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 

Jon Duplantier, Diamondbacks – Duplantier was called up to replace Robbie Ray (back) in the Arizona pitching staff and allowed a run in two relief innings on Thursday.  Before this outing, he compiled a 4.32 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 24:9 K:BB across 25 big-league innings on the season. After rising quickly through the ranks, Duplantier struggled in his first exposure to Triple-A Reno by notching a 6.39 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in 31 innings over 10 starts. He may replace Ray in the rotation, but also may end up in the bullpen long-term due to his injury history. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

Tony Gonsolin, Dodgers – Gonsolin was promoted to start Sunday with Dustin May moving to the bullpen. In his first stint in the majors, Gonsolin gave up five runs while posting a 13:1 K:BB across 14 innings, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out seven over six scoreless innings in his last outing before he was demoted. He features a plus mid-90s fastball - and has hit triple-digits in shorter bursts - a high-spin splitter and a swing-and-miss slider. Gonsolin could make several starts until May is placed back in or Rich Hill is ready to return to the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Adrian Houser, Brewers: Forced into the rotation due to the myriad of injuries to Milwaukee's starters, Houser excelled in his first start in two weeks at the end of July, giving up just one run in five innings with three hits and a walk while striking out six. That fine effort provided him a longer leash as a starter, which he has taken advantage of since. Houser struggled in his first outing after that end-of-July appearance but allowed just two runs in 13 innings his last two outings, which should keep him in the rotation as Milwaukee battles for a Wild Card spot. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Mitch Keller, Pirates – Keller, the Pirates' top pitching prospect, struggled in a trio of starts for the Pirates this season by posting a 10.50 ERA, 2.25 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB through 12 innings. Prior to a June call up, he managed a 3.10 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 74:25 K:BB through 58 innings with Triple-A Indianapolis. Keller experienced a more difficult time in the minors after his demotion, posting a 4.14 ERA in eight starts, allowing one run or less in four of those outings and three or more in the other four. He enjoyed his best start in the majors Monday, tossing five innings and giving up an unearned run on five hits and two walks en route to claiming his first win and remaining in the rotation for at least one more turn. Keller has already thrown 120 innings after tossing 138.1 innings, so he may not remain a starter for the balance of the year, while incorporating a slider/cutter into his repertoire that previously consisted of a mid-90s fastball and curveball. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (upped bid from prior)

Dustin May, Dodgers: May, the Dodgers' top pitching prospect, made his third start for LA on Tuesday and tossed 5.2 innings, mirroring his output from each of his first two outings. In those three starts, he had posted a 2.65 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 15:2 K:BB over 17 innings. Despite the solid production, May will shift to a bullpen role - at least briefly - as the Dodgers look to limit his workload down the stretch. He threw 131.2 innings last season and is up to 123.2 innings this year, so LA could try and limit him to 40-50 more this year. With Ross Stripling possibly moving to the bullpen when he returns, May could get a few more turns in the LA rotation after a stint in the bullpen. He compiled a 3.74 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 86:20 K:BB in 79.1 innings over 15 starts for Double-A Tulsa, earning a late June promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City. In five starts at that level, May owned a 2.30 ERA with a 24:9 K:BB. Nicknamed Gingergaard by some, May's mid-90s sinking fastball generates a ton of groundballs and is augmented by a developing curveball and cutter and excellent control. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (same as prior due to short-term bullpen role, up in keeper leagues)

Dereck Rodriguez, Giants – Rodriguez, coming off a brilliant 2018 campaign, opened the season in the Giants' rotation but was sent down after scuffling his first starts and posting a 5.05 ERA. He has bounced up-and-down between the majors and minors, seeing time in relief while also starting for San Francisco. Called up to start Thursday, he may have had the best start of his season by hurling seven scoreless innings and giving up three hits and one walk while striking out four and issuing a single walk. That outing likely earned Rodriguez at least a second start with Shaun Anderson (blister) still on the IL.  12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Logan Webb, Giants – Webb, one of the top pitching prospects in the Giants' system, was suspended for 80 games earlier this year for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. He returned to Double-A Richmond when that ended and posted a 2.18 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 47:12 K:BB in 41.1 innings to earn a promotion to Triple-A Sacramento earlier this month. Webb surrendered just one run over seven innings Monday against Nashville, resulting in the call to the show Saturday. Webb allowed two runs - including one earned - on five hits and a walk while striking out seven over five innings to earn the win versus the Diamondbacks. Because the Giants only play a five-game week, SF may choose to roll with four starters. That would result in a demotion for Webb, though he could unseat Tyler Beede or Dereck Rodriguez to remain in the rotation, especially with Shaun Anderson (blister) still on the IL. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Injury activations/updates

Johnny Cueto, Giants: Cueto is working his way back from August 2018 Tommy John surgery. Prior to undergoing the knife last year, he had posted a 3.23 ERA in 51 innings but his fastball had dropped two MPH and his K rate had also declined, resulting in a 4.65 FIP. He threw two innings and hit 92 MPH in his second rehab appearance with the Giants' rookie-level Arizona League affiliate last Sunday. Cueto made his third rehab start Thursday with High-A San Jose, where he scattered four hits and one run over 2.2 innings. He will make his next rehab appearance for High-A San Jose on Tuesday and possibly make at least one more rehab appearance before possibly rejoining the Giants at the end of August to be eligible for postseason play if San Francisco is still in the playoff hunt. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped early spec return bid)

Rich Hill, Dodgers: Hill, sidelined since Jun. 20 with a strained flexor tendon, played catch from 120 feet Thursday - advancing from 75 feet last week - and is scheduled to throw off a mound next week for the first time since landing on the injured list. He is expected to throw four bullpen sessions, starting before the end of the month, before returning to game action sometime in September as a starter rather than a reliever as first reported. If all goes well, Hill could give those teams that run playoffs and in standard roto league contention a boost. For those with an option roster or IL space, you could do worse than stashing Hill and hoping, seeing his numbers when he is healthy. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same early spec return bid)

Pablo Lopez, Marlins: Lopez, out since May 19 with a posterior shoulder strain, kicked off a rehab stint Jul. 28 with Double-A Jacksonville. He struggled in his three-rehab starts, allowing 12 runs on 13 hits and walking four across just five innings and was pulled from that third start. Lopez made his first rehab start Friday since suffering that setback and allowed one run in 3.1 innings, so he'll require at least one more start before returning to the majors. Hector Noesi replaced the traded Zac Gallen in the Miami rotation and will stick as the Marlins' fifth starter while Lopez is on the comeback trail. Lopez went 3-1 with a 2.13 ERA this year, but struggled with a 2-4 record and 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. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (slightly upped early spec return bid)

Luke Weaver, Diamondbacks – Weaver, removed from his May 26 start with a mild flexor pronator strain and a minor UCL sprain, opted for a conservative treatment rather than undergoing surgery. He started a throwing program in mid-July and progressed to a 20-pitch bullpen session Tuesday. Prior to being sidelined, Weaver - who came over to Arizona in the Paul Goldschmidt trade - posted a 3.03 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 68:14 K:BB across 62.1 innings. It's possible he returns before the end of the season to make a handful of appearances, prompting his inclusion in this week's column as a stash-and-hope candidate. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (speculative stash bid, likely still owned in keeper leagues)

RELIEF PITCHER 

Matt Albers/Alex Claudio, Brewers – Albers notched his third save on Wednesday, all of which have come since Aug. 6. With Josh Hader scuffling, manager Craig Counsell has turned to Albers and has been rewarded by those three saves. Hader still represents the team's primary closer, but Albers - who has recorded a 3.86 ERA and 1.17 WHIP with a 50:21 K:BB and eight holds across 51.1 innings - is also firmly in the late-inning mix. The same can be said of Claudio, who picked the hold in front of Albers' save Wednesday. With zero earned runs allowed in 23 of 26 appearances dating back to Jun. 18, Claudio has Counsell's confidence and has notched all five of his holds during that stretch. He won't close but should provide extra value for leagues that reward holds. Albers - 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Claudio - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Pedro Baez/Joe Kelly, Dodgers: Baez and Kelly, profiled last week, are expected to get occasional save opportunities down the stretch as the Dodgers look to preserve Kenley Jansen with an eye toward the postseason and also due to his recent struggles. Since the start of June, Baez has registered a 3.00 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 25 strikeouts, four wins and zero saves in 27 innings while Kelly has managed a 1.64 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 33 strikeouts, four wins and one save in 22 innings over that same span. If choosing one from the pair, target Kelly as he is more likely to notch saves. Baez - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Kelly - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Jerry Blevins/Mark Melancon, Braves: The back-end of the Braves' bullpen is a nightmare. Shane Greene gained and may have lost the closer's role, same with Luke Jackson. Melancon, after a solid start in Atlanta after coming over from San Francisco at the trade deadline, was named as the closer after Greene faltered but has also struggled. His issues Wednesday resulted in Blevins coming out of the bullpen to retire Michael Conforto to notch the save. Melancon is still the favorite to close games, but as we have seen, Blevins, Greene and Jackson will also be in the mix with Blevins likely used to retire a key lefty. Blevins - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4; Melancon - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

Joel Kuhnel, Reds – Kuhnel was called up Thursday with Jared Hughes placed on waivers and claimed by the Phillies. After compiling a 2.18 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 50:16 K:BB across 53.2 innings between Triple-A Louisville and Double-A Chattanooga, he saved 42 games the last three seasons in the minors. If he gets off to a strong start, he could work his way into a high-leverage role with the Reds by setting up Raisel Iglesias. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Rowan Wick, Cubs – With the Cubs' bullpen dealing with injuries and ineffective performances, Wick pitched a perfect ninth inning to record his first major league save in Chicago's 2-0 victory against the Pirates on Saturday. Craig Kimbrel (knee) should be back Sunday, but the team may opt to use him judiciously down the stretch, which could open the door for Wick to see more save chances. He owns a 2.55 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 20 strikeouts in 17.2 innings across 16 appearances this season. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

CATCHER

Dom Nunez, Rockies: Nunez was promoted this week with Chris Iannetta getting designated for assignment. He slashed .244/.362/.559 slash line with 17 homers and 42 RBI over 61 games this season at Triple-A Albuquerque to earn the call up. Nunez is slotted in as the backup catcher behind Tony Wolters, but will likely see his fair share of action during the final six weeks of the season. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Injury activations/updates

Francisco Cervelli, Pirates: Cervelli, sidelined since May 26 with a concussion, moved his rehab assignment to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday after playing just one game at Double-A Altoona. This concussion – his sixth since 2011 – resulted in some discussion a month ago as to having him stop catching. Cervelli backed away from that stance shortly thereafter, but likely will remain on a rehab stint until the end of the month due to the time he missed. Once activated, he should split time with Elias Diaz behind the plate for the Bucs. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

FIRST BASE

Wilmer Flores, Diamondbacks: Flores fractured his right foot and was out from May 19 to July 18. He signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract with the Diamondbacks in January, 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 heated up at the plate just before getting sidelined after being hit by a pitch. Since returning, Flores hit no home runs until Wednesday, but blasted three in his past four games and went 9-for-12 with five RBI while seeing time at first and second base. For the year, he's recorded a .309/.354/.459 line with five homers, 21 RBI and 20 runs scored across 181 at-bats. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 

Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals: Zimmerman, out of action for all but 33 games with recurring bouts of plantar fasciitis, began a rehab assignment with Double-A Harrisburg on Friday. He has been sidelined since Jul. 22 due to the latest flareup of the condition. Matt Adams - when healthy - has filled in nicely for Zimmerman, so there's no guarantee the latter gets his starting job back. But he should at least be part of a platoon at first base, starting against southpaws, taking time away from Howie Kendrick with Adams playing versus righties. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (based on him seeing decent playing time)

SECOND BASE 

Addison Russell, Cubs – Russell was called up Friday to provide the Cubs additional middle infield depth. After serving the remainder of his domestic abuse suspension, he was sent to the minors but joined Chicago in early May. Russell played in 53 games but lost playing time after a hot stretch, then hit just .226 over 31 at-bats in July to earn a demotion later month. He slashed .333/.413/.647 with four home and 13 runs driven in over 15 games prior to his Friday promotion and should see some time at second base and shortstop for Chicago despite the presence of Tony Kemp, Javier Baez and Ian Happ - who will see time in center field with Albert Almora Jr. optioned to the minors. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5, 12-team NL: $9

Ruben Tejada, Mets – Tejada, who last played for the Mets in Game 2 of the 2015 NLDS against the Dodgers where he suffered a broken leg by Chase Utley's take-out slide, was called up Wednesday to replace the injured Jeff McNeill (hamstring) on the Mets' active roster. He earned the call up by raking for Triple- A Syracuse, slashing .330/.408/.476 across 304 plate appearances. Tejada hasn't appeared in the majors since 2017 when he hit just .230 with a .576 OPS in 41 games for Baltimore, so don't expect much at the plate despite his strong minor-league campaign. He will see time at second base until McNeill returns.  12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $4

Injury activations/updates 

Jed Lowrie, Mets: Lowrie may need to reintroduce himself to his teammates when he is finally activated, as he has missed the entire season with a variety of leg injuries. He finally is on the road to return, facing live batting practice while also taking grounders and doing some running Wednesday. The Mets could use a bat off the bench and another middle infielder with Robinson Cano (calf) likely sidelined for the remainder of the season and Jeff McNeil (hamstring) currently on the 10-day IL. Lowrie may be close to beginning a rehab assignment and could join the Mets at the beginning of September, assuming no setbacks. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (early spec return bid)

Ben Zobrist, Cubs: Zobrist, on MLB's restricted list since May 8 due to his potential divorce, moved his rehab assignment to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday. He kicked off his stint with Low-A South Bend on Aug. 1, moving up the ladder to High-A and then Triple-A. Zobrist will need to be reinstated by Aug. 31 to be eligible for the postseason, which looks like a cinch. Prior to going on the restricted list, he was slashing .241/.343/.253 with one extra-base hit over 99 plate appearances. Last year, the 14-year veteran enjoyed a resurgence by slashing .305/.378/.440 with nine home runs, 58 RBI and 67 runs scored. Chicago acquired Tony Kemp to see time at second base, so Zobrist may resume his utility role upon returning. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $ 7

THIRD BASE

Ty France, Padres: France was called back up from Triple-A El Paso on Friday after impressing with a .399/.477/.770 line while adding 27 home runs, 27 doubles and 89 runs batted and with Fernando Tatis Jr. (back) and Ian Kinsler (neck) landing on the injured list. In his prior stint with the Friars, he played exclusively at the hot corner; he'll be used at second base while Luis Urias fills in at shortstop for Tatis, who is likely out for the season. France had played 15 games at the keystone with El Paso this season, paving the way for this experiment. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Josh Rojas, Diamondbacks: Rojas was traded at the deadline from the Astros to the Diamondbacks along with Corbin Martin, J.B. Bukauskas and Seth Beer for Zack Greinke. He slashed .315/.403/.575 with 20 home runs and 32 steals between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Round Rock in Houston's organization before the trade. With Arizona, Rojas batted .514/.575/.943 with three home runs and 14 RBI over eight games at Triple-A Reno to earn the call up this week. He plays multiple positions in the infield and outfield, bouncing around left field, right field, third base and shortstop. Rojas is seeing most of his action in right field, taking time away from Adam Jones and Jarrod Dyson, but may see at-bats at the other positions. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Injury activations/updates

Jedd Gyorko, Dodgers: Gyorko, sidelined since the beginning of June with back/calf/wrist injuries - including wrist surgery on Jun. 24 - was in the midst of a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis. He was dealt from the Cardinals to the Dodgers at the trade deadline, transferring his rehab first to Double-A Tulsa and then Triple-A Oklahoma City, hitting .333 with two homers in 27 at-bats over nine games. Gyorko was activated from the injured list and started at first base Sunday against the Braves. In addition, he provides infield depth for the Dodgers, who are currently without Chris Taylor (forearm), Enrique Hernandez (hand) and David Freese (hamstring). 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

SHORTSTOP

Nick Ahmed, Diamondbacks – Ahmed used to be an afterthought or late-round flier. But his production the last two seasons has changed that view, making him worth a spot in almost all formats - although his lower-than-expected ownership in CBS Sports leagues warrants his inclusion in this week's column. Ahmed has been red-hot since the calendar hit July, slashing .310/.390/.563 with nine home runs, 25 runs and 33 runs driven in. Since the start of August, the shortstop has hit .375 with six homers, 16 RBI and 12 runs scored. His strides forward since 2017 have come largely due to a rise in his walk and contact rates coupled with a drop in his strikeout rate. With 16 home runs and 68 runs batted in, Ahmed has matched his career-high of 16 set last year and is on pace to far exceed the career-high 70 runs he drove in last year. 12-team Mixed: $33, 15-team Mixed: $44; 12-team NL: Owned

Freddy Galvis, Reds: The Reds claimed Galvis off waivers from the Blue Jays on Monday. Bo Bichette's presence made him a bit expendable and Cincy became the beneficiary. Jose Iglesias will remain at shortstop with Galvis, who hit 18 home runs and drove in 54 runs as a Blue Jay while seeing most of his time at second base. Nick Senzel, Jesse Winker and Josh VanMeter all figure to play a little less often with Galvis aboard, whose contract includes $5.5 million team option - including a one million buyout - for 2020. 12-team Mixed: Owned, 15-team Mixed: $35; 12-team NL: $45

Adeiny Hechavarria, Braves: Hechavarria, recently designated for assignment by the Mets, signed with the Braves on Friday. With Dansby Swanson (foot) still sidelined, Atlanta needed a solid defensive shortstop, as Johan Camargo - who was sent down to make room for Hechavarria - had struggled in that regard. Charlie Culberson will still see playing time at shortstop, but the strong Braves' offensive lineup might allow manager Brian Snitker to pencil in Hechavarria almost daily until Swanson returns. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Cole Tucker, Pirates: Tucker was called up to the majors on Apr. 20 to make his major-league debut due to several Pirates' injuries. He spent six weeks with the Bucs, posting a slash line of .196/.244/.321 and a 28.3 percent strikeout rate in 38 games - the latter resulting in his demotion back to Triple-A Indianapolis. Tucker hit .250/.333/.370 with five home runs and six steals in 54 games following his return to the minors and was promoted Friday. Stolen base potential remains his biggest draw, but that may depend if Pittsburgh is willing to either move the inconsistent Adam Frazier to the outfield or shift him to a bench role. If that happens, then Tucker and Kevin Newman could handle the middle infield down the stretch. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (up if Frazier is moved for the stolen-base potential)

Injury activations/updates 

Enrique Hernandez/Chris Taylor, Dodgers: Hernandez, out since late July with a sprained hand, began a minor-league rehab stint this weekend. Prior to being sidelined, he was slashing .238/.309/.438 but crushed 16 home runs and 52 RBI over 98 games while seeing most of his 74 games at second base. Hernandez will rejoin the Dodgers sometime this week after completing his short rehab stint. Taylor, who suffered a non-displaced fracture on the outside of his forearm when he was hit by a pitch Jul. 14 against the Red Sox, was expected to miss four-to-six weeks. He had started to heat up at the plate before the injury, and continued this promise by homering at High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday to kick off his rehab assignment. He will rejoin the Dodgers sometime this week, but his path to playing time will depend on the injury status of Alex Verdugo and Hernandez, as well as how well Max Muncy is playing and if Gavin Lux has been promoted. Hernandez - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Taylor - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

JT Riddle, Marlins: Riddle, on the 10-day injured list since Jul. 18 with a forearm strain, began a rehab assignment with High-A Jupiter on Saturday. When he returns to action - which could come after the rosters expand in September - Riddle will back up Jon Berti, who has taken over as the Marlins' starting shortstop. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

OUTFIELD

Randy Arozarena, Cardinals: Arozarena was called up from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday, thanks to posting a stellar 1.004 OPS across 231 plate appearances with Memphis since being promoted from Double-A Springfield earlier in the season. He doesn't possess major power, but his solid plate discipline and stolen base potential makes him worth a look. With Jose Martinez (shoulder) joining Tyler O'Neill (wrist) on the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move, Arozarena is battling Lane Thomas, Tommy Edman and Yairo Munoz for playing time in right field alongside Marcell Ozuna and Dexter Fowler. When O'Neill returns from his wrist injury, Arozarena - who started two straight games following his promotion and then sat from Thursday to Saturday - could be the odd-man out, at least until the rosters expand in September. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (up if think he sticks and sees time in right field)

Adam Duvall, Braves: Duvall, optioned down to the minors Friday, was called back up Saturday with Ender Inciarte (hamstring) hitting the injured list. Nick Markakis (wrist) and Austin Riley (knee) are also on the IL, so the Braves needed Duvall back in the bigs. Duvall slugged five home runs with 10 RBI and 11 runs in his 19 MLB games since being added to the roster in late July, but went 5-for-43 over his final 13 games before he was optioned down. With Inciarte, Markakis and Riley all out, he should be in for fairly regular work in left field, at least in the short term. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Kyle Garlick/Travis Jankowski/Rafael Ortega: This week's call-ups to fill fourth/fifth outfielder spots are in Los Angeles, San Diego and Atlanta. Garlick played 25 games with the Dodgers earlier this season and provides outfield depth with Alex Verdugo (oblique) and Enrique Hernandez (hand) remaining on the injured list and joined by Tyler White (upper body) this week. Jankowski broke his wrist during spring training and was optioned to the minors after a rehab stint in July. He posted a .299/.387/.343 slash line and six stolen bases in 33 games for Triple-A El Paso before getting called up Friday. Jankowski will provide some speed when in the San Diego lineup and could play any of the three outfield positions. Ortega slashed .285/.373/.524 with 21 home runs and 58 RBI this season at Triple-A Gwinnett and will serve as outfield depth for the Braves with Nick Markakis (wrist) and Austin Riley (knee) on the 10-day injured list. Garlick/Ortega - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Jankowski - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (stolen base potential)

Juan Lagares, Mets: Lagares, profiled last week due to the potential uptick in playing time due to Robinson Cano's torn hamstring, gets another mention as he started five straight games this past week. He also benefitted from Jeff McNeil's hamstring injury with manager Mickey Callaway rolling with him in center field to aid J.D. Davis in left while keeping Michael Conforto in right due to Lagares' defensive pedigree. His defensive play has fallen off the past few seasons, but has looked more like his Gold Glove self recently and should remain in the lineup while McNeil is sidelined. And if he can remain productive at the plate, Callaway could stick with him and play McNeil at second in place of Cano. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7

Kevin Pillar, Giants: Pillar's batting and on-base averages leave a lot to be desired but he still has been extremely productive at the plate. He has been on fire during August, hitting .453 with four homers, 14 runs scored and 11 RBI through 16 games, bumping his season totals to 17 home runs, 65 runs, 67 RBI and 10 stolen bases. Pillar is starting nearly every game in center field, which should continue the remainder of the season and brings stellar defense along with his fine offense. 12-team Mixed: $33; 15-team Mixed: $44; 12-team NL: Owned 

Injury activations/updates

Alex Dickerson, Giants: Dickerson, who landed on the 10-day injured list Aug. 1 with a right oblique strain, was activated Wednesday. Prior to being sidelined, he had posted an 1.222 OPS with six home runs and 24 runs driven in over his 30 games with the club. Dickerson didn't start the first two games after returning, as the Giants went with righties in the outfield while facing a pair of southpaws. Most games look for an alignment from left to right in the Giants' outfield of Dickerson, Kevin Pillar and Mike Yastrzemski. But against lefties, Dickerson could sit for Austin Slater, as he did when activated this past week. 12-team Mixed: $22; 15-team Mixed: $33; 12-team NL: Owned 

Brandon Nimmo, Mets: Nimmo, sidelined since May 21 with a bulging disk in his neck suffered when he crashed into the wall trying to make a catch Apr. 14 against the Braves, was shut down from all baseball activities for a month on Jun. 18. He resumed regular baseball activities a few weeks ago, and GM Brodie Van Wagenen said he'll began a rehab assignment Friday serving as the DH for High-A St. Lucie. If all goes well, Nimmo could be activated later this month and see time at all three outfield spots. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same early spec return bid)

Tyler O'Neill, Cardinals: O'Neill, out since Aug. 1 with a strained left wrist, received an injection in his left wrist this week and could be activated over the weekend. Cardinals' manager Mike Shildt said: "It's a combination of pain tolerance and grip, getting the pain tolerance and inflammation down." With Marcell Ozuna now off the injured list, O'Neill's path to playing time may be a bit limited when he returns. But his .279/.316/.434 slash line with five home runs and 16 RBI should still be decent enough to earn him some playing time, especially in right field where Randy Arozarena also remains in the mix. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7