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. This week, I only covered the more significant Sept. 1 callups, but I'm happy to address any players you want me to cover in the comment section. Please see James Anderson's excellent column on possible September callups for additional information (https://www.hsmyyt.com/baseball/article.php?id=46761). Additional, relevant fantasy players will be included in the column once those players are added to a major-league roster during the month.

STARTING PITCHER 

Adbert Alzolay, Cubs: Alzolay was promoted in late June and made his MLB debut. He allowed one run in four innings and struck out five to notch the win against the Mets, then appeared two more times before being sent back to the minors. In 32 innings with Triple-A Iowa before his promotion, the 24-year-old owned a 3.09 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 46:6 K:BB. Alzolay missed two weeks in July with biceps tendinitis and hasn't gone more than 4.2 innings since returning to action. He likely will be a September call up and could see time as a long reliever and receive a spot start down the stretch. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Robert Dugger, Marlins: Dugger was promoted this week to take the place of Jordan Yamamoto (forearm) in the Miami rotation Thursday. He allowed two runs - both unearned - on three hits and a walk while striking out seven over seven innings in a no-decision against the Reds. Dugger was hit hard in his first start for the Marlins earlier this season and had posted a 7.36 ERA in 10 starts over 53.1 innings at Triple-A New Orleans, but looked solid versus Cincinnati. He lines up to take the mound again Wednesday at Pittsburgh. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4 

Daniel Ponce de Leon, Cardinals: Ponce de Leon was promoted to start one game of the Cardinals' Saturday's twin bill against the Reds. The right-hander impressed across five starts with Triple-A Memphis following his demotion, posting a 0.93 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 39:13 K:BB in 29 innings. Ponce de Leon will likely head to the bullpen for the stretch run following Saturday's spot start, though he could possibly earn a spot start in the final month. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

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. Cueto started his rehab appearances with the Giants' rookie-level Arizona League affiliate before progressing to High-A San Jose and then to Triple-A Sacramento for a pair of rehab starts, the final one this past Saturday. He's set to rejoin the Giants on Sep. 8, potentially as a starter. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (upped early spec return bid) 

Rich Hill, Dodgers: Hill, sidelined since June 20 with a strained flexor tendon, continues to progress having completed a 30-pitch bullpen session Tuesday that included about 10 curveballs. He has ramped up his mound work the past week or so and was expected to throw four bullpen sessions overall before returning to game action possibly by mid-September as a starter rather than a reliever as first reported. If all goes well, Hill could give 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 June 19 with a posterior shoulder strain, returned to action Monday and allowed four runs on five hits and one walk while striking out three through five innings to take the loss against the Reds. That start came after a handful of rehab outings, which were interrupted due to a mild setback. Lopez is still building arm strength having tossed 70 pitches in his final rehab start, so he may be initially limited to five or six outing appearances. Barring any setbacks, Lopez should finish the season in the Miami rotation as the team's fifth starter. Prior to the injury, he 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, 4.23 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 73 strikeouts in 76.2 innings. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped 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 this Friday after it was delayed a week. If all goes well Friday, Weaver will throw a simulated game next week and could rejoin the D-Backs before the end of the season. As one of the pieces that came over to Arizona in the Paul Goldschmidt trade, he posted a 3.03 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 68:14 K:BB across 62.1 innings. The possibility of Weaver returning before the end of the season to make a handful of appearances, prompts his reinclusion 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, Rockies – Based on recent usage, it appears Diaz is the favorite to close and Carlos Estevez to serve as his setup man. Scott Oberg landed on the IL on 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 a recent save chance and forced a further change at the back end of the Colorado bullpen. Estevez pitched in the eighth inning Aug. 23 ahead of Diaz, in the sixth inning Aug. 25 and then in the eighth this past Monday when Diaz blew the save but earned the win. The situation is fluid, but Diaz looks to have leapfrogged Estevez in the Colorado closer pecking order. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (slightly upped bid from prior)

Andres Munoz, Padres – Munoz notched the save Thursday, his first in the majors. With Kirby Yates unavailable, San Diego turned to Munoz who closed out the game despite allowing an earned run in the ninth. He now has recorded a 1.86 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 24 strikeouts with six holds in just 19.1 innings. If for some reason the Padres move Yates in the offseason, Munoz stands as the favorite to close. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Injury activations/updates 

Ross Stripling, Dodgers: Stripling, placed on the 10-day injured list July 27 with a biceps injury and dealing with a sore neck, threw three innings during an Arizona Summer League game Tuesday. He was activated Sunday and started against Arizona with his workload capped at about three innings. Before being sidelined, Stripling was 4-4 with a 3.64 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 26 games - 12 of which were starts. He likely will be used out of the bullpen moving forward, but could see an additional spot start or work as an opener again before the end of the season. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Jose Urena, Marlins: 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 hurt. 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 could earn better results if he uses his 96-mph sinker and 86-mph slider exclusively - as most closers only use two pitches. He moved his rehab from High-A Jupiter to Triple-A New Orleans on Monday and should rejoin the Marlins on Sunday when the rosters expand. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (same closer spec bid)

CATCHER 

Austin Allen/Austin Hedges, Padres: Francisco Mejia was placed on the injured list Friday with a right oblique strain, resulting in the promotion of Allen, who slashed .255/.327/.340 with four doubles and three RBI over 24 games earlier this season in the majors. He was hitting .330/.379/.663 with 21 home runs in 67 games for Triple-A El Paso this season and is known as a bat-first catcher. Hedges has been in a 60/40 split with Mejia behind the plate and will likely assume the majority of the playing time now, though the Padres could choose to see what they really have in Allen. Allen - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Hedges - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Victor Caratini, Cubs: Caratini blasted a pair of home runs Thursday, carrying the Cubs to a win over Jacob deGrom. He has been splitting time behind the plate with Jonathan Lucroy with Willson Contreras (hamstring) sidelined. Contreras began a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Friday and could rejoin the Cubs in about a week, Until then, Caratini will continue to see time behind the plate and also at first until Anthony Rizzo (back) is ready to return. When Contreras is back in action, look for manager Joe Maddon to find a way to get Caratini's hot bat in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

FIRST BASE

Wilmer Flores, Diamondbacks: Flores missed two months from mid-May to mid-July with a fractured right foot, but he has recently made up for lost time. Profiled two weeks ago, he gets another mention this week as he has been red-hot at the plate by recording multiple hits in six in his last eight starts while going 17-for-30 with four home runs and 10 RBI during that stretch. The Diamondbacks have primarily been using him against left-handed starters, but with Jake Lamb's issues piling up - like the .103 over his last 13 games - and Flores holding his own against righties with a .306, he may be used against all pitchers. 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 strong finish could guarantee that Arizona exercises Flores' 2020 option. 12-team Mixed: $20, 15-team Mixed: $30; 12-team NL: Owned

Injury activations/updates 

David Freese, Dodgers: Freese, sidelined since July 26 with a strained left hamstring, was to be activated Sunday. He will resume his role as a pinch-hitter and spot starter at first base against southpaws - although, ironically, he was posting far better numbers against righties this season. Los Angeles now owns a logjam of first basemen, but Freese's fine production before the injury should enable him to carve out a decent number of at-bats in September. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team NL: $9

Jose Martinez, Cardinals: Martinez, out since Aug. 12 with an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, is on a rehab assignment. He has yet to play the field, which will be the final step in the process before being able to rejoin the team. Martinez looked so good in 2017 and 2018 even with a decline in production against southpaws last season, then struggled mightily before hitting the IL by posting a meager .628 OPS in 25 games from the All-Star break. With the rosters expanding, Martinez's playing time could be minimal after he is activated. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7

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 last Friday after a handful of games at High-A Potomac. He has been sidelined since July 22 due to the latest flareup of the condition. Zimmerman played all nine innings at first base Wednesday, and is primed to rejoin the Nationals on Sunday after checking out OK during a scheduled off-day Thursday. 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 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 (same bid as prior, based on him seeing decent playing time)

SECOND BASE 

Mauricio Dubon, Giants: Dubon, who enjoyed a cup of coffee earlier this season for Milwaukee, was traded at the deadline to San Francisco for Drew Pomeranz and Ray Black. He hit .297/.333/.475 with 16 home runs and nine steals in 98 games at Triple-A San Antonio, rebounding after a slow start and aided by the livelier ball. Dubon slashed .323/.391/.485 with four homers and nine RBI over 23 contests at Triple-A Sacramento, earning a call up Tuesday. The trade was good for his fantasy value, as he obviously promises a much better chance of starting in San Francisco than he would have of unseating Keston Hiura. Dubon - who profiles as a future second baseman - has built off his success from 2018 when he posted a .922 OPS over 27 games before tearing his ACL. Look for him to play second and some short for the Giants in September and earn a chance to open 2021 as a starter. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (future playing time bid) 

Carter Kieboom, Nationals: Kieboom could be a post-Sep. 1 call up. He didn't impress in his first exposure to major-league pitching earlier this season, going 5-for-39 with two homers and 16 strikeouts while making four errors in 11 games at shortstop filling in for the injured Trea Turner. Following his demotion, Kieboom became a PCL end-of-season All-Star after posting a .305/.413/.501 slash line with 16 homers in 105 games for Triple-A Fresno. In the best-case scenario, he shows enough to wrest the second-base job away from Brian Dozier and Asdrubal Cabrera; but down the stretch, his playing might be limited. In a perfect world, Kieboom opens 2020 in Washington, but still could start back at Fresno. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up if think he earns substantive playing time) 

Travis Shaw, Brewers: Shaw was promoted from the minors with Keston Hiura (strained left hamstring) landing on the IL. With Mike Moustakas also dealing with an injury, Shaw provides the Brewers an option at second and third base. He previously only hit .162 with six homers and 13 RBI this season with Milwaukee, landing him in the minors, then posted a .286/.437/.586 line with 12 home runs and 33 RBI at Triple-A San Antonio. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Injury activations/updates

Robinson Cano, Mets: Cano suffered a torn left hamstring at the beginning of August that was expected to sideline him the remainder of the season. He progressed enough in his rehab to take live batting practice this past Tuesday, running full speed to first base after every at-bat. Cano started a rehab assignment with short-season Brooklyn on Saturday and could be back with the Mets on Tuesday. New York added Joe Panik off waivers, but Cano should regain his starting role when/if he is able to return, despite his poor overall campaign.  12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (early spec return bid, up if think he has anything left in the tank)

Jed Lowrie, Mets: Lowrie may need to reintroduce himself to his teammates once again 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. The Mets could use a bat off the bench and another middle infielder with Robinson Cano (calf) possibly sidelined for the remainder of the season, although Cano could possibly return sometime this month. Lowrie, who started playing the field on Aug. 24, 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 spec return bid)

Ben Zobrist, Cubs: Zobrist, on MLB's restricted list since May 8 due to his potential divorce, has bounced back and forth between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa on his rehab assignment. He took live batting practice in Nashville this week and was activated Saturday, thereby making him eligible for the playoffs. Prior to going on the restricted list, Zobrist 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 enjoyed a resurgence by slashing .305/.378/.440 with nine home runs, 58 RBI and 67 runs scored. With Ian Happ and Tony Kemp in Chicago, Zobrist will resume his utility role, seeing time at first, second and left field, when he returns. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same bid as prior)

THIRD BASE 

Tommy Edman, Cardinals: Edman continues to rake at the plate, regardless whether it be at second, third or right field. St. Louis may soon possess a full complement of players, which could impact Edman's playing time. But as long as he continues to produce as he has from the top of the lineup, manager Mike Shildt will find a place for the spark plug to play daily. 12-team Mixed: $15, 15-team Mixed: $25, 12-team NL: Owned 

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 Aug. 23. After three games at that level, he advanced his rehab to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday by going 6-for-14 in his first three games there. Following a blazing hot first 30-or-so 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 in 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 (same aggressive bid, up substantially if you think he plays like he did when first promoted) 

SHORTSTOP

Gavin Lux, Dodgers: Lux, profiled a few weeks ago, gets more press as his bat has yet to slow down at Triple-A Albuquerque. Drafted in the 2016 first round, he took a major step forward last season by finishing the season at Double-A Tulsa. Lux started this year at that level but was promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City after slashing an impressive .313/.375/.521 with 13 home runs and seven stolen bases in 64 games for the Drillers. He has continued to rake since moving up a level, posting a .390/.478/.723 slash line with 13 home runs and 39 RBI in 48 games with Oklahoma City through Tuesday's games. Lux projects to be the Dodgers' starting second baseman of the future after getting drafted as a shortstop. With Corey Seager and Max Muncy currently manning those spots coupled with the recent returns of Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernandez from the injured list, there is no reason for LA to start Lux's service clock to sit him on the bench. But he may be called up as a 'ride-along', similar to what LA did with Will Smith last year, making him worth a stash in case he is promoted. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (stash bid, up in keeper leagues)

Kevin Newman, Pirates: Newman continues to produce out of the leadoff spot for the Bucs. He blasted a pair of home runs Thursday and one Saturday, giving the Pittsburgh shortstop 10 for the season. Add in 47 runs scored, 52 driven in and 13 stolen bases along with a .300+ batting average, and you have a solid an across-the-board contributor. If he is able to add power as he matures, Newman could be a future 15 HR/20 SB middle-infield option. 12-team Mixed: $18; 15-team Mixed: $28; 12-team NL: Owned

Injury activations/updates

Miguel Rojas, Marlins: Rojas, having a solid year at the plate before he strained his hamstring Aug. 6 against the Mets, moved his rehab assignment from High-A Jupiter to Triple-A New Orleans on Monday. He should return from the 10-day injured list when rosters expand Sunday, taking over as the Marlins' primary shortstop with Jon Berti potentially shifting to the outfield. Miami could opt to leave Berti at short, making Rojas a utility player. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7 (up slightly, especially in NL-only leagues if he starts)

OUTFIELD

Corey Dickerson, Phillies: Dickerson, acquired by the Phillies at the trade deadline from the Pirates, enjoyed a very good first month in the City of Brotherly Love by driving in 23 while blasting five home runs. Oddly enough, his plate discipline - which was strong as a Pirate - has completely deserted him after posting an 18:1 K:BB ratio over his first 21 games in Philly. Even when Jay Bruce returns to action, look for Dickerson to still be in the lineup daily in left field, with Bryce Harper likely to shift to center field. He was included this week, since as of Thursday he was only 49 percent owned in CBS Sports leagues. 12-team Mixed: $35; 15-team Mixed: $45; 12-team NL: Owned

Monte Harrison, Marlins: Harrison returned to action this past week after missing two months following wrist surgery. At the time of the injury, he was hitting .284/.372/.479 with nine home runs and 20 steals in 50 games in the Pacific Coast League. Acquired in the Christian Yelich deal, Harrison took a step back last season but still displayed his power/speed potential with 19 home runs and 28 stolen bases. Already on the 40-man roster, he could be a September call up and see time in center and right field. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up if think he earns substantive playing time)

Sam Hilliard, Rockies: Hilliard was promoted from Triple-A Albuquerque and made his major-league debut with a homer on Tuesday. He spent 126 games at Triple-A, slashing .262/.335/.558 with 35 home runs, 101 RBI and 22 stolen bases. Hilliard received the nod with David Dahl (ankle) getting joined on the IL by Raimel Tapia (hand). Dahl could be back in early-to-mid September, but Hilliard will see time in center field alongside Charlie Blackmon and Ian Desmond until then - although Yonathan Daza and Garrett Hampson are also in the mix. Hilliard blasted home runs in his first two games with the Rockies, likely earning him additional playing time - at least in the short-term. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (upside potential, especially in Coors Field)

Matt Joyce, Braves: Joyce has taken advantage of the additional playing he has received following the injuries to Nick Markakis (fractured wrist) and Austin Riley (partially torn LCL). He has hit safely in eight of his last 10 starts, producing a .282/.386/.451 line across 166 plate appearances. Joyce is still relegated to the bench against most left-handers, thereby limiting his upside. In addition, Riley will be back when the rosters expand and Markakis could return in mid-September, so your window of opportunity for any solid output from Joyce may be closing soon. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Nick Martini, Padres: Martini spent most of the season with Triple-A Las Vegas, slashing .328/.432/.482 in 70 games before being designated for assignment by Oakland. His eye at the plate remains his best attribute and he could see a handful of games in a crowded Padres' outfield. Both - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $3

Injury activations/updates 

Jay Bruce, Phillies: Bruce, out since early August with a flexor strain, kicked off a short rehab stint at Double-A Reading on Friday and is to rejoin the Phillies on Sunday. His arm injury occurred in Bruce's first game back after missing 19 games with a strained oblique. After arriving in Philly and before the first injury, Bruce posted a .256/.273/.564 slash line with 10 home runs and 29 RBI in 33 games with the Phillies, in line with his production in Seattle before the trade. He's still only been cleared to hit and not to throw, so he'll be just a bat off the bench when he first returns. When fully cleared, look for Bruce to play almost daily at first or in left field, sitting against certain southpaws. 12-team Mixed: $35; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: Owned (bid based on full-time play shortly after his activation) 

Nick Markakis, Braves: Markakis, sidelined with a fractured wrist after getting hit by a fastball July 26, is progressing ahead of schedule and has started to throw. 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 being plunked, Markakis played in 104 games and hit .284/.358/.429 with 22 doubles, nine homers and 55 runs batted in. While he was sidelined, Atlanta has relied on a combination of Matt Joyce and Rafael Ortega with Ender Inciarte and Austin Riley also out. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (aggressive early spec return bid, to be upped as he gets closer to returning)

Kris Negron, Dodgers: Negron was activated off the injured list Friday, replacing Max Muncy who will miss at least the next two weeks or so with a fractured wrist after getting hit by a pitch. Negron has shown the ability to play second, third, short and the outfield and will be deployed in that manner by manager Dave Roberts. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7

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 June 18. He resumed regular baseball activities a few weeks ago and began a rehab assignment two weeks ago as the DH for High-A St. Lucie. After two games at that level, Nimmo moved his rehab to Triple-A Syracuse last Tuesday. He has progressed to playing full games in the outfield, leading to his activation. Despite suffering through a nightmarish campaign, Nimmo should see time at all three outfield spots the final month of the season as the prevailing is the initial injury caused his decline after being a revelation last season. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped 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 two weeks ago and kicked off a rehab stint last Wednesday at Triple-A Memphis. He hit safely in his first five-rehab games and homered Tuesday, and was activated Friday with Lane Thomas landing on the IL with a fractured wrist. With Marcell Ozuna 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 as a fourth outfielder - possibly in right field, where Bader and Dexter Fowler are also in the mix. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (slightly lowered bid)

Gregory Polanco, Pirates: Polanco, out since June 16, was pulled off his minor-league rehab assignment in mid-July after suffering a setback in his recovery from a shoulder injury. He was placed on the 60-day IL on Saturday, making a return unlikely though still technically possible. With a month left to the season, Polanco may not make it back in time for game action if the shoulder doesn't show enough progress or is unable to handle a regular workload. But as a stash candidate in keeper leagues, he is certainly worth grabbing and holding for 2020 and beyond in the hopes he posts numbers like 2016 and 2018. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (stash candidate for 2020)

Alex Verdugo, Dodgers: Verdugo, out since Aug. 6 with a strained right oblique, was to begin a rehab assignment with rookie-level Ogden on Sunday in the hopes of being activated for the Dodgers' series next weekend against the Giants. Prior to being injured, he was slashing .294/.342/.475 with 12 homers and 44 RBI in 106 games this season. With A.J. Pollock back in action, Verdugo may experience a hard time seeing consistent playing time given the presence of Joc Pederson, Cody Bellinger as well as Enrique Hernandez and Kris Negron. But the ability at the plate should enable him to see playing time at all three outfield spots. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (up if think he plays at least 75% of the time)