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're incorporating 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. 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.

Walker Buehler/Brock Stewart, Dodgers - Buehler, one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, is an option to start Monday for the Dodgers. Rich Hill will miss at least one start with a cracked nail and with the Dodgers lined up for a doubleheader against the Giants on April 28, Los Angeles will need an extra starter for at least one game next week. Buehler, who last pitched for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday and would be on extended rest, is one of two options, along with Stewart, who started Tuesday for Oklahoma City. Buehler made eight relief appearances for L.A. last season and has made three starts for Oklahoma City this year, compiling a 2.08 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 16:4 K:BB in 13 innings. He mixes a mid-90s fastball, plus-plus curveball and hard, low-90s cutter/slider to retire hitters. Stewart has a 2.65 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 17:4 K:BB in three starts (17 innings) at Triple-A this season and made 17 appearances, 13 out of the pen, for LA last season. In those four starts, he posted a 5.27 ERA compared to 3.41 overall. Whoever is called upon to make the spot start Monday could stick in the rotation to pitch one of the two-doubleheader games, depending on how he performs. Buehler - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (due to upside and keeper value); Stewart - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Erick Fedde, Nationals - Fedde, who may still be the Nationals' best pitching prospect, is off to a strong start at Triple-A Syracuse, posting a 1.80 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB through his first 15 innings. With Jeremy Hellickson in the rotation and A.J. Cole now off the 40-man roster and potentially headed out of the organization entirely after being designated for assignment, Fedde would be the next man up the next time Washington needs to call up a starting pitcher. Fedde, a 2014 first-round pick, failed in his prior attempts to carve out a full-time role in the majors, but the team still remains high on his upside. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec callup bid)

Junior Guerra, Brewers - Guerra, who had a minor-league option remaining, went sent down to Triple-A to start the season despite pitching well enough to possible earn a spot. He was a revelation in 2016 but missed the first part of 2017 with an injury and never recaptured that prior form, as his control and fastball velocity fell off significantly. Guerra had a good first start in the minors and carried that forward to the majors with two solid outings in Milwaukee, though he did walk five in 11 innings. With Brandon Woodruff pitching well in the minors and Wade Miley inching closer to returning, Guerra will need to continue to have strong starts to keep his spot. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Jeremy Hellickson, Nationals - Hellickson signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on March 15 and remained in extended spring training to start the season to catch up to the rest of the team's pitchers. Despite posting a 5.43 ERA and 5.77 ERA in 30 starts between the Phillies and Orioles last season, Hellickson was promoted to replace A. J. Cole in the Washington rotation Monday. Cole's 12.00 ERA and 8.50 FIP rather than Hellickson's stuff were likely the reasons for the switch. Hellickson gave up two earned runs on seven hits over 4.2 innings, striking out three and walking one, and should remain in the team's rotation for at least a few more turns while he looks to recapture his 2016 form. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Matt Koch, Diamondbacks - Koch got the first chance to replace Taijuan Walker, who is out for the season due to a torn UCL, in the D-Backs' rotation. He allowed one run on two hits and two walks, striking out four in a six-inning no-decision Friday against the Padres and will remain in the Arizona rotation. After opening the year in the Arizona bullpen, Koch was sent to the minors. Koch impressed in his only outing with Triple-A Reno, allowing just three hits during six scoreless innings after struggling mightily across 10 starts with Reno in 2017, posting an 8.40 ERA and 1.84 WHIP in 45 innings. Koch, who came to Arizona in the 2015 Addison Reed trade with the Mets, moved up the D-Backs' prospect list with a brilliant 2016 season before regressing last season. If he falters, either Braden Shipley, Albert Suarez or Kris Medlen is next in line. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Eric Lauer, Padres - Lauer could be promoted to start Tuesday in place of the demoted Luis Perdomo, as Robbie Erlin was shifted back to the bullpen. Lauer has steadily moved up the ladder after getting drafted 25th overall in 2016. He made three starts at Triple-A El Paso, posting a 3.00 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 19:6 K:BB ratio in 18 innings. Lauer doesn't have elite stuff or command but likely has enough of each to succeed at this level, mixing a low-90s fastball, above-average slider along with a changeup and curveball to retire hitters. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Zack Wheeler, Mets - Wheeler had started twice since his callup and will remain in the Mets rotation even when Jason Vargas returns. Matt Harvey's struggles have landed him in the bullpen, opening the rotation spot for Wheeler. He 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:B ratio in 14 innings, but worked on quickening his delivery to the plate in his minor-league start, earning the promotion. 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 in his first start, and while he wasn't as good in his second outing, he pitched well enough to remain in the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (increased bid from prior week)

Matt Wisler, Braves - Wisler made his major league debut against the Mets in 2015 and his one start last season against the team from Queens, so it was only appropriate that he made his 2018 MLB debut against New York. He was dominant Thursday, allowing just one run on two hits with no walks and eight strikeouts in seven innings to earn the win. Wisler's fine outing earned him at least one turn, but a career 5.16 ERA with a high WHIP, low K rate, 3.01 BB rate and 1.42 HR rate make him a risky bet for the future. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Brandon Woodruff, Brewers - Woodruff has handled his demotion well, giving up just two earned runs in 11.1 innings (1.59 ERA) while posting a 1.15 WHIP. He broke camp with the Brewers, but struggled in his three appearances, resulting in the demotion. Junior Guerra has pitched well following his promotion, so Woodruff might need an injury before he is given a second shot. But his strong start likely has him next in line. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Injury activation/updates:

Anthony DeSclafani, Reds - DeSclafani, since straining his left oblique in early March, is scheduled to throw off a mound Wednesday at extended spring training, marking his first bullpen session since the injury. After making 31 starts in 2015, DeSclafani took a step forward in 2016, despite getting limited to 20 major-league starts due to a strained oblique. Last year was a complete loss, as he was diagnosed with a UCL sprain in spring training and made just two rehab starts. DeSclafani is likely 4-6 weeks away from possibly joining the Reds' rotation, as he will need to toss several bullpen sessions and make 4-5 rehab starts without setback. But the upside, despite a low K rate and HR tendency versus LH hitters, makes him a tantalizing fantasy bet. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3 (early return spec bid)

Luiz Gohara, Braves - Gohara, out with a sprained his ankle since March, made his first rehab start at Double-A Mississippi on Tuesday. He threw 3.1 innings, allowing five runs – one earned – on five hits with four strikeouts and three walks throwing 62 pitches (35 strikes). Gohara, who is moving his rehab to Triple-A Gwinnett, will build up to 90-100 pitches before rejoining the Braves, which should occur by mid-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 change 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 (same as prior)

Wade Miley, Brewers - Miley was the favorite to earn a rotation spot in camp, but strained his groin on March 21 and was to miss 2-4 weeks. His opt-out date was pushed back because of the injury. After solid years in 2012-13, Miley's numbers plummeted each of the next four years as he bounced from Arizona to Boston to Seattle and Baltimore. He made his first rehab start Tuesday and will throw 60 pitches in his next outing. It's possible Miley is used out of the bullpen if he is promoted when ready. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Joe Musgrove, Pirates - Musgrove, acquired from Houston in the Gerrit Cole deal and recovering from a shoulder injury, threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Thursday. He primarily threw fastballs and changeups, mixing in a couple cutters and sliders at the end. Musgrove will increase the workload (35 pitches) and intensity in his next bullpen session, scheduled for Sunday, and presuming no setbacks, will follow that with a simulated game Wednesday. If all is well then, Musgrove could head on a rehab assignment, making 3-4 starts in the minors before joining the Pirates some time in late May. The plan is for Musgrove to start for the Pirates, but seeing his success after he moved to the pen in Houston, it's possible he shifts to relieving. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (early spec return bid)

Alex Reyes, Cardinals - Reyes, who missed all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in February 2017, is progressing well and likely will be sent on a rehab assignment sometime in mid-May. He went 4-1 with a 1.57 ERA in 12 appearances for the Cardinals in 2016, with 52 strikeouts in 46 innings, and may be used out of the bullpen when he returns to the big leagues. Reyes projects to be either a starter or closer down the road, depending on how well he progresses after he returns to action. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid).

Jeff Samardzija, Giants - Samardzija, sidelined with a strained pectoral muscle rejoined the Giants to start Friday against the Angels. He allowed no runs on just two hits, striking out four and walking four in five inning to earn the victory. Samardzija posted a 4.42 ERA last year, but that doesn't accurately represent how well he pitched. He increased his K/9 rate from 7.39 to 8.88, lowered his walk rate to just 1.39 BB/9 and finished 13th among qualified starters in K-BB percentage (20.4), resulting in a 3.65 FIP. With Mad Bum still out, Shark is the Giants' ace. 12-team Mixed: $18; 15-team Mixed: owned; 15-team NL: owned

Dan Straily, Marlins - Straily, out since mid-March with right forearm inflammation, allowed one run on six hits while striking out five batters across five innings in his second minor-league rehab start with High-A Jupiter on Wednesday, throwing 52 of his 68 pitches for strikes. He will make another rehab start Tuesday, this time for Double-A Jacksonville, and then rejoin the Marlins' rotation, possibly April 29 against Colorado. Straily increased his K 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. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 15-team NL: $14 (same early spec return bid)

Jason Vargas, Mets - Vargas, recovering from surgery to remove the hamate bone on his glove (right hand), completed six innings in an intrasquad game Tuesday, striking out 12, and will kick off a minor-league rehab stint Monday. With Matt Harvey struggling again, Vargas will slide right back into the Mets' starting staff with Harvey shifting to the bullpen and Zack Wheeler remaining in the rotaion following his promotion. After going 12-3 with a 2.62 ERA the first half of the season, earning an All-Star bid, Vargas faded, posting a 6.38 ERA and 1.60 WHIP his final 15 starts of the season. He 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 average K rate and rise in contact. He also benefits from reuniting with his former Royals' pitching coach, Dave Eiland. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14. (same early spec return bid)

RELIEF PITCHER
 
Victor Arano, Phillies - Arano has tossed 7.1 shutout innings, not allowing a runner to reach base in his six appearances. After posting a 1.69 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in 10.2 innings following his promotion last year, Arano has been even more dominant this year. He still is not getting utilized in high-leverage situations, though that could change if he continues his dominance. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Pedro Baez/Josh Fields, Dodgers - Kenley Jansen has struggled with his velocity this season, blowing a pair of saves. The Dodgers are not yet ready to make a change, but if one does occur, either Baez or Fields would get the chance to close. Both have pitched extremely well this season, as each has the last two seasons in L.A., though both have their flaws. If I had to pick a favorite, I would give Baez an extremely slight edge over Fields, but I could see manager Dave Roberts going with Fields. Baez - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Fields - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $5

Shane Carle/Dan Winkler, Braves - Carle and Winker have each moved their way into prominent roles in the Atlanta bullpen. Carle, a former Rockie, posted a 1.29 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 12:3 K:BB through his first 14 innings (Friday) with the Braves. He already has two wins and three holds this year working in middle relef. Winkler worked his way back after missing close to two seasons, pitching in 16 games last season. He has a 1.74 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 16:4 K:BB through 10.1 innings to begin the season and though A.J. Minter is widely assumed to be the next man up at closer in Atlanta after Arodys Vizcaino, Winkler could put himself in the mix if he stays healthy and continues his current dominant form. Carle - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2; Winkler - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Adam Cimber, Padres - Cimber, who was selected 268th overall in 2013, broke camp with the Padres after earning a roster spot with a strong spring. Last season at Triple-A El Paso, the 27-year-old sidearmer with a sinking fastball posted a 2.92 ERA, walked just 3.2 percent of the batters he faced and generated a 54.3 percent groundball rate in 64.2 innings. Cimber is being used by San Diego in some multi-inning stints, adding to his value, especially in NL-only leagues. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

CATCHER
 
Kyle Farmer, Dodgers - Farmer, a natural catcher, will see some starts at third while Logan Forsythe (shoulder) is sidelined. He started at the hot corner twice this week and could continue to see action over Enrique Hernandez while Forsythe and Justin Turner (wrist) are out. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3.

Jacob Nottingham, Brewers - Nottingham burst on the scene in 2015, spurring hopes that he could be the team's starting catcher. He fell back to earth hard in 2016 and 2017, quashing those hopes. With Stephen Vogt and Manny Pina sidelined, Milwaukee called up Nottingham, who was off to a strong start in the minors. Manny Pina's strained right calf may be ready to return from the DL on Tuesday, which likely will result in Nottingham getting sent back to the minors. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Tyler Flowers, Braves - Flowers, sidelined with a strained oblique since Opening Day, will begin his rehab assignment at Low-A Rome on Sunday or Monday and will need five or six rehab games before rejoining the big-league roster. He had been going through normal activity (hitting, catching, etc.) with no issues recently, paving the way for the rehab stint. Flowers and Kurt Suzuki, who has seen most of the action while Flowers has been sidelined, split time behind the plate last year for Atlanta, forming one of the stronger combinations in the league. Suzuki starts against LHP while Flowers plays against righties. That limits both of their upsides, but plays to their strengths. Flowers should see 300 or so plate appearances when he rejoins the Braves. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: owned.

Stephen Vogt, Brewers - Vogt, out with a strained shoulder since early in spring training, likely will go to extended spring training next week to get at-bats. Once he's able to build up at-bats, he's expected to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment. Vogt regressed slightly in 2016 after an excellent 2015 campaign and took a major step backward last year, getting released by Oakland before he landed in Milwaukee. He appears to be on track to return the second week of May, though it remains unclear whether the Brewers plan to keep him or Jett Bandy on the team once that time comes, presuming Manny Pina is healthy. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

FIRST BASE
 
Jesus Aguilar, Brewers - Aguilar produced when called on last season in his first full season in the majors. But he was squeezed for playing time due to the presence of Eric Thames. Aguilar has ripped the cover over the ball early this season, but with Thames and Ryan Braun ahead of him on the depth chart at first base, playing time once again could be limited. It will take an injury or two or possibly a slump by an outfielder, moving Thames or Braun to that spot, to free at-bats for Aguilar. Until then, he is a worthy play in DFS when in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

SECOND BASE
 
David Bote, Cubs - Bote was called up to replace Ben Zobrist and started at third base Saturday with Kris Bryant shifting to the outfield. He make his major league debut after hitting just .238 in his first 11 games for Triple-A Iowa, though he did hit three homers and post a .548 slugging percentage. Bote has primarily played second base but has started at every position except catcher in the minor leagues and should see fairly consistent time while Zobrist is sidelined. The 2012 18th-round pick has a bit of power but overall has a utility man profile. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2.

Adam Frazier/Max Moroff/Sean Rodriguez, Pirates - Josh Harrison fractured the fifth metacarpal on his left hand when a pitch hit him Monday, sidelining him approximately six weeks. Pittsburgh is using a three-headed monster at second base to replace Harrison. The Pirates' acquisition of Corey Dickerson made Frazier a bench player to start the season. Harrison's injury should provide Frazier a clear path to consistent playing time at second in addition to his time in the outfield. Look for a decent batting average and some counting stats with little power and speed. Moroff will serve as a pinch runner, late inning defensive replacement and occasional starter at second base. When he does play, look for a low batting average but solid on-base average. S-Rod is off to a slow start, but he presents the best possible power option at the spot. If he can get hot, Rodriguez might wrest most of the playing time at second base. Frazier - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Moroff - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2; Rodriguez - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Cesar Hernandez, Phillies - Hernandez increased his OPS each of the last three seasons from .571 in 2014 to .687 in 2015 to .764 in 2016 and .794 last season. He is on pace to make it four years in a row, aided largely by his .400-plus on-base average. Scott Kingery is likely the Phils' second baseman of the future but Hernandez isn't ceding the job without a fight. At 27, Hernandez is in the prime of his career and the Phillies might be forced to continue to use Kingery all over the field, allowing Hernandez to remain at second base. Hernandez could hit double-digit home runs for the first time in his career along with 20-plus steals and possibly 100 runs in a solid Phillies lineup. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: owned

Max Muncy/Chase Utley, Dodgers - Utley has seen more at-bats with Justin Turner sidelined 4-6 weeks with a broken left wrist. He and Enrique Hernandez manned second base with Logan Forysthe shifting to the hot corner. Now, with Forsythe sidelined with right shoulder inflammation, Utley should see most of the action at second with Hernandez handling the hot corner for the next week or so. Muncy will see spot duty at third and possibly at first and second following his promotion last Tuesday. Utley was off to a surprising strong start and if Forsythe's struggles, which were evident last year, his first in L.A. following a pair of solid seasons in Tampa Bay, Utley could see more playing time than anticipated when he re-signed. Hernandez will play against southpaws with Utley, who was brought back in mid-February, to play against right-handers. But if Utley struggles as he did at times last season, the Dodgers could opt to play Austin Barnes more at second base, and shifting Chris Taylor from center is always an option. Muncy - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0; Utley - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9.

Injury activation/updates:

Jedd Gyorko, Cardinals - Gyorko, out since April 2 with a strained right hamstring, was activated off the disabled list Tuesday. After hitting 30 home runs in 2016, Gyorko "fell" to 20 last season, but improved his batting and on-base averages. With Matt Carpenter shifting to third base to make room for Jose Martinez at first, it's unclear where Gyorko will play. One option is second base in place of Kolten Wong, who had a rebound campaign last season but has struggled early this year, or moving Carpenter back to second and having Gyorko played third, as he did this past week. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (increase bid if believe he sees close to full time at-bats)

SHORTSTOP

Dansby Swanson, Braves - Swanson struggled in his first full season in the majors as the face of the franchise. His difficulties earned him a demotion to Triple-A, and while he was better after his return, the power and speed were lacking from his game. Swanson has so far wiped the bad taste from 2017 out of the fantasy world, providing surprising power and a solid slash line. Some of his numbers are artificially inflated by a high BABIP and that coupled with a high strikeout and low walk rate mean that some regression is coming. But the solid lineup around him and growth signs from the second half last year bode well for Swanson riding out the slump when it occurs. 12-team Mixed: $12; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: owned

Injury activations/updates:

Johan Camargo, Braves - Camargo, sidelined with an oblique injury since late March, was activated off the disabled list Wednesday. Ryan Flaherty has done a solid job as the everyday third baseman while Camargo was out, exceeding all expectations, and will remain the starting third baseman for now. Atlanta signed Jose Bautista, who will eventually start at the hot corner if he shows anything in the minors. That move may allow Austin Riley to remain in the minors all season before he potentially opens 2019 as the starter. Camargo will now shift to a utility infielder role. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0, 12-team NL: $3.

THIRD BASE

Todd Frazier, Mets - "The Toddfather," "In Todd We Trust" and "Thumbs Up" have been spotted at Citi Field this year thanks to Frazier's hot start. He has brought leadership to the clubhouse and strong defense to the hot corner. But those two aspects pale in comparison to his production at the plate, where his growth in terms of an improved walk rate has resulted in a strong slash line and production. The high BABIP will fall, lowering his batting average, but the OBA and counting stats, including power, should remain strong. 12-team Mixed: $25; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned.

Christian Villanueva, Padres - Villanueva spent the first decade of his career in the Rangers' and Cubs' organization, but was blocked at every turn. He signed with the Padres before the 2017 season and proceeded to post a .296/.369/.528 slash line with 20 home runs and 86 runs batted in over 109 games. Villanueva broke camp with the parent club and exploded into prominence with three home runs on April 4. He seemingly has supplanted Chase Headley as the Padres' third baseman, providing power along with solid batting and on-base averages. The clock may strike midnight, especially seeing his K/AB rate, but jump in the carriage and hope that's not the case. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $18, 12-team NL: $24.

Injury activation/updates:

Martin Prado, Marlins - Prado kicked off a rehab assignment, batting second while playing third base Thursday for High-A Jupiter. He likely will need at least a week of games with no setbacks before he is ready to join the Marlins. Prado, limited to 37 games last season due a hamstring strain, and later in the year, a sprained right knee that required July surgery, opened 2018 on the disabled list due to discomfort in that right knee. As noted last week, with Brian Anderson and Derek Dietrich both 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. What seems to be the more likely option is to trying Anderson in right and playing Prado at third, where he is less likely to re-injure his hamstring, or it's possible Anderson's slump at the plate earns him a demotion to the minors. Prado's value is more real than fantasy life for Miami. That's not to say that he doesn't contribute to fantasy teams but other than a solid AVG and OBA, the 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 (same early return spec bid).

OUTFIELD

Albert Almora, Cubs - Almora was profiled last week, but with Ian Happ expected to see his role reduced somewhat due to early season struggles, Almora could get more time in center field and as the Cubs' leadoff hitter. As noted last week, the 23-year-old Almora 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 slumping. In addition, the Cubs' have been nearly unbeatable to start the season when Almora is at the top of the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: owned.

Jose Bautista, Braves - Bautista signed a minor-league deal with the Braves this week. He will play third base in extended spring training; a position he played eight times for the Blue Jays last year and 394 times in his career. It's low risk, possible high reward for the Braves. If Bautista reverses his recent downward trend, as his wRC+ had been slowly and steadily trending downward from 2014 to 2016, with figures of 160, 148 and 122, then in 2017 it collapsed to 80, Atlanta gets a one-year bridge to Austin Riley. If not, then the Braves can just walk away and either stick with Ryan Flaherty or Johan Camargo or acquire a short-term option. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (very early spec bid).

Tyler O'Neill, Cardinals - O'Neill got the call this week with Tommy Pham nursing a sore right groin. Pham was in the lineup Friday, so the injury was not severe, but O'Neill gives the Cardinals another outfield option. Acquired from Seattle for a soft-tossing southpaw (Marco Gonzales), O'Neill has power but the contact and strikeout rates raise red flags for future production. He was off a terrific start to the 2018 campaign at Triple-A, hitting .388/.385/.837 with six home runs and 18 RBI albeit with a 10:1 K:BB ratio in 12 games. If Pham doesn't require time off, expect O'Neill to serve in a reserve role in the outfield with occasional starts in the Cardinals' lineup, most likely against left-handed pitching. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5.

Mac Williamson, Giants - Hunter Pence is dealing with a thumb injury, which may explain his extremely slow start and landed Pence on the disabled list. To replace Pence on the active roster, Williamson was promoted Friday. Williamson's calling card in the minors has been power, but his struggles to make contact have limited his ability to stick in the majors. This offseason, Williamson worked to revamp his swing and improve his launch angle with hitting coach Doug Latta, who helped make Justin Turner a start. So far, so good, as Williamson slashed .487/.600/1.026 with six home runs in 11 games at Triple-A Sacramento. With the Giants looking for offensive production, look for Williamson to start in left field to see if the changes he made translate to success in the majors. He made a good first impression, homering Friday night. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Injury activation/updates:

Scott Schebler, Reds - Schebler, sidelined with an elbow injury since getting hit by a pitch on April 1, was activated from the disabled list on Friday. He will slide back into the Reds' outfield rotation alongside Adam Duvall, Billy Hamilton and Jesse Winker. Schebler, despite batting left-handed, bashed southpaws last year and mashing righties the year before. He hit 30 home runs last year after increasing his launch angle but that came with a major rise in strikeouts, as he struck out 125 times. His playing time is not clear due to the presence of the other three outfielders, each of whom could also start daily. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.