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.

This week's column is not an exhaustive list of who was promoted. Instead, I have profiled those players who will either fill a substantive role on their team down the stretch or project in the future to have a key role or bright future with their team. If I missed anyone or there is someone you would like profiled, please put it in the comments section. In addition, several players were profiled the last few weeks and if you want a full list of callups, go here, with updates for them provided on the RotoWire.

Steven Brault, Pirates - Brault will replace the struggling Ivan Nova (6.64 ERA since July 23) in the Pirates' rotation on Sept. 5, but it remains to be seen if it will be a one-shot deal. He posted a 1.94 ERA over 120.1 innings as a starter at Triple-A Indianapolis but has a 5.93 ERA and 1.90 WHIP in 13.2 innings in the majors. The minor-league history is there, but tread lightly until we see if Brault's stuff can translate to this level. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Erick Fedde, Nationals - Fedde, who made three unsuccessful spot starts for Washington, was called up when rosters expanded. He pitched well at Double-A Harrisburg to earn a move up to Triple-A Syracuse as a reliever, prepping him for a bullpen role. Fedde has failed to recapture his stuff since that transition, even after sliding back to starting. With Washington cruising to the division crown and probable No. 2 seed in the NL, he could get a few starts down the stretch. He uses a mid-90s fastball with excellent life, solid slider and developing changeup to retire hitters; the latter pitch to determine if he remains a starter or shifts full-time to the bullpen. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (more in keeper leagues)

Jack Flaherty, Cardinals - Flaherty, a first-round pick by the Cardinals in 2014, was profiled last week when I speculated he could replace the struggling Mike Leake in the St. Louis rotation at the beginning of September. He gets another mention, as that is what happened. Leake had allowed 28 runs in 30.1 innings over his last six starts, putting his rotation spot in jeopardy. St. Louis opted to deal Leake to Seattle in what looks like a salary dump, opening a rotation spot. Flaherty, who started last Saturday for Triple-A Memphis and slotted right in on turn for Leake, 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, posting a 2.74 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with a 85:24 K:BB in 85.1 innings. Flaherty's fastball is in the low-90s and 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, enabling to use all four pitchers to retire hitters. He allowed five earned runs on eight hits, one walk and a hit batsman while striking out six over four innings. Despite the poor first start in the majors, Flaherty profiles as a No. 2/3 starter in the future. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (increased callup bid)

Max Fried, Braves - Fried was called up when rosters expanded Friday and will start Sunday against the Cubs. This is his first start in the pros, as Fried threw 6.2 innings allowing four earned runs out of the bullpen earlier this season. Fried once was a big-time prospect, but an elbow injury and his struggles at the upper levels have taken the bloom off the rose. But he gets a chance to show he belongs in the majors in the final month of the season. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Tyler Glasnow, Pirates - Glasnow, who has excelled since his demotion to Triple-A Indianapolis, won't be recalled until Triple-A Indianapolis concludes its playoff run, something that might not happen until mid-September. As we noted in our recent update, since returning to Triple-A in June, Glasnow has lowered his walks total (3.1 BB/9) while increasing his strikeouts (13.5 K/9). He's credited the improvement to pitching almost exclusively out of the stretch. Whatever the reason for his success, Glasnow looks like a potential ace once again after going just 2-6 with a 7.45 ERA and 1.91 WHIP in his 12 starts before getting sent down after his June 9 start. When he is on, Glasnow mixes a mid-90s fastball and plus-curveball, but what has also made the difference in the minors - and one reason why he failed in the majors - is him trusting his changeup. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (to be increased when he is promoted)

German Marquez, Rockies - Marquez has been solid overall, but his overall numbers look even better when you take into account how well he has pitched lately. Following his stellar start Tuesday, Marquez now has seven quality starts in nine second-half outings, producing a 3.93 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 58:15 K:BB in 55 innings over that stretch. With Colorado hanging onto the second wild card, Marquez will remain in the rotation and shouldn't have an innings limitations after throwing 187 innings last year, as he is at 141 this season. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: owned

Mike Montgomery, Cubs - Montgomery's future is as a starter not a reliever, but he has filled both roles this year. Filling in for Jon Lester (shoulder), Montgomery posted a 0.69 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in two starts (13 innings). Due to that performance, the Cubs are opting to give Montgomery another start Sunday, despite the return of Lester to the rotation. If Monty pitches, Chicago may choose to stick with a six-man rotation down the stretch. In addition, with Jake Arrieta a free agent next year, it's possible Montgomery gets the first chance to fill his rotation spot in 2018. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Dillon Peters, Marlins - Peters, who has spent almost all season with Double-A Jacksonville, was called up to start Friday against the Phillies. He tossed seven scoreless innings in a no-decision, allowing three hits with three walks and eight strikeouts. During nine starts with the team, after returning form a fractured left (pitching) thumb, Peters posted a 1.97 ERA and 0.97 WHIP with a 40:11 K:BB in 45.2 innings, which shows he doesn't go deep in games. The 5-foot-9, 195-pound southpaw packs more punch in his fastball than his frame suggests, as his velocity can often touch the mid-90s, but his secondary pitches (curveball and changeup) need work and refinement. Miami will evaluate him the remainder of the season and it's possible he opens next season in the team's rotation. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Robert Stephenson, Reds - Stephenson, profiled when he activated from the disabled list a few weeks ago, gets another mention due to his improved pitching since the activation. He has won all three of his starts, striking out 21 in those outings. Stephenson is still walking batters - he's issued 10 free passes in his last 16.2 innings - but his improvement on the mound hasn't gone unnoticed. With a strong September, Stephenson - who has regained some of his prospect status - could effectively cement himself into the 2018 rotation. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Jake Thompson, Phillies - Thompson likely will replace Jared Eickhoff, who could miss the rest of the season with nerve irritation in his right hand, in the Phillies' rotation. He has made six appearances - three starts - with the Phillies, posting a 5.40 ERA and a 14:11 K:BB in 20 innings. If he is the choice to replace Eickhoff, his first start will come Sunday against the Marlins. The Phillies could also consider going with Henderson Alvarez or Drew Anderson to fill their rotation opening, as Thompson has struggled mightily this year after a fine 2016 seemed to place him firmly in the Philly rotation of the future. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Luke Weaver, Cardinals - Weaver was profiled when he was promoted two weeks ago to 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 in the minors, has been nothing short of outstanding in the majors, posting a 36:9 K:BB to accompany his 2.48 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over 29 innings. He uses a low-90s fastball, filthy changeup and developing curveball to retire hitters. Weaver should be a fixture in the team's starting rotation the rest of the way. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: $35.

Brandon Woodruff, Brewers - Woodruff, Milwaukee's 2016 minor-league pitcher of the year, posted a 4.30 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 70:25 K:BB in 75.1 innings with Triple-A Colorado Springs. He should serve as the Brewers' No. 4 starter this month after posted a 1.62 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 12 strikeouts in 16.2 innings (three starts) in August before he was sent back down to the minors. Woodruff had a 4.16 FIP and 5.25 xFIP, so some regression could be in order. But he showed those three starts were no fluke by allowing just one run on two hits and a walk while striking out eight in seven innings Saturday against the Nationals. Woodruff is worth a look in just about formats due to his substantial upside. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22.

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, pitched two innings in his second rehab start with High-A Jupiter on Friday. That outing comes after he began a rehab assignment the previous Thursday with the Gulf Coast League Marlins and followed it up with an inning for Jupiter three days later. 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. He will work out of the bullpen initially, but Chen could make 1-2 starts for the Marlins in the second half of the month. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Johnny Cueto, Giants - Cueto, who 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, was activated from the 10-day disabled list, starting Friday's game against the Cardinals. He allowing two earned runs on four hits, a walk and a hit batsman while striking out two over 80 pitches in 5.1 innings. Cueto made a pair of rehab start and was bombed in his last start at High-A San Jose, but SF still opted to activate him to start Friday. He had struggled mightily this year before he was sidelined, 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.

Matt Harvey, Mets - Harvey, sidelined since June 15 with a stress injury of the scapula bone in his right shoulder, was activated and started Saturday against the Astros. He allowed seven runs on eight hits while striking out three batters through just two innings. Harvey was facing a motivated Astros team, playing at home for the first time since Hurricane Harvey struck, but his outing still raises major flags. Harvey made four rehab starts, the last of which was Saturday at Double-A Binghamton, allowing five runs - three earned - in 72 pitches over 4.2 innings. His fastball hovered around the high 80s and low 90s in the minors, well below the 93-94 range he hit this year before he was sidelined. New York had planned on activating him in early-September and it was a bit surprising that he was activated Saturday. Harvey spent much of the first month he was sidelined building strength in the muscles behind his right shoulder. 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 before he was sidelined. If he struggles the rest of the month, New York might consider not offering him arbitration this offseason, allowing him to walk. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Brent Suter, Brewers - Suter, out following his Aug. 12 start with a strained left rotator cuff, was activated Friday. Prior to landing on the DL, the left-hander struggled through three rough August outings, following an exceptional July, when he was the flavor of the month and a hot fantasy pick up. Prior to that promotion, many thought Suter profiled as a reliever due to the lack of a quality third pitch and his struggles the second and third time through a lineup due to somewhat pedestrian stuff, but he had exceeded those expectations. Suter will take the mound for Sunday's series finale against Washington. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

RELIEF PITCHER
 
Jimmie Sherfy, Diamondbacks - Sherfy, who saw action in two games earlier this season, was called up with the rosters expanding Sept. 1. He has the potential to someday close games, but that role belongs to Fernando Rodney for the foreseeable future. Sherfy posted a 3.12 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 61 strikeouts in 49 innings in the Pacific Coast League and could receive some late-inning work for Arizona down the stretch. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3.

CATCHER
 
Victor Caratini/Tim Federowicz/David Freitas/John Ryan Murphy/Tom Murphy/Alberto Rosario/Tony Sanchez/Andrew Susac - This week's backup catcher callups/activations, as well as expected callups, or those potentially to see a slight uptick in playing time was in Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, Arizona, Colorado, St. Louis, Atlanta and Milwaukee. Caratini saw some time in August when Willson Conteras was first injured. But, Alex Avila is seeing most of the starts behind the plate Caratini battles Rene Rivera for an occasional nod. Federowicz will see some time as a backup catcher and infielder. Freitas got the nod with Tyler Flowers dealing with a hand injury. He will back up Kurt Suzuki and maybe help your OBA. J.R. will be the third catcher in Arizona while Tom should slide in as the third catcher In Colorado behind Jonathan Lucroy and Tony Wolters. Rosario will be the Cardinals' third catcher behind Yadier Molina and Carson Kelly. Sanchez hit .272 with four home runs and 40 RBI during 70 games with Triple-A Salt Lake this season. He just came to Atlanta for Brandon Phillips and could see some playing time with Tyler Flower sidelined. Susac will back up Stephen Vogt with Manny Pina continuing to battle a hip injury and Jett Bandy (ribs) on the disabled list. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Kurt Suzuki, Braves - In limited playing time behind Tyler Flowers, Suzuki has tied his career high with 15 HR while posting his best slugging percentage. With Flowers out with a hand injury, Suzuki is playing more at catcher, backed up by David Frieitas. He has struggled lately, but still has a decent AVG and very good OBA this year, making him worth a lot in two-catcher, NL-only leagues. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7.

FIRST BASE
 
Ryder Jones, Giants - Jones, despite his struggles at the plate, continues to see most of the playing time at first base for the Giants with Brandon Belt likely out the rest of the year with a concussion. He hit well in the minors to earn the promotion and was good initially but has really slumped the past few weeks. Jones, who played third in the minors, may only qualify at first next year, as he needs 10 more games at the hot corner in September to earn eligibility there in most leagues. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Luke Voit, Cardinals - Voit was called up from Triple-A Louisville last Sunday to offer some extra depth in the corner infield following Jedd Gyorko's (hamstring) placement on the disabled list. St. Louis has played Matt Carpenter occasionally at third base, opening up first for Voit or Jose Martinez. In addition, the Cardinals have also given Greg Garcia time at third with Carpenter remaining at first, so it's clear that Voit will see an uptick in but not consistent playing time. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Injury activation/updates:

Justin Bour, Marlins - Bour, on the disabled list since July 25 with a strained right oblique, kicked off a rehab stint Saturday at Double-A Jacksonville. 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 poorly for Bour, who could return within the week 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 he drives the ball as he did before he was sidelined, Miami will live with the increase in strikeouts. 12-team Mixed: $20; 15-team Mixed: $30; 12-team NL: $40 (increased early spec return bid as last week).

SECOND BASE

Greg Garcia, Cardinals - Jedd Gyorko (hamstring) landed on the disabled list, creating a hole at third base. To fill it, St. Louis has played Matt Carpenter occasionally at the hot corner, opening up first for Luke Voit or Jose Martinez. In addition, the Cardinals have also given Garcia time at third with Carpenter remaining at first, but Garcia is not seeing steady at-bats at the position, so he only warrants a mild bid. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4
 
SHORTSTOP

Asdrubal Cabrera, Mets - For a while it looked like Cabrera would be the next Mets' veteran voted off the Island, but he will be in New York the balance of the season. Cabrera, who homered Saturday, has shown he deserves the playing time he is receiving, is going 10-for-28 with three doubles, two homers, nine RBI and six runs through his past eight games. He has an $8.5 million team option and $2 million buyout, and as now, it's up in the air if the Mets will exercise that option, though the likelihood is they will. If that happens, his multi-position eligibility adds to his value. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: owned

J.P. Crawford - Crawford at one point was the Phillies' top hitting prospect and one of the best prospects in all of baseball. But his luster dropped the last two seasons, moving down the rankings. After a terrible start to his season, Crawford has turned things around since July 1, hitting .276/.377/.529 with 12 home runs in 210 at-bats, earning a callup like Tuesday after Triple-a Lehigh Valley's season ends. He has recently started playing second and third base to increase his versatility, especially with Freddy Galvis at shortstop and signed for next year. But Galvis played center field this week, possibly allowing him to see time at shortstop and earn up to three-to-four starts per week in September if manager Pete Mackanin sits his starters at the other spots periodically. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14.

Injury activation/updates:

Johan Camargo, Braves - Camargo, out since Aug. 8 with right knee bone bruise, should be back sometime this week after kicking off a rehab assignment. If that happens, look for Camargo, who was hitting .292./.327/.454 in 64 games, to see time at third with Rio Ruiz and Adonis Garcia following the trade of Brandon Phillips, second and short. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

THIRD BASE

Brian Anderson, Marlins - Anderson, one of the Marlins' top prospects, was called up and started Friday at third base for Miami. The hot corner has been a black hole for Miami due to Martin Prado's hamstring injury and Derek Dietrich's struggles. Anderson slashed .339/.416/.602 with eight home runs and 26 RBI for Triple-A New Orleans after hitting .251/.341/.450 with 14 home runs and 55 RBI in 87 games for Double-A Jacksonville to earn the move up a level. He should get a decent amount of playing time the final month of the season in the Sunshine State and could be the starter here next year with Prado moving to a utility role. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (increase in keeper leagues).

Ryan McMahon, Rockies - McMahon, profiled when he was called in August, gets another mention as he was promoted with the rosters expanding to serve as infield depth in Colorado. He struggled at Double-A Hartford last season but more than regained his prospect status this season. McMahon .374/.411/.612 with 14 home runs and 56 RBI in 70 games at Triple-A Albuquerque this year after raking at Hartford. McMahon slashed .326/.390/.536 with six home runs, 28 runs scored and 32 RBI in 49 games at Hartford, showing that he had mastered that level to earn the promotion to Triple-A. Part of his stellar numbers at that level have be discounted due to the league-effect. McMahon is blocked at third base by Nolan Arenado, but moved to first base, where there is a clearer path, while also seeing some time at second base. Mark Reynolds is likely gone after 2017, opening the door for McMahon to potentially start at first base next season. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (spec bid for keeper leagues).

Rio Ruiz, Braves - Ruiz, promoted Friday for his second stint in the majors, is seeing time at third base with Adonis Garcia and Johan Camargo sidelined. Once they return, Ruiz's at-bats will decline, but for now, he is the starter. Ruiz had a pair of hits Friday and a home run Saturday, so he is off to a solid beginning in his return to the majors. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3.

Injury activation/updates:

Adonis Garcia, Braves - Garcia, who underwent surgery to help heal his injured left ring finger in June, began a rehab assignment at the end of this last week. When he had the surgery, the viewpoint was that Garcia would miss two months and he looks on pace to hit that timeframe. Garcia was having a rough 2017 after a breakthrough year last season. With Freddie Freeman back and now at first base, Ozzie Albies at second and Matt Adams in left, Brandon Phillips had been playing third base. But Phillips agreed to accept a trade to the Angels, opening up the hot corner for Garcia when he is activated, which should be sometime this week. Rio Ruiz and Johan Camargo will also see time at third base. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (spec return bid)

OUTFIELD

Norichika Aoki, Mets - Aoki, claimed by the Mets after being waived by the Blue Jays earlier in the week, started the second game of the team's doubleheader Saturday against the Astros. During 83 big-league games between Toronto and Houston this year, Aoki hit .274/.319/.402 with five home runs and 27 RBI. With both Michael Conforto (shoulder) and Yoenis Cespedes (hamstring) out for the rest of the year, Aoki should see semi-regular time at both corner outfield spots in September. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5.

Harrison Bader/Orlando Calixte/Jordan Luplow/Leonys Martin/Brett Phillips - 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 St. Louis, San Francisco, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Milwaukee. Bader made six appearances with the Cardinals this year, going 6-for-23 (.286 average) with two doubles at the plate. His overall Triple-A numbers are solid, but he hit just .179/.319/.179 over his last 18 games with Memphis prior to the promotion. With the Cardinals' outfield now finally healthy, Bader likely will see spot duty the last month of the season, but if he gets hot, he could earn a larger share of the action. Calixte slashed .246/.285/.427 with 14 home runs and 19 stolen bases at Triple-A Sacramento this year but hasn't shown much previously in the majors. He will back up several positions but could earn a few starts per week in September for the Giants. Luplow was called up with Gregory Polanco sidelined and Adam Frazier (hamstring) hitting the 10-day disabled list. He will see spot duty. Martin came over from Seattle at the trade deadline and will see time as a pinch-runner and extra outfielder. Phillips is back up for another stint with the Brewers. This time, he will likely see some time in the outfield, especially in center field. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4.

Alex Verdugo, Dodgers - Verdugo, the Dodgers' top hitting prospect was called up and in the lineup Friday. The 21-year-old center fielder's immediate path to consistent playing time is unclear, but that could change if Corey Seager (elbow) is forced to miss extended time. Verdugo breezed through Triple-A Oklahoma City with a .314/.389/.436 performance, accompanied by six home runs, nine stolen bases, 52 walks and only 50 strikeouts across 495 plate appearances. He has superb hand-eye coordination, despite a swing that lacks flow and leverage for power. He profiles to hit 15-20 homers annually and a big-time throwing arm in center field offsets his lack of elite speed. Baseball America compared him to Melky Cabrera as a comp, which makes him a very solid but not elite outfielder; though it's possible he exceeds that as he matures. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (increase if he sees consistent playing time)

Injury activation/updates:

Aaron Altherr, Phillies - Altherr, sidelined since Aug. 4 with a strained hamstring, kicked off a minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Reading on Thursday. Originally, he was to be activated Sept. 1, but won't be back until a few days after that date. Prior to being injured, Altherr had 16 homers and .285/.357/.536 slash line. But with Rhys Hoskins now up and seeing time in left field and first base coupled with the fine play of Nick Williams, Altherr could lose some starts unless Hoskins replaces Tommy Joseph at first base. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Lewis Brinson, Brewers - Brinson, sidelined since mid-August with a strained left hamstring while at Triple-A Colorado Springs, started rehabbing with Rookie-league Arizona this week. When Brinson first went down, the club thought it would take between 4-to-6 weeks before he would be able to return, which sets a mid-September activation as slightly optimistic. Once Brinson is able to ramp up his efforts and participate more extensively in drills and live hitting, a more definitive timetable should become present. If he is back by the second or third week of September, Brinson likely will only see spot duty with Keon Broxton the main center fielder. But if Broxton and the others seeing time in center field continue to struggle, Brinson, whose main vale is in keeper league, could see time down the stretch as Milwaukee fights for a player spot. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec activation bid)

Ian Desmond, Rockies - Desmond, out with a strained right calf since July 28, began a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque last Thursday. He was to have received more at-bats in the minors, but Carlos Gonzalez suffered an ankle injury Monday night, prompting an early activation. Gerardo Parra started daily while Desmond was sidelined; the second time a strained calf kept him out. Injuries limited Desmond to 65 mostly ineffective games, but now that he is back, he has gotten off to a strong start and is seeing time at first base and left field. In addition, he could also see action at shortstop. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Andre Ethier, Dodgers - Ethier, sidelined for the season to date with a herniated disc in his back, played 10 games on a rehab assignment across three minor-league affiliates, going to 7-for-32 (.219) with six RBI over that span. He dealt with a neck injury his last few days in the minors but still was activated when the rosters expanded Friday. The acquisition of Curtis Granderson likely makes Ethier just a bench bat. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2.

Odubel Herrera, Phillies - Herrera, sidelined since Aug. 15 with a hamstring issue, began a minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Reading on Thursday, and barring any setbacks, he'll likely rejoin the Phillies in New York on Monday. Prior to being sidelined, Herrera had been on fire at the plate, upping his slash line to .287/.333/.467 with 36 doubles, 12 home runs and 51 runs batted in. Once he is activated, Herrera should regain his role as the team's starting center fielder in a prime hitting spot. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: $35

Austin Slater, Giants - Slater, who was to miss two to three months after he was diagnosed in early July with a torn adductor muscle, will be activated Tuesday following a four-game rehab stint at Triple-A Sacramento. He slashed .290/.343/.773 over 100 at-bats with the Giants prior to his injury. Now healthy again, Slater could challenge Jarrett Parker, who suffered a mild oblique strain Saturday, for an everyday role in left field. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Jayson Werth, Nationals - Werth, sidelined since June 3 after fouling a ball off his left foot, was activated Monday after playing three games on a rehab stint at Triple-A Syracuse following three games at High-A Potomac. He has taken over starting duties in right field until Bryce Harper (knee) returns to action. Werth had a .262/.367/.446 line with eight homers in 47 games before landing on the shelf in June. With him in right for Harper, Howie Kendrick and Adam Lind will play left. When Werth plays left, Alejandro De Aza and Wilmer Difo play right. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18.