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 grid, which is 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.

Dinelson Lamet, Padres - In what has been a disappointing season for the Padres, several of their young players have garnered valuable experience. One of those players has been Lamet, who has found his form lately. The 25-year-old has given up a nine hits in his last four starts while winning four of his last five outings. Lamet now has 92 strikeouts in 75.1 innings with the big club this season. However, his lack of a quality third pitch to accompany his 95 mph heater and sharp slider means he may ultimately be destined for the bullpen. If he can develop a reasonable changeup, which has proven challenging, Lamet could be something really special. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22

Ben Lively, Phillies - Lively, who was 1-4 with a 3.80 ERA and a 17:13 K:BB in 42.2 innings with the Phillies earlier this season, was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday to start against the Giants. His return bumps Mark Leiter back to the bullpen, though Zach Eflin's shoulder injury could keep him in the rotation or result in Nick Pivetta getting called back up. Lively's overall minor-league numbers are solid but he has struggled recently. He is a pitch-to-contact starter who does not have a strikeout pitch to get out of trouble, which makes relying on him risky. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Mike Montgomery, Cubs - Montgomery, who has started and relieved this year, moves back into the Chicago starting rotation to replace the injured Jon Lester (shoulder, lat). Lester exited Thursday's outing with two outs recorded in the second inning, while Montgomery pitched 4.1 innings of scoreless relief in his absence. Montgomery's last start was July 19, so he may not be able to go five innings and he might be needed for just 1-2 starts in place Lester. On the year, Montgomery has made eight starts, posting a 3.64 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 77:45 K:BB ratio in 96.1 innings. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Robert Stephenson, Reds - Stephenson, activated from the disabled list last Sunday, moved back into the starting rotation Saturday. He allowed two runs, one of which was earned, on three hits and three walks while striking out three across five innings to earn the win against the Braves. Stephenson has lowered his ERA from 8.10 to 6.13 his last four appearances and should remain in the Cincy rotation. His three-pitch mix should be sufficient to retire hitters but he has struggled with his consistency at this level, which will be the key to his success the rest of the way. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Luke Weaver, Cardinals - Weaver was promoted Thursday and will replace Adam Wainwright (right elbow impingement) in the Cardinals' rotation. Weaver made two starts in late July and early August with St. Louis, giving up a combined six runs on 10 hits and four walks while striking out 13 over 11.1 innings against the Brewers and Diamondbacks. Weaver, who has had stretches of dominance this year with the Mets, will start Wednesday against the Padres and will make at least a couple starts with Wainwright out at least a few weeks. He uses a low-90s fastball, filthy changeup and developing curveball to retire hitters. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Injury activation/updates:

Johnny Cueto, Giants - Cueto, who threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, tossed a 50-pitch bullpen session Friday and kicks off his rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Monday. He is slated to throw 50-60 pitches and make one more rehab start before rejoining the Giants. Cueto landed on the disabled list July 15 with multiple blisters on his right hand and then suffered a flexor tendon strain in a rehab start on July 31. He has struggled mightily this year, going 6-7 with a 4.59 ERA in 19 starts after excelling last year, his first in San Francisco. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (early spec return bid)

Robert Gsellman, Mets - Gsellman entered 2017 with high hopes after he posted a 2.42 ERA and 1.28 WHIP while starting seven games for the Mets. The year has not gone even close to what was hoped, as Gsellman struggled almost from the get-go before landing on the disabled list June 27 with a strained last hamstring. He made four rehab appearances and was surprisingly activated after tossing six shutout innings for Double-A Binghamton, replacing Seth Lugo, who was placed on the 10-day DL with a shoulder impingement. Gsellman gave up three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks with two strikeouts over 5.1 innings Wednesday against the Yankees. With Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler and Lugo out with injuries, Gsellman should remain in the rotation for at least a few more turns. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Matt Harvey, Mets - Harvey, sidelined since June 15 with a stress injury of the scapula bone in his right shoulder, made his second rehab start Wednesday at Brooklyn of the New-York Penn League. He tossed 36 pitches in three scoreless innings, topping out at 94 mph while striking out the side in his final frame. Harvey, who is recovering from a stress injury to his right scapula, gave up one run in one inning in his first start last Saturday with Brooklyn. He spent much of the first month he was sidelined building strength in the muscles behind his right shoulder before moving to throwing off the slope of the mound, a pair of bullpen sessions and then rehab starts. It's been a rough few years for the Dark Knight, as he struggled the first half of last year before undergoing thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. This season, Harvey had a 5.25 ERA and 1.45 WHIP when he was sidelined. Barring a setback, Harvey should make 2-3 more rehab starts before rejoining the team's rotation sometime in September. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (slightly increased early spec return bid)

RELIEF PITCHING
 
Kyle Barraclough, Marlins - Barraclough, on the DL since July 26 with a right shoulder impingement, was activated Tuesday following a short rehab stint. Those appearances were enough to convince manager Don Mattingly that Barraclough, who has a 3.30 ERA and ugly 1.51 WHIP this season, was ready to rejoin the Marlins. Barraclough could become the team's closer later this season or next year, replacing Brad Ziegler, though Ziegler is 4-for-4 for saves for Miami. His numbers are skewed by an ugly start, but the hard-throwing righty was much better before he was sidelined. Barraclough may need to wait until Zigeler has a bobble, but until then, he is still valuable in a setup man. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (same saves spec bid)

Archie Bradley, Diamondbacks - You might be getting tired of seeing Bradley's name here, but his stats continue to shine. Bradley turned in his 10th consecutive scoreless appearance Thursday, dropping his season ERA to a bullpen-leading 1.33. Bradley has supplemented the ERA with a 0.92 WHIP and 59:11 K:BB over 53.1 innings. While he has not closed, Bradley's numbers more than warrant a spot on your roster in almost formats. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Jeurys Familia, Mets - Familia, who hasn't pitched since undergoing May surgery to remove a blood clot in his shoulder, kicked off a minor league rehab assignment Wednesday for High-A St. Lucie. He made a second appearance at that level Saturday, tossing a scoreless inning with three strikeouts and 25 pitches, and will then travel to short-season Brooklyn. Familia can spend up to 30 days on assignment, but he likely will not need that much time, as he should be back around the end of the month. He will need to show the Mets he can throw at least 30 pitches in an inning before they will activate him, and with the team playing out the string, it can extend the rehab if needed. Before landing on the disabled list, Familia posted a 3.86 ERA with three saves in four chances. He may reclaim the closer's role from newly acquired AJ Ramos upon his return, with an eye toward locking down the ninth inning in 2018, though it's possible Ramos keeps the job. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (to be increased as he gets closer, especially if he is to close)

J.J. Hoover/Shawn Kelley/Josh Lucas/Tommy Milone/Dovydas Neverauskas/Scott Oberg/Edward Paredes/Felix Pena/Matt Wisler/Rob Zastryzny - This week's key middle reliever callups/activations, as well as expected callups, were/will be in Arizona, Washington, St. Louis, New York, Pittsburgh, Colorado, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and Chicago. None has substantial value, though Wisler could see some late-inning work following his transition from starting to relieving. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0

Tyler Lyons/Seung Hwan Oh, Cardinals - Lyons and Oh move up in the bullpen pecking order with Trevor Rosenthal sidelined due to a right elbow injury, the severity of which is unknown. Lyons, profiled last week, extended his scoreless streak to 14 appearances Thursday, a stretch during which he's recorded seven holds, giving him 11 for the season. Lyons has posted a 2.77 ERA with a 46:14 K:BB ratio in 39 innings and could get some save opportunities with Rosenthal out. The main beneficiary of Rosenthal's injury is Oh, who lost his closer job to Rosenthal due to ineffectiveness. Oh has been mildly better lately and will get the first chance to close. But if he struggles again, look for manager Mike Matheny to turn to Lyons or maybe Matt Bowman to close. Lyons - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Oh - 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: $24

CATCHER
 
Tucker Barnhart/Stuart Turner Reds - Holy shock of shocks Batman, Devin Mesoraco is out again with an injury. This time, a broken foot will sidelined the oft-injured catcher the next 3-to-6 weeks. In his stead, Barnhart and Turner will split the catching duties once again. Barnhardt, who is having a solid season, will receive most of the playing time behind the plate, just like he did last year, when he played 115 games. Turner, a Rule 5 pick from Minnesota, has stuck around all year, save for his own stint on the DL, due to Mesoraco's injuries and will play when Barnhart needs a day off. Barnhart - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14; Turner - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Elias Diaz/Chris Stewart, Pirates - Like Mesoraco, Francisco Cervelli has spent a copious amount of the time on the disabled list, opening the door for Stewart and Diaz to see playing time behind the plate. Neither is a tremendous option. Diaz is better offensively, but he was hitting .266/.298/.339 with two home runs and three steals in 57 games at Triple-A when he was called up and didn't impress in his last stint in the majors. Stewart has not shown anything offensively and except for NL-only leagues, both should be left on waiver wire. Diaz - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2, Stewart - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Kevin Plawecki, Mets - Plawecki was called up Saturday after the Cubs claimed Rene Rivera off waivers. Like in the past, Plawecki hit well at Triple-A Las Vegas, batting .328/.375/.514 with nine home runs and a 13.8 percent strikeout rate in 275 plate appearances in the Pacific Coast League, benefitting from favorable hitting conditions. He has historically failed to carry that success to the majors, but with the Mets in evaluation mode, Plawecki could see a few starts a week to show he deserves a 2018 roster spot. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

Injury activation/updates:

Stephen Vogt, Brewers - Vogt suffered a strained MCL in his left knee and strained neck in a collision with Chad Kuhl on July 17. The knee injury was expected to sideline him for a month, which is what happened, as Vogt was activated Friday following a rehab assignment. Vogt played three games at Low-A Wisconsin before moving to Triple-A Colorado Springs for three additional contests. He has resumed his role as starting catcher over Manny Pina. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (increased return bid)

FIRST BASE

Injury activation/updates:

Adrian Gonzalez, Dodgers - Gonzalez, sidelined since June 11 due to a herniated disk in his back, was activated and in the starting lineup at first base Friday. He had nine rehab games and 31 at-bats prior to his activation, so A-Gone might still be rusty. Prior to being sidelined, Gonzalez was hitting just .255/.304/.339 with one home run and 23 RBI in 165 at-bats over 49 games. Cody Bellinger has replaced Gonzalez at first base, but L.A. will play Bellinger in left and right field following the acquisition of Curtis Granderson, shifting Chris Taylor to a super-utility role all over the diamond. Gonzalez, despite a career-low .339 slugging percentage, should be in the starting lineup almost daily. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $35 (slightly increased spec bid now that he has returned)

SECOND BASE
 
Gavin Cecchini, Mets - Cecchini, profiled last week following the trade of Neil Walker to the Brewers, which creates a hole at second base for the Mets, was called up Thursday. That promotion was due to the recent rib injuries to Jose Reyes (DL) and Wilmer Flores (active) along with T.J. Rivera (elbow) already being on the shelf. Cecchini, who slashed .349/.429/.512 in his last 10 games for Triple-A Las Vegas, will see decent playing time at second base in September to show he belongs on the Mets next season. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (same bid now that he has been called up)

Pedro Florimon/Max Moroff - This week's middle infield depth callups were in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Florimon took the roster spot of Nick Pivetta, who was sent to the minors following his start Wednesday. He will see spot duty while he is in the majors. Moroff was summoned back to the Pirates after being sent down earlier this month to replace Francisco Cervelli, who was sent to the disabled list with left wrist inflammation. He will see spot duty in the middle infield. Both - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

SHORTSTOP

Matt Reynolds, Mets - With Jose Reyes (DL) and Wilmer Flores (active) sidelined with rib injuries, Travis d'Arnaud started at third base, then second, etc., Wednesday against the Yankees. The Mets brought in Reynolds and Gavin Cecchini to bolster their middle infield and hot corner. Reynolds started Thursday and Friday at third with Asdrubal Cabrera at second base, though Cabrera may see some time at third with Cecchini manning second. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Injury activation/updates:

Johan Camargo, Braves - Camargo, out since Aug. 8 with right knee bone bruise, participated in some drills prior to the team's game Friday against the Reds, but is still likely a week away from embarking on a rehab assignment. He likely will need a few games on that assignment before he is ready to rejoin the Braves. Camargo was hitting .292./.327/.454 in 64 games and should see time at second, short and third when he is activated. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

THIRD BASE

Cory Spangenberg, Padres - Spangenberg homered in three straight games this past week, driving in eight runs in that stretch to give him 12 and 43, respectively, for the season in those categories. In fact, seven of those longballs and 23 of those RBI came in nearly the last month. Spangenberg has focused on driving the ball rather than being a slap hitter, which has paid dividends this season. He qualifies at third base and the outfield and may be eligible at second in some leagues as well, adding to his value. Spangenberg, a first-round pick in 2011, also has 12 multi-hit games since the All-Star break, increasing his batting average by more than 25 points in that stretch. Enjoy the ride while it lasts. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $15; 12-team NL: owned

OUTFIELD

Jabari Blash, Padres - Blash was called up to the majors Saturday, replacing Hunter Renfroe, who was demoted to Triple-A El Paso. He excelled in his last stint in the majors, slashing .298/.382/.511 with two homers in 16 games. But he was the odd man out when Yangervis Solarte (oblique) and Austin Hedges (concussion) returned from the 10-day disabled list. With Renfroe sent down, Blash should hold on to the right field job, at least until Renfroe returns, which might be after Sept. 1 roster expansion. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Alejandro De Aza/Phillip Ervin/Mike Tauchman - This week's fourth and fifth outfielder callups/activations, as well as expected callups, or those potentially to see a slight uptick in playing time was in Washington, Cincinnati and Colorado. De Aza got the call to make his first major-league appearance this season due to Brian Goodwin (groin) landing on the 10-day disabled list, He played 56 games for Syracuse since signing a minor-league deal in mid-June, hitting .280/.368/.403 during his time with the club. De Aza will provide depth at all three outfield positions, which is a necessity for a Nationals team that has lost Goodwin and Bryce Harper (knee) in recent days and still are without Adam Eaton (torn ACL) and Jayson Werth (foot). Ervin is up for the second time this month, but unlike the first time, he saw and produced with some playing time. However, with Scott Schebler (shoulder) off the disabled list and Jesse Winker still around, Ervin, who hit 256/.328/.380 with seven home runs and 450 RBI in 99 games at Triple-A Louisville, may be hard pressed to receive consistent playing time. Tauchman,  a 10th-round pick in 2013 who has put together an excellent season at Albuquerque, slashing .332/.389/.566 with 16 homers and 16 stolen bases, gets his second callup of the season. He figures to be a bench bat for the Rockies. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4.

Curtis Granderson, Dodgers - Granderson was traded Friday to the Dodgers for a player to be named. Grandy should start daily against righties at one of the outfield spots with Joc Pederson optioned to the minors and benefits from playing in one of the best lineups in baseball. His overall numbers are nothing to write home about, but a look beyond that reveals a lot more. Since April 30, in 251 at-bats, Curtis has been nothing short of Grand-erson with 18 home runs, 46 RBI, 52 runs and a .263/.383/.570 line. The four-year, $60 million contract he signed with the Mets, which expires after the season, has proven to be a fairly good bargain. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33.

Brandon Nimmo, Mets - Nimmo, profiled last week, gets another mention as the trade of Curtis Granderson to the Dodgers creates additional playing time in the Mets' outfield. Juan Lagares also will factor in the mix but New York will look to see what it has in Nimmo. Yoenis Cespedes is set in left field and Michael Conforto is now in right following the trade of Jay Bruce to Cleveland and Granderson to Los Angeles after showing he can man center field. Nimmo, who had a .352/.423/.541 slash line in 97 games at Triple-A Las Vegas, should start against righties with Lagares playing against lefties. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Injury activation/updates:

Andre Ethier, Dodgers - Ethier, sidelined for the season to date with a herniated disc in his back, went to Double-A Tulsa to continue his rehab assignment Friday. After playing three games at High-A Rancho Cucamonga, Ethier moved up a level and then will eventually play several games at Triple-A Albuquerque. Since Ethier has missed so much time, he will need the full 20 days allowed for a rehab stint. The hope remains that he'll rejoin the Dodgers when rosters expand at the beginning of September. However, the acquisition of Curtis Granderson could make Ethier just a bench bat. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2 (early spec return bid)

Scott Schebler, Reds - Schebler, who had been on the disabled list since the beginning of August with a bruised left rotator cuff that started bothering him in June, was activated Friday after a three-game rehab stint with Triple-A Louisville. After a breakthrough season last year, Schebler has had a difficult 2017 campaign, especially before he was injured. Activated Friday, he'll likely reclaim his role as the primary right fielder upon activation, though he could see occasional time off with Jesse Winker and Phillip Ervin in the mix for reps. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Michael Taylor, Nationals - Taylor, out since July 7 with a strained right oblique muscle, was activated last Sunday, getting the call after Bryce Harper injured his knee the day before. He played in 12 rehab games at High-A Potomac and Double-A Binghamton, showing that he was ready to return. Brian Goodwin had more than ably filled in for Taylor, who had replaced Adam Eaton (ACL), but he now is sidelined with a groin injury, adding greater importance to Taylor's return. Taylor was hitting .278/.320/.510 with 12 HR, 35 RBI, 40 R and 10 SB and had been red-hot when he was sidelined. 12-team Mixed: $25; 15-team Mixed: $35; 12-team NL: $50 (if available)