NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

This is our weekly look at National League free agents. We have two goals for this article: 

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

Chase Anderson, Brewers – Anderson, who failed to earn a rotation spot this spring, replaced Freddy Peralta (shoulder) in the Brewers' starting rotation last Saturday. He struck out five over five scoreless innings and allowed just one hit and two walks to pick up the win over the Dodgers, earning a second start against the Mets, where he went 4.2 innings. Anderson lost his spot in the rotation late in the season mostly because of issues with the long ball, serving up 30 home runs. With Corbin Burnes sent down to the minors, Anderson could remain in the rotation even when Peralta is activated, though the signing of Gio Gonzalez and future return of Jimmy Nelson puts keeping the spot in some doubt. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Tyler Anderson, Rockies – Anderson's return to the rotation following his knee injury has been "rocky" at best. He allowed five runs this past Monday and has given up at least five runs in each of his three appearances this season. The 29-year-old has a 0-2 record with a 12.00 ERA through three starts and likely should only be on rosters in deep leagues. 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Jerad Eickhoff, Phillies – Eickhoff, profiled last week when Nick Pivetta was demoted to the minors, gets another mention, as he had an excellent start Saturday, tossing seven shutout innings, allowing only two hits with six strikeouts and a walk in a victory against the Marlins. After a solid rookie campaign in 2016, Eickhoff saw his ERA rise more than a run and missed five months with a lat strain last season. Fully healthy and off a solid start, look for Eickhoff to remain in the Phillies' rotation. 12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Gio Gonzalez, Brewers – Gonzalez, signed to a minor-league deal by the Yankees this off-season, opted out of his deal to re-sign with the Brewers, inking a one-year, $2 million contract Wednesday. Across five starts with the Brewers in 2018, Gonzalez went 3-0 with a 2.13 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 22:10 K:BB ratio in 25.1 innings, but he was unable to secure a major-league deal this off-season. Gonzalez will immediately slot into Milwaukee's rotation, making his first start Sunday against the Mets, but will we see the Nationals' (4.57 ERA and 1.53 WHIP across 27 starts) or Brewers' version this season?  12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Pablo Lopez, Marlins – Lopez rose from High-A to the majors last season despite stuff that profiles more as a back-end starter, and his strong spring and fastball velocity return earned him a spot in the Marlins' rotation. After three so-so starts to begin the year, Lopez improved in his fourth outing and then took a no-hitter into the sixth inning, eventually finishing by allowing no runs on a pair of hits and walks with six punch outs in 6.1 innings. With a 29:8 K:BB and 2.81 FIP, Lopez could be on the verge of a breakout campaign. 12 team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Carlos Martinez, Cardinals – Martinez, sidelined with a shoulder injury, will pitch out of the bullpen when he's activated from the injured list. He has recently ramped up his throwing sessions and is close to throwing live batting practice. Martinez was slated to throw a bullpen session Friday and then meet with the team's medical staff over the weekend to plan out the next phase of his rehab. He bounced between the starting rotation and the bullpen last year, posting a 3.11 ERA with 117 strikeouts over 118.2 frames. If he can build up the strength in his shoulder, Martinez could possibly make a handful of starts in the second half of the season. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Tanner Roark, Reds – Roark bookended brilliant 2014 and 2016 campaigns with nightmarish seasons in 2015 and 2017. He didn't show much improvement last year, as his K rate dropped again and groundball rate dropped precipitously. Signed by Cincy to a one-year, $10 million deal this offseason, Roark has had a solid April, though warning signs exist. Despite a solid 3.60 ERA through four starts, Roark's 1.60 WHIP and .293 opponent batting average suggest he may be in line for a regression. But in his favor, he is entrenched in the Reds' rotation and does have a past history of success. 12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Mike Soroka, Braves – Soroka, promoted last week for what looked like a spot start, may remain in the Braves' rotation. Shoulder woes have plagued Soroka in his career, including recently, as an ailment forced him to start the season in minors. That being said, his repertoire consists of a low-90s fastball, slider and changeup, giving him no. 2 starter upside. Over his five starts with Atlanta last season, Soroka posted a 3.51 ERA and 21:7 K:BB in 25.2 innings. Touki Toussaint, who was lit up for seven earned runs in 1.1 innings Saturday, was optioned down, so even with Mike Foltynewicz (elbow) set to return, Soroka is slotted in as the fifth starter and was impressive again Wednesday. 12 team Mixed: $4, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 

Injury activations/updates

Jimmy Nelson, Brewers - Nelson is finally beginning a rehab assignment after missing all of 2018 recovering from shoulder surgery due to an injury suffered while running the bases late in 2017. He threw several simulated games and is starting for Triple-A San Antonio on Sunday. When healthy in 2017, Nelson posted a 12-6 record with a 3.49 ERA, 10.2 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 in 175.1 innings. He will likely need several rehab starts, possibly returning by the third week of May, and his velocity may take a bit of time to get back to his pre-injury mark of 94.6 mph. Nevertheless, he is worth the risk due to pedigree. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same as prior)

RELIEF PITCHER

David Hernandez, Reds – Hernandez is serving as Raisel Iglesias' set-up man, notching four holds already this season. He had 15 last year and will likely exceed that total this season, plus the potential for a few saves. Hernandez added a slider to his repertoire two years ago, and it made a significant difference, resulting in a huge uptick in his production. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Luke Jackson, Braves – Jackson turned in his 11th straight scoreless appearance Saturday against the Rockies, posting a 15:4 K:BB and a pair of holds in 12.1 innings during that stretch. Manager Brian Snitker may start to use Jackson in higher-leveraged situations and continue to deploy him as part of the bridge to closer A.J. Minter. With Minter scuffling, Snitker may look at other options, with Jackson possibly getting consideration, 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Mark Melancon, Giants – Melancon, once the Giants' closer, will get some chances in save situations this season. Will Smith is still the primary closer, but Melancon, who was excellent in a set up role after returning June 1 from a flexor strain suffered last spring training, has pitched well again this year. Melancon has yet to be scored upon in 10.2 innings this season, notching a pair of holds. 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Sergio Romo, Marlins – Romo's overall numbers are less than impressive, but he earned saves in back-to-back appearances this past week. The 36-year-old has a 6.75 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 7:4 K:BB across eight innings, though much of that damage was done Opening Day when he allowed four runs in just one-third of an inning. Romo has yet to blow a save opportunity in three chances for Miami and looks to have the edge on Drew Steckenrider for the job. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Injury activations/updates

David Robertson, Phillies – Robertson, sidelined since April 14 with a Grade 1 flexor strain in his throwing arm, may not be far away from returning. Signed to a two-year, $23 million contract by the Phillies this past offseason, Robertson struggled his first three appearances before righting the ship his next four, tossing 4.2 scoreless innings. While unlikely to serve as a full-time closer, Robertson should get the majority of saves for the Phillies. 12 team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

CATCHER

Drew Butera, Rockies - Butera was promoted April 15 after Chris Iannetta was placed on the injured list with a strained lat. Tony Wolters is getting the lion's share of playing time behind the plate, but Butera will see occasional action until Iannetta returns. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Injury activations/updates

Russell Martin, Dodgers – Martin, who missed 17 days with lower-back inflammation, was activated off the injured list Saturday. He started five of the Dodgers' first 12 games prior to the injury, and it seems likely he'll see similar action, especially if he can stay hot at the plate. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

FIRST BASE

Ryan McMahon, Rockies – McMahon, sidelined 10 days with a hyper-extended left elbow, returned with a bang last week. However, Daniel Murphy, who also was out with an injury, was activated Wednesday, removing playing time for McMahon at first. With Garrett Hampson scuffling, McMahon could grab a hold of the keystone if he keeps hitting well. At a minimum, McMahon should see most of the action against right-handed pitching. 12 team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18

Eric Thames, Brewers – Thames, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he is making the most of the playing opportunity afforded to him due to Jesus Aguilar's struggles at the dish. Aguilar sat three straight games this week and all of his recent starts came against southpaws, creating what looks like a platoon. Thames has five home runs and 12 RBI through 44 plate appearances and should see most of the action against right-handed starters, at least in the short-term. 12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Injury activations/updates

Garrett Cooper, Marlins - Cooper, out since late-March with a calf issue, began a rehab assignment with High-A Jupiter on Friday. He has middling power, save for one year in the minors, and no speed, but he appeared ready to parlay a good spring into some at-bats when Neil Walker was to shift around the diamond. But Cooper suffered the injury, sidelining him until now. When he returns, Cooper could see time at first base and/or right field. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Jose Osuna, Pirates - Osuna kicked off a rehab assignment this week after being sidelined since the spring with a neck injury, drawing starts in right and left field during the first two games of his rehab assignment with High-A Bradenton. Josh Bell is entrenched at first base, but Osuna could see time at first and third base as well as maybe in the outfield. He slashed .321/.378/497 in 302 Triple-A at-bats in 2018, but his major-league resume has him at risk of becoming known as a Quad-A talent. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

SECOND BASE

Ty France/Sean Rodriguez – France and Rodriguez were promoted to fill the backup second base jobs in San Diego and Philadelphia, respectively. The former was promoted to replace the injured Jose Pirela after slashing .423/.500/.885 with seven doubles, nine homers and 28 RBI in 19 games with El Paso. France could carve out substantial playing time at second base if he holds his own there defensively and Luis Urias and Ian Kinsler continue to struggle. Rodriguez gives the Phillies another player (along with Phil Gosselin) able to handle shortstop until Jean Segura and Scott Kingery return from their hamstring injuries. France - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Injury activations/updates

Jed Lowrie, Mets - Lowrie, oft-injured throughout his 11-year career, played 153 and 157 games the past two seasons, respectively. Signed to a two-year deal by the Mets, Lowrie finally began a regimen of live batting practice last week after being out with a left knee capsule sprain. Lowrie is playing in extended spring training, though he may not be back until mid-May. Once healthy, Lowrie, a switch-hitter who is stronger from the left side, should see most of his playing time at the hot corner with the occasional game at second game. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Nick Senzel, Reds - Senzel, the Reds' first round pick in 2016, was activated from the 7-day injured list and is playing center field at Triple-A Louisville. He appeared ready for a promotion last season, but vertigo was an issue for the second straight season -- he missed the final week of 2017 with the condition and it cost him most of May last year. Senzel, drafted as a five-tool third baseman, also missed the final two months of 2018 with a broken right index finger. He sprained his ankle shortly after getting sent out this spring and returned slightly faster than expected. He has seen time at second in the past, but even with both Jose Iglesias and Jose Peraza struggling offensively, the Reds are sticking with their plan to play Senzel in the outfield. He will likely be ready to join the Reds in mid-May and take over as the team's starting center fielder. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (keeper league bid, same as prior, up as he gets closer to returning)

THIRD BASE

David Bote, Cubs - Bote took advantage of Addison Russell's suspension to carve out additional action as a utility player for the Cubs. He has played second, third and short, a role that may continue even following the return of Russell on May 3, though Russell should start at shortstop. But if Bote hits as he has early this season, with two home runs and five runs batted in Saturday, Chicago will find a position for him. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Eduardo Escobar, Diamondbacks - Escobar, like Christian Walker, has been the primary beneficiary of Jake Lamb's (Grade 2 strained quad) injury. With Lamb sidelined, Escobar is serving as the everyday third baseman for Arizona. Escobar hit well for Minnesota last year but struggled somewhat after coming to the National League. Despite those difficulties, Arizona inked Escobar to a three-year, $21 million extension in October. Lamb may be back in mid-May, but if Escobar hits as he has recently, Arizona will find a place for him in the lineup, either at third base or shortstop, where he qualifies, or maybe second base. 12-team Mixed: $18; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: Owned

Colin Moran, Pirates - Moran, who is on the short side of a platoon at third base with Jung Ho Kang, could be in line for additional playing time if Kang's struggles at the plate continue. Additionally, Moran started five games, seeing a handful at second base while Adam Frazier (back) was sidelined, increasing his versatility, as well as third and left field. Lonnie Chisenhall (broken right finger) just kicked off a rehab assignment in the minors, where he will play first, third and the outfield, and he too could be in the mix at the hot corner. If Moran's defense at third, which was an issue last season, is passable, look for most of his action to come against righties, as he struggles against southpaws. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Martin Prado, Marlins - With the Marlins demoting Austin Dean to Triple-A New Orleans, Brian Anderson is playing the outfield regularly, opening up steady at-bats for Prado at the hot corner. Prado, who was known for his durability, playing at least 128 games every season from 2009-2016, suited up for just 91 games the past two seasons. Even when healthy, his production was sub-optimal those two seasons. If he can recapture some of his prior form, Prado should continue to start at third, though Jon Berti may also be in the mix at the hot corner. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Injury activations/updates

Todd Frazier, Mets - Frazier, sidelined since late-February with a strained oblique, was activated off the injured list after completing his rehab assignment, which began at High-A St. Lucie and ended at Triple-A Syracuse. His role is underdetermined, as Jed Lowrie (knee) was slated to play third base, but with he and Frazier out, Jeff McNeil and J.D. Davis saw action at the hot corner. Frazier will see time at third, cutting into Davis' playing time, with McNeil shifting to left field, where he was slated to open the season, and shortstop, as he fills a utility role. Lowrie's eventual return may substantially cut into Frazier's playing time. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (same as prior)

SHORTSTOP

Carter Kieboom, Diamondbacks – Trea Turner is still sidelined with a broken right finger, suffered when a pitch hit him earlier this month, creating a huge hole at shortstop. Kieboom, who posted solid numbers at High-A Potomac but struggled at Double-A Harrisburg last season, wasn't promoted immediately from Triple-A Fresno. His blend of contact skills and pop made him the best replacement option for Turner from an offensive standpoint, but the organization wanted him to work on his defense at both middle-infield spots at Fresno before he got the call to the big leagues. Kieboom finally got the nod Friday following his red-hot start at Fresno, where he slashed .379/.506/.636 with three home runs, 18 runs batted in and a 20:16 K:BB in 18 games. With Wilmer Difo scuffling and the Nats looking for offense, look for Kieboom to play almost daily until Turner returns. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team NL: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (higher in keeper leagues) 

Addison Russell, Cubs – Russell, who is finishing the 40-game suspension he received last fall for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy, began a minor-league rehab stint this week that was expected to last seven days. He should rejoin the Cubs when first eligible on May 3, at which time Javier Baez will shift over to second base. However, comments from manager Joe Maddon and president of baseball operations Theo Epstein suggest that may no longer be in the cards. Russell's numbers have plummeted at the plate the past two seasons, largely due to his struggles against righties. He still may end up as Chicago's starting shortstop, though Baez and David Bote should both see time at the position, while Russell could also see action at second base. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team NL: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Injury activations/updates

Kevin Newman, Pirates – Newman seemed set to break camp as the starter but lost the job to Erik Gonzalez. He has shown the ability to hit for average and steal bases at a decent clip in the minors, but his dearth of power and a lack of high-end speed may always put him at risk of losing playing time. He was placed on the 10-day injured list with a laceration on his right middle finger on April 11 but will likely begin a rehab assignment this week. Even though Gonzalez (collarbone) may miss two months, Newman may be relegated to a utility role if Cole Tucker proves able to handle the starting shortstop role. However, he drew starts in center field and left field during rehab games Tuesday and Wednesday at Triple-A Indianapolis, adding to his potential versatility. 12-Team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

OUTFIELD

Aaron Altherr, Phillies - Roman Quinn, out since suffering an oblique injury in late-February, was activated off the injured list April 18 and immediately moved into the starting lineup, replacing Odubel Herrera (hamstring) in center field. However, Quinn will now be sidelined with a Grade 2 right groin strain and may miss several weeks, opening the door for Altherr to play center field. Herrera may only miss the minimum, at which time Altherr will resume his role as backup at all three outfield positions as well as pinch-hitter off the bench. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5;

Melky Cabrera, Pirates - Cabrera played 14 games in right field prior to Gregory Polanco's return but was in left field for the first time this season Monday. His run at extensive playing time is likely close to coming to an end with the somewhat impeding returns of Corey Dickerson (shoulder) and Starling Marte (abdomen), though Dickerson has tightness in his shoulder, which could set him back a bit. That being said, look for Cabrera to still see occasional action at both corner outfield spots. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Jarrod Dyson, Diamondbacks - Dyson, limited the last two seasons with hernia and thigh injuries, continues to make the most of the playing time affording to him due to the absence of Steven Souza. He's typically in the lineup whenever the Diamondbacks face a right-handed starter, as he has just four at-bats this season against left-handers. Dyson is finally healthy and has three steals and a solid 12:10 K:BB on the season. He is serving as Arizona's fourth outfielder, starting in center field when Ketel Marte moves to the infield for a start, as well as against right-handed pitchers. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (stolen bases)

Phillip Ervin/Jesse Winker, Reds - Ervin was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday after Matt Kemp (ribs) was placed on the injured list. Kemp will miss the next several weeks with the injury, affording Ervin and Winker additional playing time. Winker has struggled at the plate, but he does have six home runs. If he doesn't get hot, Ervin could see the majority of playing time with Kemp sidelined. Ervin - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Winker - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Dexter Fowler, Cardinals - Fowler got off to a slow start but got red-hot around the middle of April. Prior to sitting Wednesday, he had started 10 consecutive games, slashing .432/.488/.622 with a homer and five RBI during that stretch. His playing time dropped for the third straight season last year, as ineffectiveness and then injury landed him on the bench. With Tyler O'Neill sidelined, Fowler only has to hold off Jose Martinez for playing time in right field now that Harrison Bader is back off the injured list and playing center field. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Raimel Tapia, Rockies - David Dahl's slightly strained oblique landed him on the 10-day IL two weeks ago. With Dahl out, Tapia was the primary beneficiary of his absence, as he was in the lineup daily in left field until Dahl returned. Tapia had failed to take advantage of his chances in the past, posting a career slash line of .268/.310/.397 over 239 at-bats at the big-league level. But he has more than made the most of this recent chance, homering in three straight games, resulting in Dahl seeing time in center field with Ian Desmond struggling to keep Tapia's bat in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Injury activations/updates

Harrison Bader, Cardinals -  Bader opened the season as the Cardinals' starting center fielder. He improved his numbers across the board last year in his first full season in the majors as compared to his cup of coffee as a rookie. Bader, who's already renowned for his defensive prowess, was lauded by manager Mike Shildt for his improvement as a hitter and is viewed by Shildt as a "five-tool player." After missing the minimum with a hamstring injury, Bader was activated off the injured list Wednesday and should regain his starting job shortly.  12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Lonnie Chisenhall, Pirates -  Chisenhall, who missed most of 2018 with a calf injury, signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal with Pittsburgh this past November. At that time, he was expected to see a healthy amount of playing time due to Gregory Polanco's September shoulder surgery, but a broken right index finger suffered late in the spring was to sideline Chisenhall 4-to-6 weeks. He kicked off a rehab stint this past week at Triple-A Indianapolis, where he will receive time at first and third base in addition to his normal duties in the corner outfield. Chisenhall could stay on the rehab assignment for close to the full 20 days in order to pick up at-bats after the injury sidelined him for the past month. With Polanco back and both Corey Dickerson (shoulder) and Starling Marte (abdomen) likely active before Chisenhall returns, his playing time may be minimal, though Dickerson has tightness in his shoulder, which could set him back a bit. In addition, he is now dealing with calf tightness, which is what cost him most of the 2018 season.  12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5