those potentially to see a slight uptick in playing time were/will be in Atlanta, Arizona and St. Louis. None have any substantial value, though Hazelbaker could see some in left field with Yasmany Tomas (groin) sidelined. Adams, Hazelbaker and Huffman - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0.

Lewis Brinson, Brewers – Brinson, Milwaukee's top hitting prospect, was promoted Saturday with Jonathan Villar landing on the disabled list due to a lower-back strain. Brinson has been hitting .312/.397/.503 with six home runs, 25 RBI and seven stolen bases on the year with Triple-A Colorado Springs, and is likely Milwaukee's center fielder of the future. Acquired in the trade involving Johnathan Lucroy last year, Brinson has been dominating the highest level of the minors since coming over to the Brewers' organization after struggling at Double-A for Texas prior to the trade. The biggest question mark concerning his abilities is his strikeout rate, and with 45 of them this year through 45 games, it will be something to look at during his time with the big-league club. But Brinson can cover tons of ground in the outfield and profiles as a middle of the order bat and with Keon Broton scuffling and the Super-2 deadline likely passed, Brinson could stick with Milwaukee. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16.

Franchy Cordero, Padres – Cordero, who was called up to replace Manuel Margot, sidelined with a strained soleus muscle, continues to ably fill in playing center field daily. Manager Andy Green handed the 22-year-old the reins in center field and Cordero carried his strong Triple-A El Paso performance - .289/.349/.520 with seven homers and eight stolen bases – into the majors. Margot has ramped up his activity as he returns from the injury. But Cordero could stick in San Diego and shift to left field with both Travis Jankowski and Alex Dickerson still sidelined. Cordero's solid numbers at both High-A Lake Elsinore and Double-A San Antonio last season resulted in a cup of coffee at Triple-A, leading the Padres to add him to their 40-man roster following the season for Rule 5 protection. So his production in the majors likely isn't that big of a surprise and could pave the way for him to continue to see consistent at-bats at this level. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11, 12-team NL: $16.

Brian Goodwin / Ryan Raburn, Nationals – The Nationals acquired Raburn from the White Sox in a minor-league trade on May 26. After six games at Triple-A Syracuse, Raburn was promoted with Jayson Werth landing on the disabled list. Raburn should play most of the games in left field against southpaws, against whom he has a .261/.341/.487 slash line and hit 54 of his 91 career homers, with Goodwin starting versus righties. Goodwin - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1, 12-team NL: $4 / Raburn - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $2.

Ender Inciarte, Braves – Inciarte continues to rake at the plate, hitting safely in 11 of his last 12 games through Thursday, putting him on pace hit over .300 with 15 home runs and 30 stolen bases. He is doing everything you want from a leadoff hitter while also playing a solid center field. Inciarte's ratios are in line with past production, boding well for this breakout to continue. The Shelby Miller trade from Arizona's side continues to look worse and worse. 12-team Mixed: $55; 15-team Mixed: owned, 12-team NL: owned

Brett Phillips, Brewers – Phillips, one of Milwaukee's top prospects, got off to a slow start. But he had righted the ship and was hitting .297/.369/.589 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI in 49 games when he was promoted Monday from Triple-A Colorado Springs with Travis Shaw landing on the paternity list. Phillips played in two games before he was sent down Thursday to make room for Paolo Espino to start that day's contest. Shaw unfortunately is sidelined again dealing with a family emergency resulting on Phillips getting another promotion Friday. Phillips will need to improve his walk and contact rates while lowering his strikeout rate to have consistent success at the big league level. It's unclear how long this stint will last. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1, 12-team NL: $4

Injury activation/updates

Manuel Margot, Padres – Margot, sidelined since May 24 with a strained soleus muscle, ran at full speed and swung in the batting cages Wednesday. He did on-field running drills before Saturday's game and should soon be cleared to start a minor league rehab assignment. Margot potentially is a week or so away from rejoining the Padres. Franchy Cordero has ably filled in for Margot in center field, but when Margot is ready to return, Cordero could shift to left field with both Travis Jankowski and Alex Dickerson still sidelined. Margot got off to a hot start but had tailed off in the last month before the injury and was hitting .259/.305/.389 with four home runs and five steals (on 10 attempts). 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33 (in case he was waived)

Jarrett Parker, Giants – Parker, on the 60-day disabled list after breaking his right clavicle on April 15, may begin a rehab assignment shortly. He has progressed from on-field batting practice, running the bases and making throws in the outfield to the rehab stint. Barring any setbacks, Parker will likely need 10-14 days on a minor-league rehab assignment before returning to the big club. When he does return, Parker, who mashes righties, could once again start in left field, replacing Austin Slater. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

A.J. Pollock, Diamondbacks – Pollock, out since mid-May with a Grade 1 strain of his right groin, stepped up his rehab efforts when he ran on the field at about 75 percent effort Wednesday and ran at close to 100 percent Saturday. In addition, he has recently advanced from running on an anti-gravity treadmill to running outside. Sprinting and running the bases at full speed are the final hurdles for Pollock to clear. At one point, the thought was thought Pollock, who was slashing .299/.337/.395 with 11 stolen bases before he was sidelined after playing in just 12 games last year due to elbow and groin injuries, might not need a rehab stint. But the length of his absence might necessitate a short one. Arizona doesn't have an official timetable for Pollock's return from the DL, but if he continues to progress as he has without a setback, he could be back before the end of the month. 12-team Mixed: $55 (in case he was waived); 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned.