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. Cody Bellinger 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 PITCHER

Chad Bettis, Rockies – Bettis missed most of last season recovering from testicular cancer. He made nine starts late, improving as the year went along. He has jumped out of the gates this season, posting strong ratios and earning two wins in three starts. However, there are some troubling signs just under the surface, including that he's struck out only four more batters than he's walked across 17.2 innings, posting a strand rate just below 90 percent and getting lucky with a .209 BABIP, all of which result in a 4.84 FIP. Those numbers suggest his 2.04 and 1.13 WHIP won't last long -- especially at Coors Field, where he has a career 5.16 ERA -- but that doesn't mean he wont be a serviceable starter in NL-only and deeper leagues. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Robbie Erlin, Padres – Erlin is slated to make a spot start Monday with Luis Perdomo suspended for his role in the Padres-Rockies brawl. He is the team's first choice, but since Erlin is available in the bullpen over the weekend, Jordan Lyles and Walker Lockett are the backup plans for the San Diego. As we noted in our recent update, Erlin is naturally a starter, though he's on an innings limit this year after missing the entire 2017 season due to Tommy John surgery. He's looked good in the bullpen so far this year, with a 2.38 ERA in 11.1 innings, so if a rotation spot opens up later in the year, Erlin might be an option to fill that role. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Jarlin Garcia, Marlins – Garcia, making his first start of the season, held the Mets hitless for six scoreless innings Wednesday, walking two and striking out three, but he came away with a no-decision in a 4-1 loss. Manager Don Mattingly elected to pull Garcia after just 77 pitches, as his prior two appearances came out of the bullpen. The lefty has a 94 mph fastball but is more of a groundball -- rather than strikeout -- pitcher and benefits from limiting walks. Look for Garcia to settle into the No. 3 rotation spot and post an ERA above 4.00. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Joey Lucchesi, Padres – Lucchesi had a rough first start in the majors but rebounded to toss 11 shutout innings in a pair of starts against the Rockies. The second player from the 2016 draft to play in the majors, the fourth-round pick received the chance to start due to Dinelson Lamet's elbow injury. Lucchesi logged just 60.1 innings in Double-A last season and probably needs more seasoning but should get the chance to make several more starts in the majors. The 6-foot-4 lefty has a unique delivery that hides the ball well, and he repeats with consistency. Lucchesi projects as a No. 3 or 4 starter, though, and teams now have a book on him, so be careful not to overrate, but it's hard not to be hopeful for the future. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9.

Nick Pivetta, Phillies – This is what I wrote about Pivetta in the first column of the year: "Pivetta earned a (rotation) spot (to start the season) with Jerad Eickhoff sidelined with a lat strain. His curveball showed improvement last season, and his fastball location has made strides this spring. Pivetta earned his spot last season with a good start to the year in Triple-A, but he posted a 6.02 ERA and 1.51 WHIP, despite underlying numbers that showed he deserved better." After a so-so first start, Pivetta has reeled off a pair of solid outings and has a posted a 19:2 K:BB ratio in 16.2 innings. He looks locked into a rotation spot even when Eickhoff returns. 12-team Mixed: $12; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: owned

Mike Soroka, Braves – It's never too early to look at prospects. Soroka, taken in the first round of 2015, finished second in the Southern League in ERA (2.75) and sixth in K-BB% (14.5). He uses a low-90s fastball, along with a plus slider and developing changeup to retire hitters. Soroka pounds the zone, boasting a career 1.9 BB/9 and 2.91 ERA. He has looked strong his first two starts at Triple-A Gwinnett, posting a 13:1 K:BB ratio, and could accelerate the timeframe for a promotion, which originally was thought to be in August. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (early spec bid)

Trevor Williams, Pirates – Williams' third consecutive strong start Thursday lowered his season ERA to a shiny 1.56 mark, but there are some troubling signs. A 10:7 K:BB ratio in 17.2 innings and 91.8 percent strand rate are why Williams has a 3.87 FIP. That's in-line with the 4.07 ERA he posted last season. Despite his overall spring troubles, Williams earned the fifth rotation spot over Tyler Glasnow, who has started the year in the bullpen. Williams doesn't strike out many, needs work on his changeup and pitches a run-and-a-half better at home than on the road, so be wary not to overbid. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Zack Wheeler, Mets – Wheeler missed an opportunity to open the season as the Mets' fifth starter, posting an 8.10 ERA and 2.40 WHIP, albeit with a 14:2 K:BB ratio in 14 innings, this spring resulted in a demotion and more time at Triple-A Las Vegas. Seth Lugo was to be the fifth starter with Jason Vargas sidelined, but a rainout cost him a start, and he has excelled in the bullpen. Wheeler worked on quickening his delivery to the plate in his minor-league start and was promoted to start Wednesday. He allowed one run on two hits and a walk while striking out seven, throwing 56 of 83 pitches for strikes and retiring the final 16 batters he faced to pick up the win. Wheeler is expected to take at least one more turn in the Mets' rotation, set for Tuesday at home against the Nationals, as Vargas (hand) will throw a second simulated game after tossing 85 pitches in a sim game Thursday. In addition, Vargas may make one minor-league rehab start, affording Wheeler at least another start in the majors. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (role and ability to repeat new delivery are the two main questions)

Injury activation/updates

Wei-Yin Chen, Marlins – Chen, who has made only 27 starts in two seasons since signing a five-year, $80 million contract, is still dealing with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. He threw three innings in an extended spring training game Thursday, striking out one. The southpaw will make another appearance next week and, if all goes well, could start a rehab assignment by the end of next week. Chen will probably use all available 30 days of a rehab assignment, which without setbacks would put him in the Miami rotation in late May. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 15-team NL: $2.

Brandon Finnegan, Reds – Finnegan, profiled last week, is mentioned again, as he came off the disabled list to start Saturday. His rehab start didn't inspire much confidence, with four runs (three earned) allowed on eight hits and five walks and only two strikeouts in five innings. Finnegan didn't do much to show that was aberration, allowing five runs on six hits and four walks with four strikeouts in 4.1 innings against the Cardinals. Injuries have been the story in Finnegan's career. He showed flashes at the end of 2016 but made just four starts in 2017 and had a strained biceps this spring. The stuff is there, but we need to see consistency before fully buying in. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 15-team NL: $9

Luiz Gohara, Braves – Gohara, out with a sprained ankle since March, starts a rehab assignment on Tuesday. He will go four innings or 65 pitches, whichever comes first, after pitching three innings in extended spring training Thursday. Gohara will build up to 90-100 pitches before rejoining the Braves, which should occur by early May, in line with original expectations. He rose through three levels to the majors last season, using his mid-90s fastball, possibly plus slider and developing changeup to make five starts in the majors. Gohara struggled against righties, but he has the stuff to retire hitters from both sides of the plate and only lacks experience. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14.

Jeff Samardzija, Giants – Samardzija, sidelined with a strained pectoral muscle, pitched Saturday at High-A San Jose. He may only need the one start before rejoining the Giants. Samardzija posted a 4.14 ERA, but that doesn't accurately represent how well he pitched. He boosted his K/9 rate from 7.39 to 8.8, lowered his walk rate to just 1.4 BB/9 and finished 13th among qualified starters in K-BB percentage (20.4), resulting in a 3.65 FIP. With Madison Bumgarner still out, Shark will become the Giants' ace once he is back in the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $18; 15-team Mixed: owned; 15-team NL: owned

Dan Straily, Marlins – Straily, out since mid-March with right forearm inflammation, began a rehab assignment with High-A Jupiter on Friday after tossing 29 pitches in a bullpen session Tuesday. He was expected to pitch four innings for the Hammerheads, after which he may need another rehab start. Straily increased his strikeout rate while cutting his BB-rate but gave up 31 longballs for the second year in a row. He is the Marlins' erstwhile ace, but don't overrate him. Miami has arb rights on Straily for a few more years, but a strong start after he returns could increase the chances he is dealt at the deadline. While he might have a better chance of run support elsewhere, leaving cushy Marlins Park could hurt his numbers. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 15-team NL: $14

Jason Vargas, Mets – As I wrote in the first column of the season, Vargas signed a one-year deal with the Mets and reunited with his former Royals pitching coach. After going 12-3 with a 2.62 ERA the first half of the season and earning an All-Star bid, Vargas faded, posting a 6.38 ERA and 1.60 WHIP across his final 15 starts of the season. Vargas is still recovering after surgery to remove the hamate bone on his glove (right hand) and threw 85 pitches in a simulated game Thursday. He is scheduled to throw a second sim game Tuesday and may make a minor-league start before rejoining the Mets. By that time, he should be able to field his position and wield a bat. Vargas should benefit from a move back to the NL and the Mets, with whom he made two starts in 2007 before his inclusion in the J.J. Putz deal to Seattle, offsetting his K/9 and rise in contact. If Zack Wheeler, who was brilliant in his start Wednesday, excels again with Vargas out, New York will have to decide how to fit six starters into five spots. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14.

RELIEF PITCHER

Matt Albers, Brewers – With Corey Knebel sidelined for 4-to-6 weeks, the back end of the Milwaukee bullpen is in flux. Jacob Barnes spit the bit in his first closing chance, opening the door for Albers, who was shaky but got the job done. As Clay noted last week, Albers had sub-2.00 ERAs in both 2015 and 2017, but throws in the low-90s, and he's averaged just 6.5 K/9 in his career. If Albers falters, Jeremy Jeffress, who may have the best stuff of these three relievers and was brilliant in 2015-2016, is next in line and could run with the job if given the chance. Josh Hader notched a two-inning save Saturday, but manager Craig Counsell has made it clear that he wants Hader to stay in a multi-inning role, reducing the likelihood of him assuming the closer role despite having the best stuff out if the bullpen options. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (reluctant bid)

Carl Edwards Jr., Cubs – Edwards pitched in 73 games last season as the setup man to Wade Davis, posting a 2.98 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 94:38 K:BB and 25 holds. Chicago signed Brandon Morrow to close this offseason, relegating Edwards to similar setup duty. While he won't notch saves unless Morrow is injured or falters, he still has value, thanks to his fine across-the-board numbers. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 15-team NL: $7

Robert Gsellman/Seth Lugo, Mets – Both pitchers were profiled in each of the past two weeks, but their heavy usage and stats warrant another mention. Manager Mickey Callaway and pitching coach Dave Eiland are using Gsellman and Lugo as multi-inning relievers. The shift to the pen has resulted in each pitcher seeing a spike in velocity, since they no longer have to pace themselves. It wouldn't be shocking to see Gsellman and Lugo toss close to 100 innings and strike out a batter per inning with solid ratios. Both - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Greg Holland/Bud Norris, Cardinals – Holland, signed on Opening Day, was called up from High-A Palm Beach on Monday. He had abbreviated spring training and will need time to settle in. In fact, the Cardinals went in a different direction for their first save chance since his callup. Norris locked things down Friday and looks like the current leader for Cardinals saves. The right-hander could continue to at least chip in for those chances throughout the year, even if Holland, who's posted two scoreless outings since his four-walk debut, is eventually deemed ready for the role. Holland was brilliant last year in Colorado until August, when the wheels fell off, though he recovered in September. Norris endured a similar track with the Angels, starting 2017 with great numbers as stopper before fading late in the campaign and losing the gig. This bullpen could experience many changes at the back end, making both relievers – and perhaps Jordan Hicks and Luke Gregerson, in deeper formats – worth owning. Norris has the most immediate reason to be owned, but Holland is still the best long-term play for saves in this bullpen. Still, that's hardly a given thanks to Norris' sudden rise, and the gap between Holland and the rest of the back-end arms may not be as big as once thought. Holland - 12-team Mixed: $25; 15-team Mixed: $35; 12-team NL: $45 … Norris – 12-team Mixed: $14; 15-team Mixed: $27; 12-team NL: $35

CATCHER

Victor Caratini, Cubs – Caratini earned the backup catcher spot over Chris Gimenez in spring training. With Anthony Rizzo sidelined, he and Ben Zobrist have spilt time at first base. Caratini could hit .300 if he received regular at-bats. As long as Rizzo is sidelined, Caratini should continue to see semi-regular playing time. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 15-team NL: $5

Jose Lobaton/Tomas Nido/Kevin Plawecki, Mets – Nido was promoted with Travis d'Arnaud landing on the disabled list with a slightly torn UCL that will require Tommy John surgery and sidelined the backstop for at least the remainder of the season. At the time, Nido rather than Lobaton got the call because Nido was on the 40-man roster and Lobaton was not. D'Arnaud was placed the 60-day disabled list Friday, opening up a 40-man roster spot for Lobaton, who is known for his defense. Nido went 3-for-10 in a brief stint in the majors last season but spent the majority of the year at Double-A Binghamton, where he hit .232/.287/.354 in 404 plate appearances. Plawecki was profiled by Clay last week and was to get a major bump as the team's primary catcher. But a pitch hit him Wednesday, resulting in a hairline fracture in his left hand that will sideline him 2-to-3 weeks. When he returns, Plawecki should take over as the starting catcher, unless the Mets make a deal, which is likely down the road. Plawecki has posted a nice .393 OBP but little else so far after a solid spring. If Plawecki fails to take advantage of the opportunity afforded once he is activated off the disabled list, look for New York to fully pursue a catcher, with Jonathan Lucroy possibly topping the list. Lobaton - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3; Nido - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2; Plawecki - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $17 (increased bid from last week, though I would cut the bid by about 25-30%)

John Ryan Murphy, Diamondbacks – Murphy has made the most of his limited playing time, going 4-for-11 with two home runs, four runs scored and four RBI in his three starts. He also has three hitless pinch-hitting appearances. As we wrote in a recent RotoWire update, Murphy has flashed an intriguingly solid bat at times, most notably when he hit .277/.327/.406 in 67 games for the Yankees in 2015. Alex Avila has struggled mightily in his first year in Arizona, so if Murphy he gets extended at-bats, he'll be worth at least a deep-league fantasy look before the spot he warrants in NL-only leagues that play two catchers. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

FIRST BASE

None noted

SECOND BASE

Ben Zobrist, Cubs – Anthony Rizzo is sidelined with a back injury, opening up first base for Zobrist. After a solid first season in Chicago, Zobrist regressed substantially last season, partially impacted by neck and back ailments, posting just a .381 OBA and .693 OPS. Manager Joe Maddon will continue to deploy Zobrist all over the field as a super-utility player, affording the veteran 400-plus at-bats once again and multi-position eligibility while also affording him rest to stay sharp. Pay attention to GB/FB and pull ratios as the season continues, as those should indicate what type of season is in store for Zobrist. 12-team Mixed: $9; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: owned

THIRD BASE

Brian Anderson, Marlins – Anderson, profiled in the first week of this column, opened the season as Miami's everyday third baseman after Martin Prado (knee) suffered a setback that resulted in the veteran heading to the disabled list. Prado was potentially going to see time in left field, affording Anderson at-bats. But with Prado out, Anderson has had no impediment to playing time, especially since Derek Dietrich is playing left field with Prado sidelined. Anderson has vastly improved his strikeout and walk rates while getting off to a hot start in the plate, albeit in a small sample size. Prado may be back soon, but Anderson has done more than enough to date to continue seeing regular at-bats, which appear likely to occur in right field. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 12-team NL: $15

Alex Blandino/Cliff Pennington, Reds – Eugenio Suarez suffered a fractured thumb when hit by a pitch last Sunday, creating a huge hole at third base for the Reds. Blandino, who slashed .270/.390/.44 in 63 games last year at Triple-A Louisville was called up to take Suarez's roster spot. He and Pennington will split time at the hot corner for now, with Blandino receiving more time than originally thought. Both are just placeholders until a promotion of Nick Senzel, who was moved back to third after shifting to second base this year in the minors. Despite his struggles at Louisville, a promotion might come in the next week or two. Blandino - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1, 12-team NL: $5; Pennington - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1, 12-team NL: $3

Injury activation/updates

Martin Prado, Marlins – Prado was limited to 37 games last season due a hamstring strain and, later in the year, a sprained right knee that required July surgery. He didn't start the 2018 season on time due to discomfort in that right knee. He played three innings in extended spring training Monday and should move his rehab assignment to a full-season affiliate shortly. With Brian Anderson and Derek Dietrich playing well at third base and in left field, respectively, there is no obvious spot in the lineup for Prado once he is activated from the disabled list, but there has been talk of moving Dietrich to right and playing Prado in left, though he last manned the position in 2012. Now, the likelier option will involve trying Anderson in right and playing Prado at third, where he is less likely to reinjure his hamstring. Prado's value is more for real life than fantasy. That's not to say that he doesn't contribute to fantasy teams, but other than a solid BA and OBP, his counting stats are just average at best compared to others at the position. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early return spec bid)

SHORTSTOP

Miguel Rojas, Marlins – Rojas opened the season as Miami's starting shortstop with J.T. Riddle nursing a shoulder injury. He offers a solid glove at multiple spots across the infield and posted a strong .361 on-base percentage across 306 plate appearances in 2017, but a dearth of power in the past made him best optimized as a utility man. Rojas surprisingly has a pair of home runs already, setting a new career high, but once Riddle is back, he will move back into that utility role, seeing time at multiple infield spots. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Injury activation/updates

Johan Camargo, Braves – Camargo, sidelined with an oblique injury since late March, moved his rehab assignment to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday. He is expected back Sunday or early next week, as he completed that assignment. Ryan Flaherty has done a solid job as the everyday third baseman while Camargo was out, exceeding all expectations. Camargo should eventually start at the hot corner, but he may likely only be a placeholder until Austin Riley is ready. Once that happens, Camargo will shift to a utility infielder role. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2, 12-team NL: $7

OUTFIELD

Albert Almora, Cubs – Ian Happ beat out Almora for the starting center-field job and leadoff hitter role, but Almora still has received semi-regular playing time. The 23-year-old slashed .342/.411/.486 against lefties last year compared to .271/.291/.420 against righties and is an also excellent defensively, which affords him additional starts with Happ slotted in at second base. Ben Zobrist has seen time at first base with Anthony Rizzo on the disabled list, so Almora has received at-bats against lefties and righties. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Franchy Cordero, Padres – Cordero, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he was activated off the disabled list Wednesday to replace Manuel Margot (bruised ribs) on the Padres' roster. He went 7-for-17 with a home run and two stolen bases in four games at Triple-A El Paso, showing he was healthy, before he was called up. As Clay wrote last week, "There is a lot of swing and miss in Cordero's game, but he was showing more patience in the Dominican Winter League en route to Rookie of the Year and MVP honors. He posted impressive sprint speed and hard-hit marks in his limited sample last year, with the former suggesting he could be a big positive in left field." Cordero is getting the chance to show he should play every day, even when Margot returns. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $10; 12-team NL: $27 (same as prior, though a bit more aggressive)

Phillip Ervin, Reds – Ervin broke camp as the Reds' fifth outfielder and has seen semi-regular playing time with Scott Schebler on the disabled list with an elbow injury. He brings speed and a modicum of pop to the table. Ervin should continue to rotate in as long as Schebler is out. That absence may end shortly since Schebler finally has the feeling back in his right ring and pinkie fingers. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

Brian Goodwin, Nationals – Goodwin received 251 at-bats last season with Adam Eaton sidelined with a ton ACL. This season, Goodwin, even though he is the fourth outfielder, was expected to receive fewer at-bats with Eaton healthy. Eaton, however, is now out with a bone bruise in his left ankle, affording additional at-bats to Goodwin, who blends power and speed, albeit with a so-so OBP. One word of caution: Goodwin missed Saturday's game with a sore left wrist, so monitor his injury status before bidding. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 12-team NL: $11

Brandon Nimmo/J.B. Shuck/Moises Sierra – This week's promotion of fourth/fifth outfielders comes with the Mets, Marlins and Nationals, respectively. Nimmo won't see many at-bats and is just a Mets bench bat for now. Shuck could see some playing with Cameron Maybin struggling, as he did Friday and Saturday. Sierra was called up with Adam Eaton landing on the disabled list with a bone bruise in his ankle and started Saturday with Brian Goodwin, who is starting for Eaton, a late scratch. Don't expect much from Sierra if he does play. All save for Shuck - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $2; Shuck - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1, 12-team NL: $4 (could see playing time)