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

Adbert Alzolay, Cubs: Alzolay, working as the sixth man in the Cubs' rotation, could remain in the starting staff due to Cole Hamels' oblique injury. Kyle Hendricks (shoulder) is working his way back, but there is no clear timeframe for his return as well. The 24-year-old made his first start this past week against the Braves, going 4.1 innings. He has pitched well in his limited time in the majors, posting a 2.08 ERA and 0.92 WHIP with nine strikeouts in his first 8.2 innings - but also six walks. In 32 innings with Triple-A Iowa this season, Alzolay owned a 3.09 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 46:6 K:BB. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (upped bid from prior)

Shaun Anderson, Giants: Anderson has only endured one really poor start in his nine outings since he was promoted from the minors. In his six starts in June, the rookie righthander has posted a 3.47 ERA in 36.1 innings. Anderson's 29:16 K:BB in 51.1 innings is nothing stellar, but he relies on weak contact and his ability to generate groundballs to retire hitters, masking his poor K rate to a certain extent. With San Francisco already looking toward the future, Anderson should remain in the team's rotation the remainder of the season. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Chi Chi Gonzalez, Rockies: Gonzalez underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2017 and was able to pitch in the low-level minors in September. He posted a 5.66 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 69:33 K:BB in 76.1 innings over 14 starts with Triple-A Albuquerque this season, earning the call up to start Tuesday for the Rockies. Once a top prospect for the Rangers, Gonzalez saw his stock fall even before the injury as a result of poor strikeout and walk rates. He tossed five innings against the Giants, giving up three runs on six hits and four walks while striking out four but earned a second start Sunday. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

Adrian Houser, Brewers: Houser was moved into the Milwaukee rotation this past week, replacing Chase Anderson. After allowing five runs in four innings in his season debut, he posted a 0.98 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 33:11 K:BB over 27.2 innings and earned the starting role. Houser was charged with the loss Wednesday after a two-inning start against the Mariners that included three runs on four hits and three walks with four strikeouts, but he will remain in the rotation by starting Monday against the Reds. Another poor outing could result in Houser shifting back to the bullpen. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Bryse Wilson, Braves: Wilson, starting in Mike Foltynewicz's spot in the rotation, gave up six runs - including four earned - in 4.1 innings and did not factor into the decision against the Cubs on Thursday while giving up six hits and one walk while striking out six. He earned this second start in the majors by posting a 3.79 ERA, 12.4 WHIP and 79:16 K:BB across 78.1 innings at Triple-A Gwinnett. Atlanta is in the throes of a pennant race and with several other young arms in either the big-league bullpen or Triple-A pitching staff - including Touki Toussaint - Wilson may not get many more kicks at the can this season. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Alex Young, Diamondbacks: Young notched the win in his major-league debut Thursday, holding the Giants to one run on three hits and a walk while striking out five over five innings. He was promoted to replace Like Weaver (forearm) despite struggling to a 6.09 ERA in 20 appearances with Reno, posting a 2-3 record with a 5.79 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 32.2 innings. Young, a second-round pick in 2015, could remain in the Arizona rotation while Weaver is sidelined. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Injury activations/updates

Dinelson Lamet, Padres: Lamet, recovering from April 2018 Tommy John surgery, continued his minor-league rehab at Triple-A El Paso and posted arguably his best outing by allowing a run on two hits and one walk while striking out eight over five innings last Saturday. He made what might have been his final start Friday, as his 30-day rehab window is nearly up and should have a good shot to make an appearance in San Diego before the All-Star break - although it's possible the Padres option him down to the minors. Lamet posted a 4.57 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 139:54 K:BB through 114.3 innings as a rookie, raising hopes in San Diego that they had a potential ace before he suffered the injury. He threw his fastball and slider over 95 percent of the time combined as a rookie, which is why he was working on a curveball to go along with a subpar changeup before he was injured. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (same spec return bid)

RELIEF PITCHER

Austin Brice, Marlins – Brice has been brilliant in June, posting a 0.82 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and 9:4 K:BB in 11 innings in June with a win and two holds. His career history shows this performance is an aberration, but roll with Brice while he is hot. Sergio Romo is still entrenched as Miami's closer, but Brice should continue to work in high-leveraged situations while he pitches well. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Craig Kimbrel, Cubs – Kimbrel, who signed with the Cubs on Jun. 5, joined the team and notched a save Thursday. Manager Joe Maddon may decide to avoid using him back-to-back days out of the gate, but Kimbrel remains Chicago's main closer. He was added to this week's column, as he may have been ineligible to be claimed until he joined a team if he wasn't drafted in an NL-only league. 12 team Mixed: Owned, 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: $65

Carlos Martinez, Cardinals: Martinez - and not John Gant - as originally announced, has stepped in as the Cardinals' primary closer with Jordan Hicks lost for the season due to Tommy John surgery. Last season, C-Mart went 5-for-5 in saves in September, which played a part in St. Louis deciding on him rather than Gant, who has excelled out of the bullpen this year. President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak noted the possibility of Martinez returning to a starting role in 2020, so it's possible he sees two-innings stints out of the bullpen to get partially stretched out, which might impact him working on back-to-back days. But Martinez could run with the role the rest of the season. 12-team Mixed: $35, 15-team Mixed: $45; 12-team NL: Owned 

Reyes Moronta, Giants: Moronta struggled the first seven weeks of the season, but has mainly righted the ship the past month-plus. Since May 23, he has yet to be scored on but has only managed a 6:6 K:BB in 10.1 innings. Last season, Moronta finished with a 2.49 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 79:37 K:BB in 65 innings, but his 3.28 FIP and 6.6% HR/FB indicate concerns behind the base numbers. If/when Will Smith is dealt, Moronta could factor in the closer mix but is more likely to remain in middle-to-late relief. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Scott Oberg, Rockies: The Rockies are thinking of replacing Wade Davis as closer, with Oberg potentially the leading candidate. Oberg closed when Davis was sidelined with an oblique injury, notching three saves. He has posted a 1.99 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP and a 44:16 K:BB over 40.2 innings as Colorado's most effective reliever this season and is likely next-in-line if manager Bud Black does decide to make a change - although Davis did notch the save Saturday. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (if change is made)

Anthony Swarzak, Braves: Luke Jackson is still holding down the Atlanta closer spot, but Swarzak may be ready to take over and is at least in the mix with A.J. Minter if Jackson is replaced. After posting a 5.27 ERA and 1.61 WHIP In Seattle, Swarzak has been brilliant as a Brave by posting a 0.54 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 20:6 K:BB through 16.2 innings since moving to the NL. Swarzak has notched one save to go along with his nine holds, providing value to Atlanta after he struggled the past two seasons. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

CATCHER 

Curt Casali/Kyle Farmer, Reds: Casali was profiled last week, but gets another mention as he should be in line for an increase in playing time with Tucker Barnhart landing on the injured list. Farmer, who came up as a catcher, has seen most of his action at other positions and has only caught four big league games during his career - all of which came with the Dodgers. Casali was already in a time-share with Barnhart and now gets the benefit of additional playing time with Barnhart sidelined. Casali - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (upped bid from prior); Farmer - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Will Smith, Dodgers: Smith made the most of his one at-bat in this call up, blasting a walk-off home run Sunday. He was optioned down Wednesday to make room for Tony Gonsolin to enable Smith to see consistent playing time with Austin Barnes and Russell Martin both healthy. Smith has shown he is ready for the majors, but may need an injury to ether Barnes or Martin for him to get that chance. He is included in this week's column in case you can grab and stash him. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (up in keeper leagues)

FIRST BASE

Edwin Rios, Dodgers: Rios was promoted and made his major-league debut this week. He got off to a slow start to the season at the dish in the Pacific Coast League, but hit fairly consistently over the course of his minor-league career and has been red-hot of late with a .321 average with eight homers and a 1.066 OPS this month. Rios will see the occasional start, as he did Saturday, but likely will be used mainly as a pinch-hitter for the Dodgers. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5

Dominic Smith, Mets: Smith, starting in left field again, blasted his fourth home run in six games Saturday. He is buried behind Pete Alonso at first base, but has seen semi-consistent playing time in the outfield with Brandon Nimmo sidelined. Smith still struggles defensively, but his .328/.418/.590 slash line has earned him additional playing time primarily against right-handed pitchers. New York will continue to look for chances to get the bat of the former first-round pick into the lineup as much as possible. 12 team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18

Injury activations/updates

Neil Walker, Marlins: Walker, out since the end of May with a strained quadriceps, was activated Tuesday. He hit a solid .295/.375/443 in 51 games prior to getting injured but that line came with a modicum of home run power. Garrett Cooper has hit well since coming off the injured list and is a better defensive fit at first base than an outfield corner, which might result in Walker taking on a utility role. Walker can play first, second and third base as well as an outfield corner spot, with that flexibility possibly keeping him in the lineup almost daily. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals: Zimmerman, out of action since the end of April with plantar fasciitis, was activated off the injury list Friday. He played five games of a minor-league rehab assignment at Double-A Harrisburg paving the way for his return. Matt Adams has filled in nicely for Zimmerman, so there is no guarantee that Zimmerman gets his starting job back. But he should at a minimum be part of a platoon at first base, starting against southpaws, replacing Howie Kendrick who was filling that role. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (based on him seeing decent playing time)

SECOND BASE

Tommy Edman, Cardinals: Edman started his third straight game at third base, blasting his second home run of the season Saturday. His playing time has come at the expense of Matt Carpenter, though no reason has been given for the change. Edman hit .305/.356/.513 with seven homers and nine steals with Triple-A Memphis to earn the call up earlier this month in place of the injured Jedd Gyorko (calf/back/wrist). With Gyorko on the injured list for the foreseeable future, Edman should continue to see playing time at a variety of positions. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Keston Hiura, Brewers: The latest #freeHiura hashtag can be retired for the time being, as the Milwaukee second baseman was promoted Friday. He racked up a .281/.333/.531 line across 69 plate appearances in Milwaukee earlier in the campaign, but was sent down to make room for the return of Travis Shaw. Hiura raked again in the minors, finishing with a .329/.407/.681 slash line with 19 home runs and 46 runs batted in prior to this most recent call-up. He should start daily at second base for the Brew Crew. 12-team Mixed: $25; 15-team Mixed: $35; 12-team NL: $45

Injury activations/updates

Scooter Gennett, Reds: Gennett, on the injured list since severely straining his right groin on Mar. 22, joined Triple-A Louisville for rehab games this past Monday and was activated for the Reds game Friday versus the Cubs. He kicked off a rehab assignment last Monday at High-A Daytona and played four games at that level before moving to Louisville. He hit .310 with 23 homers, 92 RBI and 86 runs last season and signed a one-year, $9.78 million contract with the Reds in January of 2019. Cincinnati rotated several players in at second base looking to find a replacement for Gennett, with Derek Dietrich the latest. Now that Gennett is healthy, look for him regain his starting second base job. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33 (upped return bid) 

THIRD BASE

Maikel Franco, Phillies: Franco has struggled this season as a whole, but has turned it around in June. His overall batting sits at .224 through Saturday's games, but he was closing the month with a flourish by going 9-for-21 his last six games - including three home runs in the four-game series against the Mets. He also posted a 6:5 BB:K in June after a 5:14 mark in May. If Franco can maintain a semblance of plate discipline, he should be able to carve out additional playing time at the hot corner and avoid ceding time to Scott Kingery 12-team Mixed: $6; 15-team Mixed: $12; 12-team NL: $18 (power potential)

Pablo Sandoval, Giants: Sandoval has earned additional playing time at the hot corner at the expense of Evan Longoria. Big Panda has been better at the plate this season than Longoria and has done most of his damage against righties, although the latter is superior defensively. Sandoval's .280/.318/.561 slash line through Friday, in line with what he posted in 2013 and 2014, should continue to earn him at-bats. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Injury activations/updates

Jake Lamb, Diamondbacks: Lamb, sidelined with left quad strain, was activated off the injured list Wednesday after completing a 12-game rehab stint at Triple-A Reno. His 2018 season ended on Jul. 26 after he injured his shoulder, which needed surgery to correct. Prior to getting injured, Lamb failed to build or even approach his 2016 and 2017 breakthrough campaigns. 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 Apr. 5 with the Grade 2 strain of his left quad muscle, resulting in Christian Walker grabbing a hold of the first base job. Manager Torey Lovullo will have to find time for Lamb with Christian Walker, Eduardo Escobar and Wilmer Flores when he returns. But Arizona needs help against right-handed pitching, which Lamb could provide now that he is active, though Walker has hit righties better than lefties in 2019. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (same as prior)

SHORTSTOP 

Garrett Hampson, Rockies: Hampson was promoted from Triple-A Albuquerque last Sunday, with Brendan Rodgers landing on the injured list. After starting the season with Colorado, Hampson was sent down in May before making a brief appearance in the majors earlier this month. He slashed just .186/.231/.258 with one home run in 105 plate appearances over his two major-league stints this season, but was slightly better in the minors and warranted the call-up.  With Rodgers (shoulder) and Trevor Story (thumb) out, Hampson is seeing time at shortstop and in center field, though his current stint may last only until Story returns from his injury. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (based on belief he is sent down when Story is ready)

Kevin Newman, Pirates: Newman, who ceded his hold on the shortstop spot after struggling earlier in the season, has been red-hot since returning to the lineup in early May after missing time with an injured finger. He has excelled recently, reeling off a 19-game hitting streak and going 30-for-78 with 10 extra-base hits, 14 RBI and 10 runs. Newman won't wow you with his power, though he did go yard in three straight games this past week and should steal a decent number of bases while posting a solid batting average. Cole Tucker has found his sea legs since being demoted to the minors, so the possibility still exists he will man shortstop once promoted with Newman sliding to the keystone spot. 12-team Mixed: $8, 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: Owned

Tyler Saladino, Brewers: Saladino, called up this past week, will share shortstop duties with Orlando Arcia going forward. Arcia struggled at the plate in June, opening the door for Saladino, who hit .288/.375/.568 with 14 home runs and six steals in 264 plate appearances at Triple-A prior to his promotion. Saladino's track record in the majors is nothing to write home about, but he will get a chance to prove he deserves to remain in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Chris Taylor, Dodgers: Taylor, profiled two weeks ago following the hamstring injury to Corey Seager, has made the most of his opportunity. Through Friday, in the 15 game games since Seager was sidelined, he was batting .429 with three home runs and a 1.124 OPS and LA was 11-4 in those contests. Taylor made a mechanical tweak in starting his approach to the plate a bit earlier, which has made all the difference. He should continue to start almost daily at shortstop, benefitting also from receiving consistent at-bats. If Taylor does regress, he will cede time to Enrique Hernandez at short with Max Muncy shifting over to second base and either Matt Beaty or Edwin Rios starting at first. 12-team Mixed: $9; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: $27 (upped bid from two weeks ago) 

OUTFIELD

Corey Dickerson, Pirates: Dickerson was being showcased for a potential trade, though he could remain in the Steel City a bit longer than expected with Pittsburgh remaining on the fringes of the Wild Card race. Gregory Polanco's shoulder injury may not sideline him as long as first expected, but Dickerson still should see time at both corner outfield spots even when Polanco returns. Coming into Saturday's game, Dickerson was slashing .356/.388/.600 with a home run and 13 runs driven in. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (based on Polanco remaining out a bit longer 

Jose Martinez/Tyler O'Neill, Cardinals: Marcell Ozuna was diagnosed with multiple small fractures on the middle and ring fingers of his right hand Saturday after suffering the injury Friday. His absence opens the door for Martinez and O'Neill to see playing time in left field with Dexter Fowler and Harrison Bader entrenched in center and right. O'Neill recently returned from the injured list and was raking at Triple-A Memphis and will likely will see most of the action in left supported by Martinez, who may see a small uptick in at-bats - and Lane Thomas, who also was just promoted. Martinez - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Owned; O'Neill - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

Bryan Reynolds, Pirates: All Reynolds continues to do is rake at the plate. After posting a 1.181 OPS at Triple-A Indianapolis to open the season, he has notched a .362/.422/.561 line through 58 games in the majors. Reynolds has all but taken over the starting right field job for the Bucs, shifting from left following the return of Corey Dickerson and injury to Gregory Polanco (shoulder). Even when Polanco returns, look for Reynolds to remain in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33

Injury activations/updates

Steven Duggar, Giants: Duggar (back) could begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday. He's been sidelined since Jun. 21, but took dry swings Monday - his first action since hitting the injured list. Prior to being sidelined, Duggar was slashing .234/.277/.343 and it's unclear if he will regain his starting role back when he returns with Alex Dickerson up and manning left field, enabling Kevin Pillar to play center and Mike Yastrzemski in right. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7

Ender Inciarte, Braves: Inciarte, out since May 15 with a lower-back strain, participated in a simulated game Sunday. If his back responds well to the activity, he could be cleared to begin a minor-league rehab assignment this week before returning from the 10-day injured list. Inciarte had served as the Braves' primary center fielder prior to getting shut down, but his slump before the injury coupled with the play of Austin Riley since his promotion means he is likely to transition into a fourth-outfielder role once he's back from the IL. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same as prior)