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.

Patrick Corbin, Diamondbacks - Corbin's overall numbers are solid enough, but they look even better when you factor in his recent 13-start streak. During that span, he's tossed 80 innings, putting up a 2.93 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 84 strikeouts. Those numbers include a seven-earned run debacle against the Cubs. Since then, he's surrendered just four earned runs with a 31:6 K:BB in 29.1 innings over his last four starts, giving him a 4.09 ERA and 1.43 WHIP with a 146:23 K:BB ratio in 152 innings. He looks to be all the way back from his 2014 Tommy John surgery. 12-team Mixed: $40; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

Jack Flaherty, Cardinals - Flaherty, a first-round pick by the Cardinals in 2014, could replace the struggling Mike Leake in the St. Louis rotation at the beginning of September. Leake has allowed 28 runs in 30.1 innings over his last six starts, putting his rotation spot in jeopardy. Flaherty, who started Saturday for Triple-A Memphis, has had a breakout 2017, posting a 2.13 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 133:34 K:BB in 143.2 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. He hasn't seen a major drop-off after his promotion to Triple-A. Flaherty's low-90s fastball is certainly not overpowering, but it does have a lot of movement. His changeup is above average, and Flaherty also features an emerging curveball and slider, using all four pitchers to retire hitters. Flaherty profiles as a No. 2/3 starter, which come as early as next week. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early spec call up bid)

Tyler Mahle, Reds - Mahle was called up from Triple-A Louisville to make his major league debut in place of Homer Bailey against the Pirates on Sunday. The 22-year-old hurler posted a 2.06 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 138:30 K:BB ratio in 144.1 innings in 24 starts for Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Louisville. Mahle, a seventh-round pick in 2013, features three pitches (fastball, curveball, changeup) that are a minimum-rated average, but he has excellent control of each and knows how to pitch, which makes his stuff look even better. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Nick Pivetta, Phillies - Pivetta was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to start Sunday's game against the Cubs. Following Sunday's game, the Phillies plan on keeping Pivetta in the rotation. Pivetta struggled with his command and control most of his 19 starts with the Phillies, posting a 6.73 ERA and 1.54 WHIP, resulting in his recent demotion. But with the Phillies playing out the string, Pivetta gets another chance to show he deserves a rotation or roster spot in the future. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Antonio Senzatela, Rockies - Senzatela opened the year in the Colorado rotation but was moved to the bullpen July 24. He made one spot start since but was then moved back to relieving. Senzatela started Wednesday, allowing two runs on nine hits with one walk and two strikeouts over five innings against the Royals. No guarantee he sticks in the rotation, but if he does, Senzatela's next start will come Monday against the Tigers. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Injury activation/updates:

Wei-Yin Chen, Marlins - Chen, out since his May 2 start with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow, began a rehab assignment Thursday with the Gulf Coast League Marlins. Prior to the injury, Chen, who had Tommy John surgery in Japan, posted a 4.33 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with a 20:9 K:BB ratio in 27 innings over five starts. Chen could make 1-2 starts for the Marlins before the end of the season. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Johnny Cueto, Giants - Cueto, who went 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, threw 47 pitches over three scoreless frames for Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday. He will make a second start for Sacramento on Sunday before rejoining the Giants this upcoming weekend against the Cardinals. 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: $8; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22 (increased early spec return bid)

Matt Harvey, Mets - Harvey, sidelined since June 15 with a stress injury of the scapula bone in his right shoulder, made his fourth rehab start Saturday for Double-A Binghamton. The plan for him was to throw 80-85 pitches, but he tossed just 72, allowing five runs – three earned – on five hits and a walk with two strikeouts in 4.2 innings. Harvey's fastball was in the high 80s and low 90s in his first three outings, well below the 93-94 range he hit this year before he was sidelined. New York still plans on activating him in early-September but he may now need two rather one rehab starts before he rejoins the Mets. Harvey, who is recovering from a stress injury to his right scapula, 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 rotation in September. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (same early spec return bid)

Seth Lugo, Mets - Lugo landed on the disabled list after his Aug. 11 start with right shoulder impingement. He allowed 13 runs over his last 16 innings over his last three starts before landing on the DL to raise his ERA from 4.10 to 4.85, so it's possible the injury resulted in his struggles. Lugo was activated Sunday to start against the Nationals and could remain in the rotation the rest of the season as long as he remains healthy. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Brandon McCarthy, Dodgers - McCarthy, out with a blister since his July 22 start, tossed three scoreless innings in his first rehab start Friday for High-A Rancho Cucamonga. He likely will need two more starts before he is ready to rejoin the Dodgers. When that happens, Alex Wood (chest) and Clayton Kershaw (back) each could be back in the L.A. rotation. But with the Dodgers cruising toward a potential record-setting season, the team could opt to skip some starters down the stretch, giving McCarthy 2-3 starts in the big leagues. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Tommy Milone, Mets - Milone, on the 60-day disabled list due to a knee injury, was activated and started Tuesday. He not surprisingly gave up six runs (five earned) on five hits and a walk with five strikeouts over 4.2 innings en route to a loss against the Diamondbacks. Prior to this start, May Day Milone compiled a 7.91 ERA and 1.73 WHIP in 33 innings between the Brewers and Mets. He was mildly better in his four rehab starts, posting a 4.95 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 11 strikeouts in 20 innings with Double-A Binghamton. Until either Matt Harvey or Noah Syndergaard are back, and with Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler sidelined for the year, Milone likely will remain in the rotation. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

RELIEF PITCHER
 
Drew Anderson/Johnny Barbato/Steven Brault/Alejandro Chacin/Luke Farrell/A.J. Minter/Josh Ravin/Yacksel Rios/Angel Sanchez/Ryan Sherriff/Dan Winkler - This week's key middle reliever callups/activations, as well as expected callups, were/will be in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh (2x), Cincinnati (2x), Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh. St. Louis and Atlanta. None have any 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.

Pedro Baez, Dodgers - Baez has put together a brilliant season setting up Kenley Jansen. He has posted a 1.86 ERA and 1.20 WHIP with a 50:22 K:BB ratio and 22 holds in 53.1 innings through 53 appearances. This is Baez's fourth straight excellent campaign and he is one hold away from tying his career high set last year. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Jeurys Familia, Mets - Familia, sidelined since undergoing May surgery to remove a blood clot in his right armpit, was activated off the disabled list Friday. He was able to complete the final step of his rehab program, pitching in back-to-back days Tuesday and Wednesday for Brooklyn of the New York-Penn League. Familia hit 97 mph with his fastball during his rehab stint while also showing a solid splitter and slider. Before landing on the disabled list, Familia posted a 3.86 ERA with three saves in four chances. He struggled in his first outing Saturday and will be eased into high-leverage situations but should eventually reclaim the closer's role from A.J. Ramos before the end of the season. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33 (based on him eventually closing)

Jarlin Garcia. Marlins - Garcia has been solid in middle relief for the Marlins, posting a 3.14 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 34:10 K:BB in 43 innings over 54 appearances. He may get a chance to start next season, but Garcia has been solid out of the bullpen and his lack of strikeouts may make that role a better fit for him. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Jake McGee/Pat Neshek, Rockies - Through Aug. 4, Greg Holland had allowed seven earned runs in 41 innings. Since then, he has surrendered 14 in seven innings over his last eight appearances. A change at closer has not yet been made but there are whispers one could occur in the near term. If that happens, McGee, who has struggled lately but notched the save Saturday because Neshek was used in the eighth, or Neshek, who has been brilliant the last two seasons, will close. My bet is on Neshek due to how well he has pitched and that he is more of a traditional closer, despite his reliance on deception and movement than velocity. McGee - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Neshek - 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: $22 (closer spec)

Brad Ziegler, Marlins - All Ziegler has done since his activation following the trade of A.J. Ramos to the Mets is go 9-for-9 in saves with 0.00 ERA. He doesn't strike many batters out, but he knows how to retire hitters effectively and efficiently. It's still possible he gets dealt before the end of the waiver deadline period Thursday. But if not, despite the presence of Kyle Barraclough, Ziegler could retain the closer role the rest of the season. 12-team Mixed: $20; 15-team Mixed: $30; 12-team NL: $40 (based on expectations he isn't traded and remains as closer)

CATCHER
 
Chris Herrmann, Diamondbacks - Herrmann will be in line for additional playing time behind the plate with Jeff Mathis lost to a fractured hand. He has struggled at the plate and may only see occasional starts in back of Chris Iannetta with Arizona in the pennant race. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Tony Wolters, Rockies - Wolters was called up Tuesday to take over as the backup catcher behind Jonathan Lucroy after Ryan Hanigan (groin) was forced to the 10-day disabled list. He posted a solid .345 on-base percentage over 67 games with the Rockies earlier this season, but a poor average, lack of power or speed and his presence at the bottom of the order limited his fantasy appeal. Lucroy should start nearly every day, limiting Wolters to spot starts. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

FIRST BASE
 
Injury activation/updates:

Justin Bour, Marlins - Bour, on the disabled list since July 25 with a strained right oblique, fielded grounders Friday and took some swings off the tee. Before he was sidelined, Bour was enjoying what looked to be a career year, batting .289/.366/.548 with 21 HR and 63 RBI. Tomas Telis and Tyler Moore have mainly fit in for Bour, who could return in a few weeks and exceed the 23 HR and 73 RBI he posted two years ago. His rise in power has come with a major spike in his K-rate, but as long as Bour drives the ball as he did before he was sidelined, Miami will live with the increase in strikeouts. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33 (same early spec return bid)

SECOND BASE
 
Injury activation/updates:

Joe Panik, Giants - Panik, out since Aug. 13 with a concussion, was activated for Friday's game against the Diamondbacks. He made several excellent defensive plays during his short rehab stint, showing he is healthy. Panik slashed .271/.330/.397 with seven home runs and 40 runs batted in through 109 games before he was sidelined. He has slotted back to his starting spot. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7 12-team NL: $11.

Jose Reyes, Mets - Reyes was activated Saturday after a brief stint on the disabled list with a strained oblique. He played second base Saturday but due to the losses of Michael Conforto (shoulder) and Yoenis Cespedes (hamstring) on the heels of trading Jay Bruce and Curtis Granderson, Reyes may see some time in the outfield, likely on an emergency basis. Reyes took fly balls in the outfield this spring and played one inning in center field this season. He has played third base, shortstop and second base this season and batted 223/.286/.375 with nine home runs, 39 RBI and 14 stolen bases in 113 games before he was sldelined. Most of his action will come at those three infield spots the final five weeks of the season. Look for him to hit leadoff when he is in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11 12-team NL: $16 (due to steals potential)

SHORTSTOP

Injury activation/updates:

Nick Ahmed, Diamondbacks - Ahmed, out since fracturing his right hand on June 27 and on the 60-day disabled list, will soon move his rehab assignment to Triple-A Reno. He kicked off his rehab stint last Saturday with the Diamondbacks' rookie-level Arizona League club. Ketel Marte has more than ably filled in the last month-plus for Ahmed, who is ineligible to return until the end of the month. But Arizona has missed Ahmed's strong defense from the shortstop position. Look for Ahmed to be back up either at the end of the month or when the rosters expand Sept. 1 and back up Marte. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Johan Camargo, Braves - Camargo, out since Aug. 8 with right knee bone bruise, is expected to begin a rehab assignment this week. If that happens, look for Camargo to be activated shortly after Sept. 1. 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

Injury activation/updates:

Adonis Garcia, Braves - Garcia, who underwent surgery on his left ring finger in June, will begin a rehab assignment this week. When he had the surgery, the viewpoint was that Garcia would miss two months, and it looks like he's on that pace. Garcia was having a rough 2017 after a breakthrough year last year. With Freddie Freeman back and now at first base, Ozzie Albies at second and Matt Adams in left, Brandon Phillips is at third base. But the Braves likely will play Garcia a lot at the hot corner in September to see if 2016 or this year is the norm. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec return bid)

David Wright, Mets - Wright, sidelined all season due to spinal stenosis and recovery from surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back last year, playing his first time in the field Friday evening for High-A St. Lucie. In five innings at third base, Wright caught a pop up, had one clean ground ball and made a fielding error on other grounder to third. Wright surprisingly was able to kick off his rehab this week, serving as the designated hitter his first game before playing the field Friday. He has not played in a major league game since May 27, 2016, when he was sidelined with the herniated disc in his neck. He was initially diagnosed with spinal stenosis in early 2015, which sidelined him for 115 games before he returned for the Mets' stretch run and playoff run to the World Series. Wright still has a ways to go, but the mere fact he is on the field is a positive, and the Mets could use him on the field but especially in the clubhouse. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid)

OUTFIELD

Rey Fuentes/Daniel Nava/Raimel Tapia - 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 Arizona, Philadelphia and Colorado. Fuentes, out since July 21 with a left thumb contusion, appeared in 13 games with Triple-A Reno during his rehab assignment, going 13-for-47 (.277) with five doubles and four stolen bases. He will back up at all three outfield spots. Nava, who missed the minimum 10 days with strained lower back, resumes his role as a backup outfielder. Tapia, who has acquitted himself nicely at the plate while in the majors, is up for another stint. He should play against southpaws and could carve out more playing time he stays hot at the plate. Fuentes/Nava - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4; Tapia - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Gorkys Hernandez, Giants - Hernandez doesn't see consistent playing time, but he has produced when in the lineup. He has seen time at all three outfield spots and has been especially good in August batting .359 this month. Feel free to use Hernandez when you see his name penciled into the lineup. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5.

Juan Lagares/Brandon Nimmo, Mets - Remember when the Mets had a logjam in the outfield due to the presence of Jay Bruce, Curtis Granderson, Michael Conforto and Yoenis Cespedes? Bruce and Grandy were both traded while Conforto (shoulder) and Cespedes (hamstring) are both likely out for the season. As a result, Lagares and Nimmo, each profiled the last few weeks, get another mention, as both should likely start daily; Nimmo in right and Lagares in center. Matt Reynolds and Travis Taijeron likely will split time in left. But Lagares, who missed nearly two months with a fractured left thumb, and Nimmo, who had a .352/.423/.541 slash line in 97 games at Triple-A Las Vegas, each get a chance to prove they should have key roles in 2018 heading into the offseason. Lagares has to show he can hit righties while Nimmo must hit lefties and get on base due to his lack of power. Lagares and Nimmo - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Stephen Piscotty, Cardinals - Piscotty, who was added to the Cardinals' roster for Sunday's Little League Classic, has remained with the Cardinals. The outfielder was sent to Triple-A Memphis on Aug. 7 to work on his swing, and he's promptly gone 10-for-32 with three doubles, four home runs, seven RBI and six walks over his time with the Redbirds. Since the callup, Piscotty has started nearly every day, going 7-for-19 with a home run with a 6:4 K:BB ratio. With Dexter Fowler, Tommy Phan and Randall Grichuk in St. Louis, Piscotty will have to stay hot to remain in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Matt Reynolds/Travis Taijeron, Mets - Taijeron was called up Saturday to replace the injured Yoenis Cespedes (hamstring) on the Mets' roster. With Jay Bruce and Curtis Granderson both traded and Michael Conforto (shoulder) and Cespedes both likely out for the season, the Mets are short in outfielders. Taijelon, who made his MLB debut as a 28-year-old Saturday, hit 25 homers and slashed .272/.386/.525 in 125 games for Triple-A Las Vegas to get his chance. Reynolds is usually an infielder but he has played a few games in the outfield and could see some time there, as might Jose Reyes. Reynolds - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3; Taijeron - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (more if you think his hot bat carries up to the majors)

Injury activation/updates:

Ian Desmond, Rockies - Desmond, out with a strained right calf since July 28, began a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday. Geraldo Parra has started daily with Desmond sidelined, which is the second time a strained calf has kept him out. Injuries have limited Desmond to 65 mostly ineffective games. During this rehab stint, Desmond is seeing time at first base, shortstop and left field, setting him up to be a utility player when he rejoins the Rockies. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Austin Slater, Giants - Slater, who was to miss 2-to-3 months after he was diagnosed in early July with a torn adductor muscle, will begin a minor-league rehab assignment this week. He likely will need 2-3 weeks or so before he is possibly ready to return to the Giants. Slater had acquitted himself well following his promotion before he was sidelined. Once he's healthy again, Slater could challenge Jarrett Parker for an everyday role in left field. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2 (early spec return bid)

Jayson Werth, Nationals - Werth, sidelined since June 3 after fouling a ball off his left foot, kicked off a rehab stint at Triple-A Syracuse on Monday. He played three games there but then was moved to High-A Potomac on Friday. Werth plans to meet with manager Dusty Baker early this week to discuss his eventual activation, which come shortly before or right after the Sept. 1 roster expansion. However, it's still possible that Werth may need all 20 days on a rehab stint before rejoining the team. Werth will be the starting left fielder again once he is healthy, which will be needed given Bryce Harper's injury. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (same early spec return bid)