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 

Dario Agrazal, Pirates: Agrazal was called up Saturday to start in place of Trevor Williams, who was placed on the paternity list. He allowed two runs on five hits and a pair of walks while striking out one in six innings to earn the win. Agrazal hasn't yielded more than two earned runs in any of his three starts and is 2-0 with a 2.81 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and seven strikeouts over 16 innings. He could remain in the rotation with Steven Brault leaving Friday's start with a left shoulder strain, which landed him on the IL on Saturday. With Jameson Taillon still sidelined, Pittsburgh is light in rotation options, making Agrazal the likely option to slide in as a starter. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Drew Pomeranz, Giants: Pomeranz has endured a very uneven season and doesn't usually throw more than five innings in a start, but he has mostly turned around his year of late. High pitch counts have been a recurring theme, as he has pitched five or fewer innings in all but one of his 15 starts this season. But prior to Friday's start, Pomeranz had pitched well over his last five contests with a 3.33 ERA and 12.6 K/9, allowing two runs or fewer in four of those outings. And on Friday, he allowed four runs on six hits and four walks while striking out three over four innings. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (on the hopes he has found his 2014-17 form)

Anibal Sanchez, Nationals: Sanchez got off to a horrific start, but has recently righted the ship. Since beginning the season 0-6 with a 5.27 ERA, Sanchez has won five consecutive decisions. He's gone six innings in each of his last five starts, posting a 3.00 ERA during that stretch. Sanchez resurrected his career last season with Atlanta, paving the way for the righty to sign a two-year, $19 million contract with the Nationals in December of 2018 - including a $12 million team option with a $2 million buyout for 2021.12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Owned 

Injury activations/updates 

Gio Gonzalez, Brewers: Gonzalez, sidelined since his May 27 start with a dead arm, took a step forward with an aggressive bullpen session Wednesday. He will throw another round this weekend and begin minor-league rehab assignment during the All-Star break. Due to the length of time Gonzalez has been out, he is expected to require more than one rehab start before returning to the big leagues. When that does occur, he could replace Jhoulys Chacin, Chase Anderson or Adrian Houser in the Milwaukee rotation. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid)

Dinelson Lamet, Padres: Lamet, recovering from April 2018 Tommy John surgery, completed his 30-day rehab assignment and was activated from the 60-day injured list to start Thursday against the Dodgers. He allowed 16 runs in 24 innings between rehab starts at High-A Lake Elsinore and Triple-A El Paso, notching 33 strikeouts while consistently flashed a sharp slider and upper-90s fastball that occasionally touched 100 miles per hour. 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 getting injured. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (upped return bid)

Pablo Lopez, Marlins: Lopez, out since May 19 with a posterior shoulder strain, began his throwing program Monday. He landed on the injured list with Caleb Smith and Jose Urena, which forced Miami to use several rookies in their rotation. Prior to that, Lopez was 3-1 with a 2.13 ERA this season at Marlins Park but went 2-4 with a 6.82 ERA on the road. It all balanced out to a 5-5 record, 4.23 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 73 strikeouts in 76.2 innings. Lopez is likely several weeks away from returning and there is no guarantee he slides back into the rotation once activated, though he should at a minimum see a handful of starts when he returns. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Alex Wood, Reds: Wood's return from back spasms that has sidelined him since Mar. 28 has been incredibly slow as a result of several setbacks. But he finally kicked off a rehab stint at Triple-A Louisville on Saturday. Wood is probably about a month away from rejoining the Reds, at which point he should slide into the starting rotation, though it's possible he works out of the bullpen based on the time he missed. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (early spec return bid, to be upped as he gets closer and if he is to start)

RELIEF PITCHER

Andrew Chafin/Yoshihisa Hirano/Yoan Lopez, Diamondbacks – Manager Torey Lovullo gave the dreaded vote of confidence to the struggling Greg Holland on Friday. Lovullo believes Holland is good at putting poor performances behind him, so he's not going to move away from the veteran after back-to-back blown saves. As Keith Law pointed out on Twitter on Friday, Holland has walked 45 in 74 innings since 2018, which puts him at risk for further blow-ups down the road. Chacin managed 17 holds in 2017 and 2018 and has already notched 13 holds this season as one of Holland's main set-up man.  His 11 walks in 29.2 innings is mildly concerning, though he has issued just one base-on-balls over the last month. Hirano closed in Japan, but served in a set-up capacity last season - his first in the US - posting 32 holds. He got off to a poor start this year, but has righted the ship the past month by posting a solid ERA. Lopez has had the best season of the three and did close for Double-A Jackson last year with 12 saves. If speculating on saves and willing to take a flyer, go for Lopez as he may be the cheapest to acquire due to the lack of name recognition. Archie Bradley, who has struggled this year, remains a dark-horse candidate. The team hopes the video review, which revealed that his arm slot had crept up, has fixed his season-long issue. Following that review, Bradley has thrown three scoreless innings. Chacin - 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Hirano - 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Lopez - 12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Fernando Rodney, Nationals – Rodney notched his second save as a member of the Nationals on Thursday. Sean Doolittle is still entrenched as Washington's closer, but Rodney looks to be firmly next-in-line when the incumbent needs a day off due to workload. Rodney has found new life in the Nation's Capital, as he's turned in five straight scoreless appearances with two saves, a hold and four strikeouts since joining the Nationals at the end of June. He struggled with a 9.42 ERA and 2.23 WHIP in 17 appearances with the A's before being released, a year after notching 25 saves in Minnesota. 12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (will notch some saves)

Injury activations/updates 

Jeurys Familia, Mets: Familia, sidelined since Jun. 18 due to a Bennett lesion in his right shoulder - the second time he missed time due to the injury - was activated Tuesday. It's been a year to forget for Familia, who signed a three-year, $30 million deal to return to the Mets this offseason, posting a 7.81 ERA with a 28:21 K:BB over 27.2 innings as of when he returned to action. If he pitches well - as on Wednesday when he tossed a scoreless ninth inning with a pair of strikeouts against the Yankees - he could regain his role as Edwin Diaz's setup man a spot currently filled by Seth Lugo and provide value in leagues that count holds. Although Familia didn't inspire much confidence with his performance Friday, allowing a pair of runs. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

CATCHER

Victor Caratini, Cubs: Caratini only sees minimal action backing up Willson Contreras, but his production rivals that of some starters. In just 84 at-bats, he's slashing .298/.372/.524 with 11 extra-base hits, 16 RBI and 14 runs scored. Caratini could see some action at DH when Chicago plays in AL parks, but his overall output makes him worth a look in deeper mixed leagues as well as in NL-only leagues that use two catchers. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: Owned

FIRST BASE

Brandon Belt, Giants: Belt is hitting only .239 on the year but has been hot lately. He reached base 14 times over an eight-game span through Friday, filling the role of a surprising table-setter for the Giants. San Francisco's offense has heated up of late, so manager Bruce Bochy should continue to roll Belt out either first against righties or second against lefties in the order - as long as this configuration continues to produce. This alignment may limit Belt's RBI opportunities, but possibly result in more runs scored. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

Kevin Cron, Diamondbacks: Cron was promoted Wednesday with Taylor Clarke (back) landing on the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move. The Diamondbacks' situation at first base is more crowded than ever with Jake Lamb now healthy, so Cron may be stuck as a pinch hitter during his time in Arizona. In 52 plate appearances for the team earlier in the season, he hit just .213 but managed four homers. Look for him to be used as a pinch-hitter during this stint and is likely first-in-line to be sent down when Arizona needs a pitcher. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5 

Rangel Ravelo, Cardinals: Ravelo, who had a cup of coffee in the majors in mid-June, was called back up Friday. He earned this promotion by replacing Lane Thomas and posted a.323/.402/.512 line with nine home runs and 42 runs batted in over 71 contests for Triple-A Memphis. Ravelo could see the occasional start at first base and in left field, but is likely to also be used as a pinch-hitter in this stint. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5

Injury activations/updates

Wilmer Flores, Diamondbacks: Flores, who fractured his right foot and hasn't played since May 19, finally resumed full baseball activities. He signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract with the Diamondbacks in January of 2019 with the deal including a $6 million team option and $500,000 buyout for 2020. A poor start to the year landed Flores on the bench, but he had gotten hot at the plate just before getting sidelined after getting hit by a pitch. Flores is close to beginning a rehab assignment and will likely have to fill an utility role when he returns due to the crowded situations at the two corner spots and at second base. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid) 

SECOND BASE

Tommy Edman/Yairo Munoz, Cardinals: Edman gets another mention after being profiled last week, as he and Munoz will fill in at third base for St. Louis while Matt Carpenter (back) is on the injured list. Carpenter could be back after the All-Star break, so Edman's and Munoz's shelf life might have mostly expired  by the time you read this. Edman, a switch hitter, has done most of his damage against right-handed pitching so far, while Munoz is batting .278/.368/.444 for his career against lefties but has been very balanced this season. Once Carpenter returns to action, Edman and Munoz will return to their utility roles, though Edman could start to take time away from Kolten Wong at second base. Edman - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Munoz - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Robel Garcia, Cubs: Garcia was promoted from Triple-A Iowa by the Cubs to provide Chicago infield depth. Following five seasons in Italy, he has slashed 285/.364/.594 in 72 games between the two levels to go along with 14 doubles, 21 home runs and 58 RBI. The versatile Garcia has seen action at first, second, third, shortstop and left field, with most of his playing time coming at second and third base. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Domingo Leyba, Diamondbacks: Leyba, promoted two weeks ago replace Kevin Cron on the D-Backs 25-man roster, was called up Friday with David Peralta landing on the IL. Despite big numbers at Triple-A Reno, Leyba projects as a future utility infielder and appears to be in line to fill that role during his time with Arizona. Acquired in 2014 as part of a three-team deal that also netted Robbie Ray, Leyba will see spot duty again as he did during his first brief stint in the majors. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Donovan Solano, Giants: Solano has recently acted as the Giants' leadoff man and is starting at second base and shortstop when the team opposes left-handed pitching, though he did start Wednesday against a righty in place of Brandon Crawford. He's slashing a surprising .300/.329/.388 through 30 games since joining San Francisco, but his .343 BABIP – his highest mark since his rookie campaign in 2012 with the Marlins - suggests a cool-down could happen at any time. Temper your expectations moving forward, but Solano still possesses value in NL-only formats. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7

Josh VanMeter, Reds: VanMeter was promoted earlier this season after raking in the minors. He was unable to carry forward that success to the majors by going .220/.347/.268 across 49 plate appearances over 28 games with the parent club. Since moving back to Triple-A on Jun. 19, he resumed raking by batting .393 with nine extra-base hits in 16 contests to earn a callup Thursday. The 24-year-old will fill a bench role once again for the Reds and isn't expected to make more than the occasional spot start or pinch-hitting appearance. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

THIRD BASE

Evan Longoria, Giants: Longoria is not ready to cede additional playing time at third base to Pablo Sandoval. After struggling mightily, Longoria has flipped the switch recently by dominating at the plate against the Padres by going 7-for-13 with a whopping four homers and nine RBI over the three-game set. His overall slash line remains mediocre (.238/.314/.430), but he has been playing better over his last 21 contests (.268/.342/.507 through Friday's games) - although all four of his home runs and nine of his 13 RBI over that stretch came in those three appearances versus San Diego. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Owned

SHORTSTOP

Mauricio Dubon, Brewers: Dubon was called up from Triple-A San Antonio on Sunday. That promotion came after Orlando Arcia was carted off the field Saturday with a left shoulder injury after colliding with Keston Hiura. The 24-year-old has managed a .306/.343/.487 slash line with 14 homers in 82 games at San Antonio this season, building off his success from 2018 when he posted a .922 OPS over 27 games before tearing his ACL. Dubon figures to see starting chances at shortstop as one of the organization's top prospects. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (go higher if believe Arcia will be sidelined long-term)

Luis Guillorme, Mets: The Mets promoted Guillorme from Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday as part of a flurry of moves. He provides the team infield depth, as he can fill in at second, third and short. Guillorme is best known for his defense, but slashed .313/.418/.434 with four home runs and 23 runs batted in over 56 games at Triple-A this season. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Miguel Rojas, Marlins: Rojas continues to rake at the plate, notching eight multi-hit performances in his last 15 games through Friday and slashing .377/.426/.525 over that stretch - albeit with minimal production of one home run, one steal, seven RBI and eight runs. That home run - his first of the season - came Thursday after slugging a career-high 11 in 2018. Rojas already has registered a career-best 20 doubles to go along with a .293 batting average, so some of those two-baggers could start flying over the fence in the second half as the temperature increases. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

OUTFIELD

Alex Dickerson, Giants: Dickerson, profiled when he was promoted when Steven Duggar (back) landed on the injured list, has made the most of his playing time since his call up by smacking four homers and 14 RBI in 14 games with the Giants after batting just .158 over 12 games with the Padres earlier in the year. He is platooning in left field, but as a left-handed hitter is seeing action against right-handed starters and sits on the strong side of the time share. Dickerson missed all of 2017 with back issues and '18 after undergoing Tommy John surgery before playing for the Padres in May. He then landed on the injured list and was designated for assignment before joining the Giants. Dickerson should continue to see consistent playing time in left field with Kevin Pillar in center and Mike Yastrzemski in right. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (upped bid from prior)

Ben Gamel, Brewets: Gamel usually starts 2-3 games a week for Milwaukee. But with Ryan Braun dealing with a right knee soreness, he has seen an uptick in plating time. If Braun is sidelined for any length of time, Gamel will split time with Tyler Saladino in left field. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7 

Tim Locastro, Diamondbacks: Locastro, who filled in nicely for David Peralta when he was injured earlier in the season, could see additional playing time with Peralta landing the injured list Friday for the second time with inflammation in the AC joint of his right shoulder. Peralta may be back shortly after the All-Star break, but look for Locastro to see some time in left field with Jarrod Dyson in the interim - but Dyson's left-handed bat means he should see the bulk of the at-bats. Ketel Marte will play center field almost exclusively while Eduardo Escobar could see time at second base and Jake Lamb could play some third until Peralta returns. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Kevin Pillar, Giants: Pillar, profiled two weeks ago, continues to rake at the plate. Since May 30, he's slashed .299/.326/.535 with six home runs, 23 runs driven in and 23 runs scored through Friday. Pillar has impressed with 12 home runs and 47 RBI on the year, putting him on pace to easily shatter his previous career highs of 16 and 46, respectively. His BA and OBA still leave a lot to be desired due to a 48:10 K:BB ratio, so expect solid counting stats offset by those weak averages. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: Owned 

Austin Slater, Giants: Slater was promoted last Sunday after posting a .308/.436/.529 slash line with 12 home runs - including a .221 ISO - and 45 RBI in 70 games and 296 plate appearances at Triple-A Reno. He previously saw most of his action with the Giants as an outfielder and first baseman, but he'll now be available as an option at second and third base after logging six and nine starts at those positions in the minors this season. One note of caution is that much of his success this year in the minors - .339/.506/.581- came against left-handers, which could limit his playing time. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Injury activations/updates

Ender Inciarte, Braves: Inciarte, out since May 15 with a lower-back strain, began a rehabilitation assignment with High-A Florida on Monday. He 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 after promoted, 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) 

Travis Jankowski, Padres: Jankowski, out after breaking his wrist in early March, began a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday. Given his lengthy absence, it's likely he will require the full 20 days allowed for rehabbing position players. When Jankowski is ready to return, he could settle in as the Padres' fourth outfielder, seeing time at all three outfield positions while providing speed to the lineup as a result of stealing at least 24 bases two of the last three seasons. His activation could result in Josh Naylor getting sent back to the minors. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early return bid based on stolen base potential)

A.J. Pollock, Dodgers: Pollock underwent surgery May 2 to have the growth plate and screws removed from his right elbow, and then suffered an infection that extended his absence. Now fully healthy, he joined High-A Rancho Cucamonga to start a rehab assignment Thursday, which will run through the All-Star break of Jul. 8-11. Pollock will likely need 40 to 50 at-bats in rehab games before being reinstated, as he is expected to join the Dodgers for their series in Boston immediately following the All-Star break. At that point, he should regain his role as the team's starting center fielder, though he may not play daily. Alex Verdugo has filled in nicely for Pollock and he may see some time in left field with Joc Pederson possibly playing first base, but several timeshares may ensue. 12-team Mixed: $22; 15-team Mixed: $33; 12-team NL: $44 (early spec return bid, to be upped slightly next week)