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.

Happy Mothers' Day to all the mothers out there including my wife, mom, sister and sisters-in-law..

STARTING PITCHER

Jon Duplantier, Diamondbacks – Duplantier, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he was surprisingly called up during the week. He was sent down recently to get stretched out as a starter but was promoted despite having thrown just 31 pitches in his most recent outing at Triple-A Reno. Duplantier might end up replacing Zack Godley in the Arizona rotation, though Godley will move back from the bullpen to start Sunday as a one-off outing. For now, he will work out of the bullpen. Duplantier, selected in the third round in the 2016 draft, is one of the more skilled pitchers in the minors, when healthy. His slider, fastball and command all are above average at a minimum. He spent most of the 2018 season with Double-A Jackson, compiling a 2.69 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 68:28 K:BB in 67 innings (14 starts). 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (future starter spec bid)

Wilmer Font, Mets – Font, acquired by the Mets from the Rays, started in place of Steven Matz (elbow) on Wednesday. He gave up two runs on three hits and no walks with one strikeout over four innings against the Padres. Originally expected to be limited to about 75 pitches, Font tossed 60 pitches against San Diego. Font had a 5.79 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 18:5 K:BB in 14 innings with the Rays prior to being traded. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Cole Irvin, Phillies – Irvin, the International League's Pitcher of the Year last season, was promoted to start Sunday. As we noted in an update late last season, scouting reports have him as a back-of-the-rotation, command-driven lefty, as he lacks velocity and has no plus secondary pitches. Irvin recorded a 2.57 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 131:35 K:BB in 161.1 innings in 2018 at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In six starts this season, Irvin has a 2.25 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 23:8 K:BB. He earned the callup in place of the injured Vince Velasquez, who is sidelined with a strained right forearm. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Mitch Keller, Pirates – With Jameson Taillon (elbow) joining Chris Archer (thumb) on the IL, Pittsburgh deployed Steven Brault and Nick Kingham as starters. Archer should be back relatively shortly, but Keller could be the future long-term option while Taillon is sidelined. Keller has a 3.48 ERA in 31 innings at Triple-A Indianapolis but a 2.82 mark in his last four starts while incorporating a slider/cutter into his repertoire that previously consisted of a mid-90s fastball and curveball. Once he masters that pitch, look for Pittsburgh to promote Keller, which could come by the middle of the season. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec bid, up in keeper leagues)

Injury activations/updates

Chase Anderson, Brewers – Anderson, on the injured list since May 1 when he was scratched from his start after a blister burst open during pre-game warmups, will make a rehab start with Triple-A San Antonio on Monday. Anderson worked as a starter after opening the season in the bullpen, so it's unclear where he'll pitch when he is activated Tuesday, as Milwaukee has other starting options. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (if he starts) 

Carlos Martinez, Cardinals – Martinez, sidelined with a shoulder injury, moved his a rehab assignment as a reliever from Low-A Peoria to Triple-A Louisville. He needed just six pitches to get through a perfect inning at Peoria last Sunday before graduating up two levels. Martinez's fastball was 95-98 mph, and he could be back in the majors in about 10 days. He bounced between the starting rotation and the bullpen during the 2018 campaign, posting a 3.11 ERA with 117 strikeouts in 118.2 frames. If Martinez can build up the strength in his shoulder, he could possibly make a handful of starts in the second of the season. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (slightly upped bid) 

Jimmy Nelson, Brewers: Nelson, who missed all of 2018 recovering from shoulder surgery due to an injury suffered while running the bases late in 2017, allowed three runs on two hits and four walks across 3.1 innings in his first appearance for Triple-A San Antonio last Sunday. He made his second start at San Antonio on Saturday. 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 likely will 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, but he is worth the risk due to pedigree. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (same as prior)

Taijuan Walker, Diamondbacks: Walker, who had Tommy John surgery in April 2018, is working his way back. He has progressed to bullpen sessions and extended spring training simulated games. Walker could be ready to rejoin the big-league rotation sometime over summer if he continues to progress without any setbacks. Arizona has been searching for a fifth starter all season, a role that Walker should fill once ready to return. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec call up bid)

RELIEF PITCHER 

Brad Brach/Steve Cishek/Brandon Kintzler, Cubs – We have reached the "you guess the Chicago closer portion" of our show. With Pedro Strop joining Brandon Morrow (elbow) on the injured list with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain,  the Cubs' closer role is up in the air. Brach, Cishek and Kintzer have closing experience, while Carl Edwards Jr., just activated, also could factor in the mix.  Kintzler, who closed for Minnesota in 2016-17, may be having the best season of the three. Brach closed for Baltimore in 2017-18 while Cishek served in a similar fashion for Miami and Seattle. My pecking order is Kintzler, Brach and Cishek, but this gets into personal preference, while Edwards might get a chance or two. Brach - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Cishek - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Kintzler - 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Carl Edwards Jr., Cubs – Edwards was supposed to be one of the Cubs' top bullpen arms, but he was sent down in early April after a horrific start to the season. In four appearances (lasting just 1.2 innings) he allowed six earned runs, walking five while striking out just two, landing him in the minors. He was forced to scrap a new deceptive delivery after it was ruled illegal, so it's likely that his spring preparations have been thrown off. He was placed on the minor-league injured list not long after his demotion with an abrasion on his right hand. Edwards posted a 2.16 ERA in 8.1 innings for Triple-Iowa, earning a call back to the majors Monday. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Edgar Garcia, Phillies – Garcia was promoted to the majors to replace Enyel De Los Santos, who was optioned to Lehigh Valley following Sunday's win over the Nationals. He earned the promotion  by compiling a 1.65 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 23:6 K:BB in 16.1 innings over 13 appearances for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He'll likely fill a lower-leverage relief role during his first stint with the big club, though that could change if his success from Triple-A translates to the majors. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Luke Jackson/Jonny Venters/Dan Winkler, Braves – Jackson, profiled the last two weeks, gets another mention, as he looks to be the primary option as the Braves' closer with A.J. Minter sent down to the minors. He notched his third save of the season Friday but a pair of blown saves offset that. In 18 innings, Jackson has a 22:7 K:BB ratio while posting a 4:1 GB:FB, which has aided in his success. Venters, out with a strained calf, was activated and got the save Saturday. That save was of the one-out variety, as he retired the left-handed hitting David Peralta, so look for him to be brought in to face left-handed hitters. Winkler has been the second-most effective Atlanta reliever, posting a 1.54 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB through 11.2 innings. If Jackson falters, Winkler could be the next man up. Jackson - 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18; Venters - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Winkler - 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

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

CATCHER

Aramis Garcia/Stephen Vogt, Giants - Garcia and Vogt will split catching duties while Buster Posey is on the 7-day IL due to a concussion. Posey is expected to only miss the minimum. Vogt, the lefty of the duo, is likely the main beneficiary while Posey is out with Garcia occupying the short side of a platoon behind the dish. In addition, Erik Kratz returned Saturday from his hamstring injury, so he too is in catching mix while Posey is out. Garcia - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2; Vogt - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Injury activations/updates

Alex Avila, Diamondbacks – Avila, out since April 6 with a strained left quadriceps, played in an extended spring training game consecutive days and was activated Saturday. He was immediately inserted in the starting lineup against the Braves. With Avila now activated, look for him to resume his role as part of a timeshare behind the plate with Carson Kelly and possibly John Ryan Murphy. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same as prior)

Victor Caratini, Cubs – Caratini, sidelined since undergoing surgery to repair his fractured hand in mid-April, began a minor-league rehab assignment with Low-A South Bend on Monday. Prior to being injured, Caratini was red-hot at the plate. Once he returns, look for Chicago to find ways to get his bat in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 

FIRST BASE

Wilmer Flores, Diamondbacks – Flores signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract with the Diamondbacks in January 2019,  including a $6 million team option for 2020. A poor start to the year landed Flores on the bench, but he has recently gotten hot at the plate. Prior to that, Flores was hitting .203 with just two RBIs over the first 22 games. Since then, Flores is slashing .410/.452/.641 with a pair of home runs and 12 runs driven in, earning additional playing time at first and second base. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Dominic Smith Mets – Smith, sent down to the minors May 3, was called back up Thursday to replace Steven Matz (forearm) on the active roster. New York could have promoted him earlier in the week, but wasted that opportunity waiting to see if Matz would be able to start Tuesday, which was proven not to be the case. Smith, who in 29 plate appearances for the Mets owns a .333/.459/.400 triple slash with a 6:7 BB:K in 37 plate appearances, will provide the Mets with an extra bench bat. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 

Injury activations/updates

Garrett Cooper, Marlins: Cooper, out since late March with a calf issue, was activated Tuesday, March 30. Unfortunately, it didn't take long for Cooper to be hurt again, as he was hit in the left hand by a pitch that day and sent back on the injured list that Saturday. Cooper began a minor-league rehab assignment with High-A Jupiter on Wednesday and was activated Saturday, starting in right field. He should see consistent time at first base or right field. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

SECOND BASE

Derek Dietrich, Reds – Dietrich has been in the Cincy lineup consistently recently, starting nine of the Reds' last 11 games, spending time at first base, second base, left field and designated hitter. In that stretch, Diterich has gone 9-for-29 with five home runs and 11 runs driven in. With Dietrich hot at the plate and Jose Peraza slumping, it wouldn't be a surprise to Dietrich step in as the primary second baseman. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team NL: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Howie Kendrick, Nationals – Kendrick, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he is seeing most of the playing time at first base for Washington. Matt Adams jammed his shoulder last Saturday, landing on the IL, while Ryan Zimmerman is already out with plantar fasciitis. In addition, Kendrick is also filling in for Trea Turner (finger). Washington will avoid overworking Kendrick, giving him plenty of rest, allowing some starts at first base for Adrian Sanchez . He won't hit for much power but should post a solid slash line due to his strong batting average and doubles power. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Scott Kingery, Phillies – Kingery struggled this spring, but turned it on once the season started. Prior to straining his hamstring April 19, Kingery was slashing .406/.457/.719 with two homers, six RBIs, five runs and a stolen base in 14 games this season. He should see time at second, third and shortstop once activated off the injured list. If he stays hot and Maikel Franco hits as he did the first 63 games last season and not the rest of the way, Kingery could see more playing time at the hot corner. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

Ryan McMahon, Rockies – Roll with McMahon at home and sit him on the road. He benefits greatly from the Coors Field effect, slashing .308/.400/.538 at home. Last year he was .309/.383/.521. However, on the road, he is hitting .182/.220/.287 after posting a .149/.221/.218 line last season. For those in weekly leagues, check the Colorado schedule closely before deploying McMahon. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Donovan Solano, Giants – Solano was promoted Tuesday after slashing .322/.392/.437 over 97 plate appearances with Triple-A Sacramento. He is filling the role Yangervis Solarte occupied prior to his release, starting against southpaws and making most of those appearances at second base. Solano showed little to no power or speed throughout his career, giving him minimum fantasy value. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Injury activations/updates

Jed Lowrie, Mets: Lowrie, sidelined with a left knee capsule sprain since spring training, was not activated from the 10-day injured list Friday, as he determined that he needed additional at bats in the minors. He completed a rehab assignment, playing five games at High-A St. Lucie and Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday. Oft injured throughout his 11-year career, Lowrie played 153 and 157 games the last two seasons. Signed to a two-year deal by the Mets, Lowrie, should join the Mets in mid-May. 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 (same as prior)

THIRD BASE

Austin Riley, Braves – Riley, blocked at third base by Josh Donaldson, will receive a couple starts per week in the outfield at Triple-A Gwinnett. The increased versatility will help the 22-year-old reach the majors should the Braves run into injury issues. Riley is batting .308/.378/.677 with 13 home runs while also increasing his walk rate and cutting his strikeout rate. His improved performance and upside potential could force the Braves into promoting him sooner rather than later. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team NL: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early spec bid)

Injury activations/updates

Jake Lamb, Diamondbacks - The trade of Paul Goldschmidt to St. Louis opened up first base, which is where Lamb was to play this season, ceding the hot corner to Eduardo Escobar. But Lamb was placed on the injured list April 5 with a Grade 2 strain of his left quad muscle, resulting in Christian Walker grabbing hold of the first base job. After a hot start, Walker has slumped while Wilmer Flores has gotten hot after a poor start. Manager Torey Lovullo said Lamb was to be the everyday first baseman, starting against both right-handers and left-handers; but it's unclear if he will get the chance to reclaim the job once he returns, which likely will be in the next week or two after finishing a rehab assignment. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

SHORTSTOP

Kevin Newman, Pirates – Newman, out three weeks with a lacerated finger, has been hot since coming off the injured list, and with Cole Tucker struggling at the plate and possibly about to get sent down for more seasoning, he might be installed at the Bucs' starting shortstop. He seemed set to break camp as the starter but lost the job to Erik Gonzalez. Newman 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. However, he drew starts in center field and left field during his rehab stint, adding to his potential versatility. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Addison Russell, Cubs – Russell, who was optioned  to Triple-A Iowa on May 2 after finishing the 40-game suspension he received last fall, was called up Wednesday. Russell's numbers have plummeted at the plate the last two seasons, largely due to his struggles against righties. With Javier Baez locking down the everyday shortstop role, Russell may be forced to split time at second base with Daniel Descalso (ankle), Ben Zobrist (personal) and David Bote. Russell will also be used to spell Baez at shortstop in additional to his playing time at second as Bote is largely being used at third base. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team NL: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Chris Taylor, Dodgers – A.J. Pollock's injury created a hole in the lineup, which partly has been filled by Taylor. He lost his starting role to Enrique Hernandez out of spring training and had done little with the playing time he received. But Taylor has woken up at the plate lately while qualifying at shortstop and in the outfield. In addition, he is one game shy of 10 at second base, which will give him additional usage eligibility.  12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

OUTFIELD

Aaron Altherr, Giants - The Giants claimed Altherr off waivers on Saturday after the Phillies designated him for assignment. After seemingly breaking out with a .272/.340/.516 line in 2017, Altherr hit a miserable .165/.273/.306 the last two seasons. Altherr will fill a bench role for San Francisco, likely seeing time at all three outfield spots. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3 

Tyler Austin, Giants - Austin is on the short side of the platoon at first base and left field, seeing his action against left-handed starters. He blasted a pair of home runs Thursday, his first of the season. Austin hit 17 long balls last season, so power is not a question, but strikeouts are still a major concern, as he has 17 in 46 plate appearances. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7 

Ian Desmond, Rockies - Desmond got off to a brutal start to the season, relegating him to spot duty resulting in David Dahl seeing more action in center field and Raimel Tapia in right. Dahl has sat against lefties recently, affording Desmond additional bats and he has made the most of that opportunity. He recently raised his batting average above .200 for the first time since Opening Day while three of his four home runs have come in his last 10 games. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Gerardo Parra, Nationals - Parra, who was designated for assignment by the Giants after struggling last Friday, officially signed with the Nationals on Thursday. He provides Washington a left-handed bat off the bench and outfielder who can play all three positions, aiding a team missing several players. Parra, a two-time Gold Glove winner in 2011 and 2013, should help improve the Nationals' outfield defense when he gets into the lineup, which likely will be against right-handers. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Harold Ramirez, Marlins - Ramirez, who bounced from Pittsburgh to Toronto to Miami, was called up and started in right field for the Marlins on Saturday. He hit a blistering .355/.408/.591 with four home and 14 runs batted in over 31 games for Triple-A New Orleans to earn the promotion. Miami has been searching for offense and few spots are set in stone, so Ramirez could remain a starter if he gets off to a strong start at the plate. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Raimel Tapia, Rockies: Tapia, called up when David Dahl's slightly strained oblique landed him on the 10-day IL several weeks ago, has parlayed that playing opportunity into remaining with the parent club. Despite the return of Dahl, Tapia has seen most of his starts in left with Dahl shifting to center in place of the slumping Ian Desmond, though Desmond has woken up lately. Manager Bud Black is starting Tapia against righties, sitting him versus lefties. Prior to this season, Tapia had failed to take advantage of his chances, posting a career  line of .268/.310/.397 in 239 at-bats. But roll with him now that he is hot. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 

Mac Williamson, Giants - Williamson, who tweaked his swing after the 2017 season, mashed after getting called up last season but was sidelined five games after his promotion with a concussion. He was slow to recover and then struggled in the majors and minors after returning to action. Williamson was tearing up the PCL prior to his promotion Tuesday, batting .378/.459/.756 with nine homers in 23 games for Triple-A Sacramento. He should get a long leash in left field for the Giants and got off to a hot start with a home run and four runs batted in his first start. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (power potential)

Injury activations/updates

Lonnie Chisenhall, Pirates: Chisenhall took part in lateral cone drills Friday and is expected to run the bases this weekend. He missed most of 2018 with a lingering calf issue and then signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal with Pittsburgh last November. At that time, Chisenhall was expected to see a healthy amount of action due to Gregory Polanco's September shoulder surgery. A broken right index finger suffered late in the spring was to sideline Chisenhall 4-6 weeks. He kicked off a rehab stint at Triple-A Indianapolis but was then sidelined with calf tightness. With Polanco and Starling Marte (abdomen) active, even though Chisenhall may end up beating Corey Dickerson (shoulder) to the majors, his playing time may be minimum.  12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5