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 

Tony Gonsolin, Dodgers– Gonsolin, profiled last week when he was promoted to start Sunday with Dustin May moving to the bullpen, gets another mention as it looks like he will stick in the Dodgers' rotation. After allowing just one run in five innings to earn the win Saturday against the Yankees, he has posted a 2.74 ERA, a 0.91 WHIP and a 17:3 K:BB through 23 innings this season. May will make a few spot starts, but Gonsolin looks to be locked in as one of the team's five starters until Rich Hill is ready to return to the rotation. Gonsolin features a plus mid-90s fastball - and has hit triple-digits in shorter bursts - a high-spin splitter and a swing-and-miss slider. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (upped bid from prior week) 

Tim Melville, Rockies: Melville, called up at the last minute to replace the injured Jon Gray in the Colorado rotation, gave the Rockies way more than they could have expected by allowing one earned run on two hits and two walks while striking out four across seven innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Diamondbacks. It was his first start in the majors since 2017 and he posted a 5.42 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 94:40 K:BB in 96.1 innings with Triple-A Albuquerque this season, so be careful not to overrate this outing. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5

Joe Ross, Nationals: Ross, not Erick Fedde, remains in the Nationals' rotation following the return of Max Scherzer (back) on Thursday. A nightmare out of the bullpen this season, Ross has excelled since moving into the rotation three starts ago. After posting a 9.85 ERA, 2.11 WHIP, and 25:13 K:BB over 24.2 innings largely out of the bullpen, he only gave up one run in 18 innings. Ross left Monday's game against the Pirates after taking a comebacker off his right leg in the fourth inning, but threw a bullpen session Thursday and was able to make his scheduled start Saturday - although he lasted just 4.1 innings, allowing two runs on six hits and four walks, while striking out three. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 

Michael Wacha, Cardinals: Wacha moved back into the Cardinals' rotation nearly two weeks ago. Prior to that first start, he had compiled a 5.54 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 72:42 K:BB over 89.1 innings. Wacha allowed two runs in five innings in his first appearance and tossed four shutout innings Tuesday before he was replaced by a pinch hitter. Until he's allowed to pitch deeper into games, his value is reduced - but at least he's in the rotation and has pitched better lately. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Injury activations/updates 

Shaun Anderson, Giants: Anderson, out with a blister since Aug. 7, began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday and tossed 3.1 scoreless innings. Tyler Beede, filling in for Anderson, gave up three runs on six hits - including three home runs - and three walks over four innings while striking out four. That outing likely has earned Beede a stay of execution, as Anderson has moved to the bullpen and will work as a long reliever following his activation Saturday. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Johnny Cueto, Giants: Cueto is working his way back from Aug. 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. Cueto started his rehab appearances with the Giants' rookie-level Arizona League affiliate before progressing to High-A San Jose, allowing five runs – four earned – in 4.1 innings and 60 pitches - with 43 for strikes - last Tuesday. He will join Triple-A Sacramento for the first of two rehab starts Monday before rejoining the Giants, potentially as a starter. 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, tossed "a handful of pitches" off the mound Thursday - the first time he has done so since the injury. He threw a 20-pitch bullpen session of all fastballs Saturday, but plans to mix in breaking balls during his next session as he continues to progress steadily. Hill was expected to throw four bullpen sessions before returning to game action possibly by mid-September as a starter rather than a reliever. If all goes well, he could provide a boost to those teams that have playoffs and in contention in standard roto leagues. For those with an option roster or IL space, you could do worse than stashing Hill and hoping, seeing his numbers when 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, allowed two runs on eight hits and no walks with five strikeouts in six innings for Triple-A New Orleans on Wednesday. He originally kicked off a rehab stint Jul. 28 with Double-A Jacksonville, struggling in his three-rehab starts by allowing 12 runs on 13 hits and walking four across just five innings before getting pulled from that third start. Hector Noesi has 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 was 3-1 with a 2.13 ERA this season, but he was 2-4 with a 6.82 ERA on the road. It all balanced out to a 5-5 record with a 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 (same 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 was finally able to toss a bullpen session Friday, with the next step throwing to live batters. 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 the 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

Jairo Diaz/Carlos Estevez, Rockies: Scott Oberg landed on the IL Monday due to a blood clot, which will sideline him the balance of the season. Wade Davis, who opened the year as the Rockies' closer, blew Monday's save chance and necessitated a further change at the back end of the Colorado bullpen. Diaz and Estevez are both in the mix to close. Estevez possesses better overall numbers, while both hit over 97 mph with their fastball. Estevez has closed in the past, notching 11 saves in 2016 with the Rockies and has been on a roll since the end of June while Diaz has been hot since the end of July. If targeting one, go after Diaz due to how well he has been pitching of late. Diaz -12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Estevez -12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up bid for whichever one you think closes) 

Daniel Hudson/Fernando Rodney/Hunter Strickland, Nationals: Hudson, Rodney and Strickland are all part of a closer-by-committee situation in Washington while Sean Doolittle (right knee tendinitis) is on the 10-day injured list. Doolittle had run into struggles in August, allowing 10 earned runs and five home runs across seven innings before landing on the IL last Sunday. He hopes to be back when first eligible this weekend, but the Nationals will watch his workload carefully as they make a playoff push. Manager Dave Martinez will play matchups in the ninth inning while he is without his closer. Hudson received the first save opportunity, which he blew, but he is my favorite to notch saves when Doolittle is out based on his overall performance this season with Strickland second and Rodney third. Hudson - 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Rodney - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Strickland - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Rowan Wick, Cubs: Wick, who pitched a perfect ninth inning to record his first major league save in Chicago's 2-0 win against the Pirates on Aug. 17, closed out Thursday's game. Craig Kimbrel was unavailable after pitching back-to-back days and three of the last four, so manager Joe Maddon turned to Wick for the save chance. Wick has posted a 1.46 ERA and 16:3 K:BB in 12.1 innings since the All-Star Break, leapfrogging Pedro Strop in the bullpen pecking order when Kimbrel is unavailable. 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

Injury activations/updates

Ross Stripling, Dodgers: Stripling, placed on the 10-day injured list Jul. 27 with a biceps injury and dealing with a sore neck as well, completed a bullpen session Tuesday and "felt great". He will pitch three innings in an Arizona Summer League game Tuesday and should return to the Dodgers when the rosters expand in September. Stripling will be used out of the bullpen, but could see a spot start or be used as an opener before the end of the season. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5

Jose Urena, Mariins: Urena will be used as the Marlins' closer when he returns off the injured list. Ryne Stanek was in line to grab a hold of the role after coming over from Tampa Bay, but has struggled since coming off the IL. Urena, out since early June with a herniated disc in his back, was solid as a starter in 2017 and 2018, but regressed a bit this season prior to being sidelined. As we noted in our recent update, he could enter 2020 as the closer in Miami if he looks good in the role. Urena lacks the strikeout punch typically found in closers, but perhaps he could earn better results if he uses his 96-mph sinker and 86-mph slider exclusively - as most closers only use two pitches. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (closer spec)

CATCHER

Kyle Farmer, Reds: As former college teammates, Farmer has caught Alex Wood's last four starts and appears to be his personal catcher. Curt Casali was activated Saturday, so it's unclear if this relationship will continue. But with the rosters expanding next Sunday, Cincinnati could opt to send Farmer down for a bit and then call him up after 10 days have passed. He hasn't done much in those starts, but could be worth a look in some DFS leagues if desperate for a catcher. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3 

Tyler Flowers, Braves: With Brian McCann landing on the 10-day IL with a left knee sprain that will sideline him for a couple weeks, Flowers should serve as the primary catcher. He started the season well, but struggled mightily since the beginning of May by batting less than .200 with six home runs and 19 runs driven in. Maybe consistent playing time will right the ship, but consider me skeptical. Atlanta signed Francisco Cervelli to a major-league deal Saturday and Cervelli should see significant time behind the plate. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Rene Rivera, Mets: Rivera was promoted from Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday with Tomas Nido landing on the IL with a possible concussion. Rivera posted a .254/.319/.501 slash line and 25 home runs with Syracuse, providing more offense than anticipated. He'll back up Wilson Ramos and likely start one to two games a week. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Injury activations/updates

Curt Casali, Reds: Casali, on the injured list since Jul. 18 with a sprained right knee, kicked off a rehab assignment for Triple-A Louisville on Aug. 9. Prior to getting injured, he slashed .253/.337/.420 with six home runs and 24 RBI over 172 plate appearances. Casali strained his left hamstring two games into his rehab stint, sidelining him for over a week but reported back to Louisville on Tuesday to resume his rehab assignment. He rejoined the Reds on Saturday and will split time behind the plate with Tucker Barnhart. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Francisco Cervelli, Braves: Cervelli, sidelined since May 26 with a concussion, was in the midst of a rehab assignment when the Pirates released him on Thursday. This concussion – his sixth since 2011 – resulted in some discussion a month ago as to stopping him from catching. Cervelli backed away from that stance shortly thereafter, but his future behind the plate remains firmly in doubt. He signed a major-league with the Braves on Saturday and should split time with Tyler Flowers behind the plate with Brian McCann sidelined with a left knee sprain. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (up if you think he earns consistent playing time)

FIRST BASE 

Howie Kendrick, Nationals: Kendrick is now up to .327 on the season, after going 2-for-4 Saturday. Overall, he's slashing .327/.380/.561 with 14 homers across 269 at-bats. Kendrick isn't receiving consistent playing time, which will become more challenging when Ryan Zimmerman returns from plantar fasciitis. But manager Dave Martinez can utilize Kendrick at first, second and third base, which will remain the case even when Washington is approaching full capacity as they battle for a playoff berth down the stretch. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Owned (due to middle infield eligibility)

Injury activations/updates

Derek Dietrich, Reds: Dietrich, out since Aug. 4 with a shoulder injury, was activated Friday.He enjoyed a great start to the season, but was hitting just .141/.331/.273 with two home runs in 99 at-bats since June when sidelined by injury. Dietrich should be in line for decent playing time at least until Joey Votto returns. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals: Zimmerman, out of action for all but 33 games with recurring bouts of plantar fasciitis, moved his rehab assignment to Double-A Harrisburg on Friday after a handful of games at High-A Potomac. 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 reclaims his starting job. But he should at least be part of a platoon at first base, starting against southpaws and taking time away from Howie Kendrick with Adams playing versus righties when he returns to action sometime this week. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (based on him seeing decent playing time)

SECOND BASE

Abiatal Avelino/Ildemaro Vargas: This week's call-ups to fill a middle infield spot were in San Francisco and Arizona. Avelino, hitting .285/.316/.455 with 12 home runs and 15 steals in 114 games at Triple-A Sacramento, was promoted last Sunday. He should occupy a utility role with SF, seeing time at second, short and third. Vargas, promoted last Sunday, has raked in the minors but failed to translate that success into the majors. Both - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $3

Cory Spangenberg, Brewers: Spangenberg was called up Saturday with Ben Gamel sent to the minors. Designated for assignment earlier this season by Milwaukee, Spangenberg slashed .344/.403/.557 with 12 homers and 23 stolen bases in 82 games with Triple-A San Antonio to work his way back to the majors. He's made 16 starts at short for San Antonio this year and could get some run at the position as Orlando Arcia has batted .204 since the All-Star break. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5

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, beginning a rehab assignment for High-A St. Lucie on Tuesday after progressing from live batting practice and other baseball activities. Lowrie served as the DH his first few games, but started at second base Saturday. 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 - although he'll be back soon. Lowrie could join the Mets at the beginning of September, assuming no setbacks. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same early spec return bid)

Ben Zobrist, Cubs: Zobrist, on MLB's restricted list since May 8 due to his potential divorce, has bounced between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa on his rehab assignment. Prior to going on the restricted list, he was slashing .241/.343/.253 with one extra-base hit in 99 plate appearances prior to leaving the team. Last year, the 14-year veteran experienced 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 when activated in early September. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

THIRD BASE

Maikel Franco, Phillies: Franco was promoted Friday with Bryce Harper landing on the paternity list. Prior to being sent down earlier this month, Franco slashed .231/.296/.407 with 15 home runs in 102 games. He hit .211 with no home runs in five games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley and could be sent back down when Harper returns, but could stick if Brad Miller is designated for assignment. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Injury activations/updates

Austin Riley, Braves: Riley, originally thought to be out for the season with a partially torn LCL, began a rehab assignment with Low-A Rome on Friday. After a blazing hot first 30 games, the league caught up to Riley and exposed his contact issues, resulting in a massive slump. Prior to being sidelined, he was slashing .242/.294/.504 with 45 RBI and 38 runs scored over 255 plate appearances. Riley will rejoin the Braves when the rosters expand in September and should see plenty of playing time in left field the final month of the season. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33 (mildly aggressive bid, up if think he regains his initial form after his promotion)

SHORTSTOP

Injury activations/updates 

Enrique Hernandez/Chris Taylor, Dodgers: Hernandez, out since late July with a sprained hand, was activated Tuesday after completing a short minor-league rehab stint. Prior to being sidelined, he was slashing .238/.309/.438 but managed 16 home runs and 52 RBI over 98 games and saw most of his action at second base for 74 games. Hernandez will start against most lefties and against some righties, splitting time with Matt Beaty. 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. Prior to being injured, he had started to heat up at the plate. Taylor was activated Tuesday and promptly blasted a three-run home run. He should see time all over the field, although he won't start daily. 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 (same bid as prior)

OUTFIELD

Harrison Bader/Lane Thomas, Cardinals: Bader opened the season as the Cardinals' center fielder and looked to be ascending when his average hit .269 at the end of May. From that point, his average plummeted to .195 for the season and landed him at Triple-A Memphis at the end of July. Bader slashed .317/.427/.698, with a 16:8 K:BB, seven home runs and three stolen bases in 16 games to earn a second chance, with Randy Arozarena optioned to Triple-A. Since the recall, Bader should start almost daily in center field as he has gone 3-for-12 at the plate but has drawn seven walks in five games - and two of the hits have gone for extra bases. Prior to his return, Thomas was seeing consistent playing time in right field. He was productive during that stretch, but will see his value diminish with Bader in the outfield mix and Tyler O'Neill also close to returning. Bader - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14; Thomas - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Austin Dean, Marlins: Dean was called up and started in left field Saturday to replace Brian Anderson, who is sidelined for the season after getting hit by a pitch and fracturing his finger Friday. Dean struggled in his brief major-league stint, hitting just .209/.216/.337 across 88 plate appearances. But he posted a .337/.401/.635 slash line with 18 home runs and 57 runs driven in at Triple-A New Orleans. Dean should see semi-consistent playing time until at least Cesar Puello returns from his injury. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Billy Hamilton, Braves: The Braves claimed Hamilton this past week when he was designated for assignment by the Royals after hitting .211 with zero home runs and 18 steals in 93 games. With Austin Riley (knee), Ender Inciarte (hamstring) and Nick Markakis (wrist) all on the 10-day injured list, Atlanta is in need of some outfield depth. And rather than starting occasionally, Hamilton will primarily be used as a pinch runner and late-inning defensive replacement and represents a significant defensive upgrade over Adam Duvall and Matt Joyce. 12-team Mixed: Owned; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: $9 (stolen base potential) 

Tim Locastro, Diamondbacks: Locastro, known for getting hit by pitches, was called back up Saturday with David Peralta once again landing on the injured list due to his wonky shoulder. Locastro stole 11 bases in 68 games with Arizona and will likely split time with Josh Rojas and Jarrod Dyson in the outfield. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5

Josh Naylor, Padres: Naylor has all but taken over as the Padres' starting left fielder from Wil Myers, with four of his seven home runs and 10 of his 26 RBI on the season coming in August along with a slash line .278/.371/.574 this month. Naylor needs work defensively, but he'll continue to be deployed in left field with Eric Hosmer at first base. If the bat remains productive, San Diego will continue to run him out there almost daily. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33 (power potential)

Injury activations/updates

Nick Markakis, Braves: Markakis, sidelined with a fractured wrist after getting hit by a fastball Jul. 26, is progressing ahead of schedule. The hope is the Braves' starting right fielder will be back by mid-September, if he continues to progress at his current pace. Prior to getting plunked, Markakis had played in 104 games and hit .284/.358/.429 with 22 doubles, nine homers and 55 runs batted in. While sidelined, Atlanta has relied on a combination of Matt Joyce and Rafael Ortega with Ender Inciarte and Austin Riley also out. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (aggressive early spec return bid, to be upped as he gets closer to returning)

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 began a rehab assignment last Friday serving as the DH for High-A St. Lucie. After two games at that level, Nimmo moved his rehab to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday. If all goes well, he could be activated later this month or when the rosters expand Sep. 1 and see time at all three outfield spots. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (upped early spec return bid, up if think he starts consistently after he returns)

Tyler O'Neill, Cardinals: O'Neill, out since Aug. 1 with a strained left wrist, received an injection in his left wrist last week and kicked off a rehab stint Wednesday at Triple-A Memphis. With Marcell Ozuna now off the injured list and Harrison Bader back from the minors, 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 - possibly in right field, where Bader, Dexter Fowler and Lane Thomas are all in the mix. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (slightly lowered bid)