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.

AL FAAB | NL FAAB

STARTING PITCHER

Eric Lauer, Padres: Lauer is in the middle another roll, reeling off five strong outings in a row. He got off to a brutal start to his rookie campaign, posting an 8.14 ERA in his first five starts. Since then, Lauer has turned it around, having allowed one earned run or fewer in four of his last five starts to drop his ERA nearly two full runs (6.20 to 4.40). Lauer 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 in 18 innings before he was promoted in late April. 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: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Enyel De Los Santos, Phillies: De Los Santos acquitted himself nicely in his one-and-done start for the Phillies this week. Called up to pitch Tuesday, De Los Santos allowed three runs on five hits over 6.1 innings, striking out six and walking three, to defeat the Mets. He was optioned down after the game to make room for the return of Vince Velasquez (shoulder) off the disabled list Wednesday but will start Sunday in place of Zach Eflin (blister). De Los Santos had been outstanding for Triple-A Lehigh Valley through 16 starts this season, posting a 1.89 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with an 87:31 K:BB over 95.1 innings to earn the callup. Another good start could force Philly to find a permanent place for him, and at a minimum, even if he is sent back down, he should be back sometime later this year. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (up if think he sticks)

Luiz Gohara, Braves: Gohara has had a nightmarish season and was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday, but he will be a factor after the All-Star break. He will begin the second half of the season in the club's rotation, starting July 23. Brandon McCarthy (knee) and Max Fried (finger) are expected to need more time on the disabled list and Mike Soroka (shoulder) is on the 60-day disabled list. Across nine appearances (including just one start) with the Braves this year, Gohara posted a 5.95 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with an 18:8 K:BB over 19.2 innings, far from the expectations on him after a strong close to 2017. If you like taking risks, Gohara might provide a nice return at a minimal investment. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Injury activations/updates

Clay Buchholz, Diamondbacks: Buchholz made the most of his seven starts for Arizona, notching a 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 31:7 K:BB in 38 innings before he was sidelined with a strained left oblique. His injury coincided with the return of Shelby Miller from Tommy John surgery, allowing Miller to step back into the rotation. Miller now is dealing with elbow inflammation, creating an opening as the team's fifth starter. Buchholz threw innings and 40-plus pitches in a simulated game Friday, falling short of the 55-to-60 he was to throw due to the extreme heat in Arizona. The next step will be a minor-league rehab start over the All-Star break before Buchholz is reinstated from the 10-day disabled list. Until he is ready, Matt Koch, who made 12 starts earlier in the season, could slot in as the fifth starter. Buchholz joined Arizona on a minor-league deal in early May after being let go by the Royals, posting a 2.93 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 27.2 innings (five starts) between Double-A Jackson and Triple-A Reno to earn the promotion. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers: Ryu, sidelined since May 2 with a strained groin, tossed 25 pitches from a mound Friday. On the 60-day disabled list, Ryu is eligible to be activated at any time, but an exact timetable for his return has yet to be determined. Prior to being sidelined, Ryu had pitched well, posting a 2.12 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 36:10 K:BB in 29.2 innings pitched. He likely will need 3-to-4 rehab starts before he is activated, so we are probably looking at the second week of August. Of course, the Dodgers' pitching staff is overstuffed with potential rotation members, so there's a chance Ryu might not take all turns meant for him even if he is tabbed in the starting five. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early spec return bid)

Brent Suter, Brewers: Suter was activated off the 10-day disabled list to start Saturday. He had a solid outing against the Pirates, allowing just one run on two hits and a walk while striking out three in five innings. Prior to being sidelined, Suter had a 4.53 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 78 strikeouts in 93.1 innings, but he had surrendered none runs in 11 innings his two starts before landing on the disabled list. He still profiles best as a bullpen arm, but due to all the starting pitching injuries in Milwaukee, for now, Suter likely remains in the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Julio Urias, Dodgers: Urias faced live hitters for the first time during his rehab process Wednesday with his fastball sitting 88-92 mph, a tick below his 93.1 average in the majors before he was sidelined. Los Angeles' top pitching prospect when he was promoted in 2016, Urias showed flashes of what made him so special in his 77 innings pitched that season. After opening 2017 in the minors, Urias got the nod early in the year, pitching well his first few starts. But after he struggled and was sent to the minors, shoulder soreness shut him down and Urias underwent successful left anterior capsule surgery June of last season. Urias is being built up as a starter, throwing a pair of simulated games already, and could start a rehab assignment sometime alter this month, putting a return in August on the table. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (slightly upped stash bid)

Wade Miley, Brewers: Miley, after missing slightly more than two months with a strained oblique, made his return to the majors, starting Thursday against the Pirates. He allowed two runs on four hits and five walks while striking out five in 95 pitches over five innings. Miley made four rehab starts prior to his activation and should be able to throw 100 pitches in his next outing. With several starters out for Milwaukee, Miley could get a few turns in the rotation, but his future prospects depend on how quickly those players return and if the Brewers acquire a starter before the trade deadline. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Drew Smyly, Cubs: Smyly missed all of 2017 after suffering an elbow injury during the spring that ultimately required Tommy John surgery in June of that year. The Cubs signed Smyly to a two-year deal in December, knowing that he likely would miss nearly all of this season and be ready for the 2019 season. As we noted in our preseason outlook, "his respectable career marks of a 3.74 ERA and 8.7 K/9 made him worth holding onto in deep keeper leagues." Those who took that chance may be rewarded earlier than expected, as Smyly expects to start a minor-league rehab assignment near the end of the month. Smyly could join Chicago sometime in August and possibly see a handful of starts down the stretch. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (stash candidate)

Homer Bailey, Reds: Bailey, sidelined with right knee inflammation since the beginning of June, is working yet another rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville. After deliberating using Bailey in the bullpen, the Reds will work him as a starter for the remainder of his rehabilitation assignment. Bailey started for Triple-A Louisville on Friday, his sixth appearance at that level – five of which were starts. He could rejoin the Reds after the break, though Cincy might wait until they possibly move Matt Harvey before bringing back Bailey. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Jason Vargas, Mets: Vargas, sidelined since June 20 with a strained right calf, tossed six scoreless innings and struck out nine Monday in his rehab start for short-season Brooklyn. He allowed no hits and one walk in the 64-pitch outing. Temper your enthusiasm, as the outing was against first- and second-year players. Vargas made a second rehabilitation start for Brooklyn on Saturday and could rejoin the Mets after the All-Star break without needing a third rehab start. For now, Corey Oswalt will continue to fill in as the team's fifth starter. But as noted last week, if you are a glutton for punishment and just haven't had enough of Vargas this year, this post is for you. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (same bid as prior week)

RELIEF PITCHER

A.J. Minter/Dan Winkler, Braves:Arodys Vizcaino landed back on the disabled list Saturday for the second time with shoulder soreness. In his stead, look for Minter to serve as the primary closer, supported by Winkler. Minter was hit hard Tuesday, allowing three earned runs, but had allowed just one run his prior 12 appearances and has a 3.38 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 42:15 K:BB along with 11 holds in 37.1 innings. Winkler has been solid overall, with a 2.84 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 48:11 K:BB ratio with 17 holds in 38 innings. He struggled a few times the past few weeks but has provided Atlanta with solid late-inning relief again this season. Manager Brian Snitker could go with Winkler, the righty, as the primary option followed by Minter, the lefty, but my guess is that the roles are inverted. Minter - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14; Winkler - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Ryan Madson/Kelvin Herrera, Nationals: Washington will use Madson and Herrera to close games while Sean Doolittle (toe) is on the disabled list. Madson, rather than Herrera, was utilized Thursday to close out the Nationals' win over the Mets. Expected originally to close, Herrera was deployed in the eighth inning and allowed a solo home run to Asdrubal Cabrera, the fifth earned run he's surrendered across his last 7.2 innings. Madson has also struggled lately, so manager Dave Martinez could flip the order of usage and likely will mix andmatch at the back end of the bullpen for as long as Doolittle is sidelined. Madson - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Herrera - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Kirby Yates, Padres: Yates has been brilliant this season, posting a 1.47 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 47:11 K:BB along with 16 holds in 36.2 innings. Those numbers build off his solid performance out of the bullpen when he arrived in San Diego last year and posted 20 holds. Brad Hand's name has been mentioned in trade talks once again, as he is the midst of a three-year, $19.75 million contract extension he signed in January of 2018 that includes a club option for 2021, giving any team that acquires Hand control of him for several more seasons. This year, Yates traded in his slider for a split-finger fastball, which has helped him increase his GB/FB from 0.58 last season to 1.83 this year, and if Hand is traded, he could step into at least semi-frequent save opportunities. Of course, Yates is a candidate for a deal, too. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up if he becomes the primary closer)

Yoshihisa Hirano, Diamondbacks: Coors Field bit Hirano this week, as he surrendered four runs in just one-third of an inning. Despite the setback and rise in ERA by nearly a full run after the disastrous outing, Hirano still has a solid 2.20 mark on the season. Hirano has settled in nicely in front of Archie Bradley and Brad Boxberger, notching 21 holds and a 37:14 K:BB in 41 innings for Arizona. 12-team $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Corbin Burnes, Brewers: Burnes, a fourth-round selection in 2016, burst on the scene last season, dominating at High-A Carolina and Double-A Biloxi. He began 2018 as a starter but was moved to the bullpen in mid-June, prepping him for a role in majors. Burnes posted a 5.15 ERA and 1.45 WHIP over 78.2 innings at hitter-friendly Triple-A Colorado Springs, but he notched a respectable 3.69 ERA and 1.19 WHIP on the road this season. After just three weeks in the pen at Triple-A, Burnes was called up this past week, tallying a save with a two perfect innings in his debut. He won't see may saves but will be utilized as a multi-inning reliever if he remains in Milwaukee. But he has been prominently mentioned in trade rumors, which if one comes to fruition would result in Burnes shifting back to starting. 12-team $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up in keeper leagues)

Injury activations/updates

CATCHER

Elias Diaz, Pirates: Diaz has stepped in as the Pirates' starting catcher when Francisco Cervelli was sidelined with injuries. In an effort to keep the bat of Cervelli, who has suffered four concussions since 2011, in the lineup, Pittsburgh has had Cervelli take some grounders at first base. This might be an option against lefties, since Diaz hits well against southpaws, affording the backup catcher additional at-bats. That possibility will need to wait as Cervelli landed back on the 7-day DL with concussion symptoms, leaving Diaz as the starting catcher backed up by Jacob Stallings. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Raffy Lopez, Padres: Lopez was promoted with Joey Lucchesi sent to the minors to pick up a start during the All-Star break. With Austin Hedges and A.J. Ellis already in San Diego, don't expect many at-bats for Lopez, who has hit .180 with three homers and 13 RBI in the majors this season. Lopez likely will head back down for Lucchesi shortly after the break. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0

Injury activations/updates

Matt Wieters, Nationals: Wieters, sidelined since mid-May after having hamstring surgery, was activated Monday after a two-game rehab assignment at Double-A Harrisburg. Pedro Severino has manned the tools of ignorance while Wieters was out, but Washington immediately restored Wieters back as its starting catcher, sending down Severino. Look for him to play nearly every day. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

FIRST BASE

Wilmer Flores, Mets: Profiled two weeks ago, Flores gets another mention, as the Mets may send Dominic Smith down to the minors and have shown no indication that Peter Alonso will be promoted soon. Of course, please keep in mind that Flores is rumored to be on the trade block and would likely lose value wherever he lands. Until then, Flores has been in the lineup nearly every day, mainly at first base backed up by Kevin Plawecki. What I wrote two weeks ago still applies: Oddly enough, Flores is scuffling against southpaws, whom he usually torches, but raking against righties, which for now affords him additional at-bats. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $15; 12-team NL: owned

Matt Adams, Nationals: Adams, profiled when he was activated off the disabled list on July after being sidelined with a hand injury since June 15, gets another mention since he has been red-hot since his return to action. Adams' two-run tater Saturday made him 11-for-34 with three extra-base hits and three RBI through 10 games. Prior to the injury, Adams was hitting .275/.351/.575 with 13 home runs in 153 at-bats. Adams is seeing most of the action at first base, starting versus righties with Mark Reynolds playing against lefties, until the return of Ryan Zimmerman, who's been sidelined since mid-May with an oblique injury but is beginning a rehabilitation assignment in the minor leagues Monday. When that happens, Adams will start at designated hitter in AL parks and see the occasional start at first base and in left field when Juan Soto is given a day off. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: Owned (though his value will drop when Zimmerman returns)

Injury activations/updates

Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals: Zimmerman, sidelined since mid-May with an oblique injury and profiled last week, gets another mention. He will begin a rehab assignment Monday. There's a chance he will be ready to return to Washington for the second half of the 2018 season when the Nationals host the Braves on July 20. An improved launch angle coupled with strong exit velocity and improved health resulted in a career year for Zimmerman in 2017. He blasted 36 home runs, drove in 108 runs and slashed 303/.358/.573 line en route to the best OPS (.930) of his career. This year has been a far cry from 2017, as Zim has struggled at the plate, looking like the 2016 rather than 2017 version of himself. Adjust your bids depending on which one you believe is the real Zimmerman. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22

SECOND BASE

Jeff McNeil, Mets: McNeil, who was promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas in mid-June following a dominant run at Double-A Binghamton, is being prepared for a utility role by the Mets. He hit .327/.402/.626 with 14 home runs and 43 RBI over 57 games for the Rumble Ponies to earn the move up the ladder. McNeil's bat didn't slow down with the 51s, showing his Double-A numbers weren't a fluke. Look for him to be up in the majors and see time at second and third base once Asdrubal Cabrera is traded since the Mets' season has cratered. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Ty Kelly, Mets: If your league is insanely deep and every at-bat matters, Kelly might have value. But in most leagues, a middling, at best, backup utility player doesn't move the needle much. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1

THIRD BASE

Maikel Franco, Phillies: Franco regained his starting third base job on June 21 due to J.P. Crawford's fractured left hand. At the time, Franco's slash line was a disappointing .240/.284/.409 with nine home runs and 36 runs drive in. Manager Gabe Kapler placed Franco in the eight hole, and since then, Franco has taken off at the plate. He is 24-for-67 with four home runs, 10 RBI and nine runs scored with solid plate discipline. No word has been provided as to when Crawford will return, but if Franco remains hot at the plate, he will hold onto to the starting third base job. 12-team Mixed: $14; 15-team Mixed: $28; 12-team NL: owned

Trevor Plouffe, Phillies: Plouffe started at third base for Minnesota the first part of the decade before fading and bouncing around to several teams. He signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies in April and was promoted Tuesday. Plouffe provides a veteran bat off the bench and the ability to fill in at first, second and third base as well as in the outfield, as he did Friday. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Injury activations/updates

Evan Longoria, Giants: Longoria, profiled last week, gets another mention as he is 7-to-10 days away from beginning a minor-league rehab stint. Out since June 14 with a fractured fifth metacarpal on his left hand suffered when hit by a pitch, necessitating surgery on June 19, Longoria has progressed from taking groundballs and hitting off a tee to the verge of game action. Manager Bruce Bochy stated he hopes Longoria will be activated from the disabled list sometime during the first week in August. Pablo Sandoval will continue to fill in for Longoria, who despite a subpar season when he was sidelined will be welcomed back with open arms by the Bay. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (upped early spec return bid)

SHORTSTOP

Amed Rosario, Mets: Rosario was given a mental break from June 24-26 to work on his swing. As the New York Post reports, the focus was on having Rosario sit back on his legs in the box and get more upright so he wasn't leaning over to chase pitches that were down and away. Since those three days off, Rosario is 11-for-38 with three doubles and three triples along with an 8:7 K:BB. Despite the hot streak, there are still plenty of rough edges to his game -- including a 6-for-11 performance on steal attempts and a 16:63 BB:K so far in 2018 – but he is ensconced in the lineup and is starting to show the ceiling that made him a top prospect. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: Owned

JT Riddle, Marlins: How many fantasy owners or baseball fans had Riddle with a .271/.301/.457 slash line through Thursday's games? In addition, he has five home runs and 20 RBI, with three of the taters and 16 of the RBI coming in his previous 30 games. Riddle is the clear starting shortstop in Miami, relegating Miguel Rojas to a support role. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (if not owned)

OUTFIELD

Franmil Reyes, Padres: Reyes received his first taste of the major leagues in early May following a hot stretch at Triple-A El Paso. Over 29 games with the Padres after his callup, Reyes slashed .228/.260/.457 with six home runs and eight RBI across 96 plate appearances before he was demoted to make room for the return of Wil Myers. Reyes picked up from where he left off at Triple-A following his demotion earning a slightly surprising, earlier than expected second chance this past Tuesday. Initially, Reyes will likely split time with Hunter Renfroe in right field, and if he gets hot, like he was at El Paso, he could earn the lion's share of the at-bats. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Steven Duggar, Giants: The Giants, looking for an offensive spark, promoted Duggar last Sunday. Gorkys Hernandez has played well in center, but San Francisco will likely use Duggar in center against righties and play Hernandez in center versus southpaws (instead of left field versus RHP) with Duggar on the bench. Duggar's poor spring landed him in Triple-A Sacramento to start the season. After a poor start, Duggar heated up in June to finish with a .272/.354/.421 line across 356 plate appearances with Sacramento prior to the callup. He should see some time in the leadoff spot and could be a nice source of steals. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Andrew Toles, Dodgers: Toles, and not Alex Verdugo, was called up to replace Yasiel Puig (right oblique/intercostal strain) on the L.A. roster. After spending two months on the Triple-A disabled list with a hamstring injury at Oklahoma City, Toles returned on June 5. He posted a .326/.363/.500 line and four home runs in 34 games prior to the promotion, which resulted in Toles' first game in the majors since tearing his right ACL in May 2017. Matt Kemp was moved from left to right field. A combination of Toles, Joc Pederson and Enrique Hernandez will occupy the remaining two outfield spots until Puig returns in 3-to-4 weeks. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Matt den Dekker/Preston Tucker: The fourth/fifth outfielder callups this week were in New York and Atlanta, respectively. Who says you can't go home again? Den Dekker, who was previously a member of the Mets' organization from 2010 to 2014 and was traded to Washington for Jerry Blevins, signed a minor-league deal with the team this past February. His glove has always been elite, but his bat lags way behind. Den Dekker slashed .286/.336/.524 with 11 home runs, 34 RBI and six stolen bases in 63 games with Triple-A Las Vegas to earn another shot this past week with the parent club. Our update on Tucker says all you need to know. "Tucker had a solid start to the season, posting a .754 OPS as a regular starter through his first 22 games, but he recorded a .628 OPS in sporadic playing time after the promotion of Ronald Acuna before being sent down to the minors." He gives Atlanta another bat and outfield glove off the bench. Both - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Injury activations/updates

David Dahl, Rockies: Dahl hit .315/.379/.500 with seven home runs and five stolen bases in 237 plate appearances after his promotion in July 2016 and looked prime to take the next step forward last year. A stress reaction to his rib in spring training sidelined the outfielder nearly all season, making it a wasted year. The return of Carlos Gonzalez to Colorado along with presence of Geraldo Parra meant Dahl started the year in the minors. CarGo landed on the disabled list the third week of April resulting in a promotion for Dahl. He was posting solid numbers before a broken right foot sidelined him in late-May. Dahl, who was to miss 6-to-8 weeks, will join Triple-A Albuquerque to kick off a rehab assignment Friday. But with the Colorado outfield healthy, Dahl may end up remaining with Triple-A or at best on the short side of a time share at both corner outfield spots when he is ready to return. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up if think he sticks when activated)