NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

Opening Day was Thursday and Saturday was the first day of a full slate of games. We already saw a few players impacted by positive COVID tests, including Juan Soto in Washington. Hopefully, absences will be minimal, but expect positive cases to continue to change lineups and player availability at the last minute.

As I noted last week, the hope clearly for all of us is that there will be baseball and that the season continues unimpeded to a World Series winner on the field. We will be here weekly until the playoffs to provide FAAB advice for both the NL and AL. If you have questions on players, I'm happy to provide my thoughts in the comments.

STARTING PITCHER

Corbin Burnes/Adrian Houser/Freddy Peralta, Brewers: Burnes and Peralta - profiled the past few weeks - receive another mention, as both will open the season as a member of Milwaukee's starting rotation. Brett Anderson (blister) is missing at least his first turn in the rotation, creating room for both pitchers. As we noted in our recent update, Burnes had electric stuff last year but really struggled with his command and confidence, eventually seeing a sports psychologist in the offseason. Since reporting to camp in February, his stuff has been perhaps even better, touching the high-90s with his fastball while also showing off a devastating low-90s cutter/slider and locking him into a spot with heavy league interest. Burnes allowed one run on two hits and three walks over 3.1 innings in Saturday against the Cubs, striking out six while not factoring in the decision. Peralta is the main beneficiary of Anderson's absence, but he is not locked into a steady rotation spot and could see his outings cut somewhat short and limiting his value, especially compared to Burnes. Houser, stellar over his last 10 starts in 2019 after posting a 3.02 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 9.8 K/9, opens the year as the Crew's second starter behind Brandon Woodruff. He brings a mid-90s fastball and a quality curveball to the table, and he kept hitters off balance last season by mixing in a slider and changeup. Houser, along with Woodruff, Josh Lindblom and possibly Burnes, are the projected top-four rotation. Burnes - 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Houser- 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16; Peralta- 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Chi Chi Gonzalez/Jeff Hoffman/Antonio Senzatela, Rockies: Gonzalez and Hoffman remain in a battle for the fifth starter spot in Colorado with Senzatela penciled in the fourth position. Both Gonzalez and Hoffman closed out summer camp strong and could piggyback one another. The Rockies don't need a fifth starter until Aug. 3, so both pitchers could open the season in the bullpen. Senzatela shed 15 pounds this offseason as he tries to rebound from a brutal 2019 campaign, when he posted a 6.71 ERA and 1.75 WHIP. Gonzalez/Hoffman- 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2; Senzatela- 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5

Tyler Mahle, Reds: Mahle, mentioned the past two weeks, gets covered again this week as he is expected to replace Anthony DeSclafani (teres major strain) in the Reds' rotation to start the season. DeSclafani may only miss 1-2 starts, giving Mahle additional short-term value. Once DeSclafani is healthy, Mahle and Lucas Sims - mentioned last week - will either be used in a piggyback role or as a long reliever. Little difference exists between the two roles from a fantasy purpose, as both pitchers will still rack up innings - albeit with minimal success. But they are good for some counting stats like wins and Ks, even though their ERA and WHIP will be high. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4 (slight rise in value)

Sean Newcomb, Braves: Newcomb entered camp in a battle for a starting rotation spot and opens the season starting Atlanta's third game due to Cole Hamels' triceps injury. In the past, Newcomb showed he was more suited to relieving, as his stuff - including his K rate - plays better in the bullpen. But he posted a 2.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and impressive 11:2 K:BB through nine innings this spring and was solid in Summer Camp to earn the role. The Braves do have several other starting options, including Bryse Wilson and Kyle Wright, while Josh Tomlin will also open the year in the mix, so Newcomb's spot is not set in stone. In addition, Newcomb should face an innings limit over his first couple turns through the rotation as the team attempts to use caution with their starters to begin the season. But a few solid turns should solidify his role. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Corey Oswalt/David Peterson, Mets – Marcus Stroman's torn left calf muscle, suffered on a comebacker during an intrasquad game, will sideline the righty indefinitely. The good news is that Stroman can still toss bullpen sessions and noted he only feels pain in his calf when he jogs and sprints. Steven Matz, Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha each moved up a spot, but there is still a hole at the fifth starter. Oswalt is likely the first option after putting together an impressive campaign for Triple-A Syracuse in 2019 by posting a 2.91 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 79:15 K:BB across 86.2 innings (16 starts). He has struggled in his prior major-league stints, bouncing between starting and relieving. If Oswalt falters and Stroman is not yet back, next in line will be Peterson, who was selected in the first round of 2017. Projected as a mid-rotation starter in the future, he is also poised to be a part of the 2021 rotation, with Noah Syndergaard (Tommy John surgery) expected to miss the first couple months and Stroman, Porcello and Wacha set to be free agents after this season. Peterson, who tossed 2.1 scoreless innings in an intrasquad game Wednesday, owns good command of a quality three-pitch mix and is excellent at generating groundballs, so he could outperform expectations, though he has yet to pitch above Double-A Binghamton. Both - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3 

RELIEF PITCHER

Nick Burdi, Pirates – Keone Kela is recovering from COVID-19, creating a vacancy in the back end of the Pirates' bullpen. Kyle Crick's velocity remains down a few ticks, opening the door for Burdi to possibly get a shot to close. Injuries have wreaked havoc on Burdi's career, but he possesses a high-90s fastball and will be in the mix with Michael Feliz and Richard Rodriguez, but could be the first name manager Derek Shelton calls at the end of a game. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Brusdar Graterol/Bobby Wahl/Kodi Whitley– These three relievers all have big arms and made their respective teams in LA, Milwaukee and St. Louis. Back woes have limited Graterol to averaging under 71 innings per year since 2016 Tommy John surgery. Due to his lack of a reliable third pitch, the bullpen is the most logical long-term fit, where Graterol's 99-mph sinker and plus slider could be deadly. Wahl was acquired by Milwaukee from the Mets before the 2019 season but he missed all of last year due to a torn ACL. His career has been plagued by injuries as well as issues with his command and control but he possesses high-leverage upside thanks to his fastball/slider combination. Whitley posted a combined 1.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 78:19 K:BB across 50 appearances over all three levels of the minors last season to earn spring training and summer camp invites. He impressed in both camps, resulting in a spot on the 40-man roster and 30-man player pool to begin 2020. Whitley could eventually earn high-leverage opportunities, but he will likely begin the year pitching in low-pressure spots as he adjusts to facing big-league hitters for the first time. All - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Trevor Gott, Giants – Gott, profiled last week, earned the save Friday for the Giants. Entering the season, he was expected to be a factor in high-leverage, late-inning situations in 2020. Gott should at a minimum notch holds. But as seen Saturday, he could be called upon by manager Gabe Kapler to lock down saves periodically. He is still is likely behind Tony Watson and Tyler Rogers, but gets a bump in value based on his usage Friday. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Kwang-Hyun Kim, Cardinals – Manager Mike Shildt threw us a bit of curveball, naming Kim – and not Ryan Helsley, as had been originally rumored - as his closer. Giovanny Gallegos (non-injury related) wasn't ready to go for Opening Day and Jordan Hicks (elbow) opened the year on the injured list, leaving the closer role open. Kim, who entered spring training and his first year in the US battling for the fifth starter spot, gets the first chance to fill the breach. He converted his first regular-season save opportunity against the Pirates on Friday, hurling one inning and giving up two runs (one earned) on two hits. Kim mixes a low-70s curveball, mid-80s slider and 94 MPH fastball to retire hitters. And as a southpaw, he gives batters a look they may not be not used to in the ninth inning, 12-team Mixed: $8, 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: $24 (may need to go much higher based on some recent bids)

Brandon Kintzler, Marlins – Kintzler, signed to a one-year, $2.25 million contract by Miami in January, will open the year as expected as the team's closer. He put together a solid season with the Cubs in 2019, posting a 2.68 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 48:13 K:BB with 17 holds and one save over 57 innings. Kintzler, who notched the save Friday, last closed in 2017 for Minnesota before he was moved to Washington and Miami carry several possible options if he falters. The new expanded playoff format might result in Kintzler remaining with the Marlins for the entire season rather than getting dealt, which was a clear thought by many of us when he first inked his deal. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Corey Knebel, Brewers – Evil Knebel opened the season on the Brewers' 30-man roster. As I wrote a few weeks ago, he was brilliant in 2017, regressed in 2018 and looked to open 2019 as the Brewers' closer once again but an elbow injury late in the spring led to Tommy John surgery and cost him the entire campaign. Knebel was not going to be ready for the start of this season had baseball began on time but the delay allowed him to be good to go with action resuming. He projects to be a key member of the Milwaukee bullpen, possibly grabbing some saves from Josh Hader. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

CATCHER

Curt Casali, Reds: Casali, and not Tucker Barnhart, started the first two games of the season behind the plate for the Reds. Game one was likely because Sonny Gray, Casali's former college teammate, was on the bump and a sign those two may be the battery together. Game 2 was due to Barnhart landing on the paternity list, so he will miss three games. Last season, Casali started 57 games behind the plate compared to 87 for Barnhart but Casali outhit Barhnart in terms of slash line. It's possible we could see a more even distribution of playing time when Barnhart returns. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Francisco Cervelli, Marlins: Jorge Alfaro landed on the injured list Friday likely due to COVID-19. In his absence, Cervelli will assume the role as the Marlins' top catcher, backed up by Chad Wallach. My columns over the pandemic focused on backup catchers, believing the potential condensed schedule will necessitate turning to the second backstop more frequently. In this case, Cervelli gets a bigger boost, as he should see most of the playing time behind the dish for the Marlins until Alfaro is able to return. Injuries, especially concussions, short-circuited Cervelli's career. When healthy, he is aided by a strong eye at the plate and should post a solid OBA and counting stats. But be aware that another concussion likely will end his career. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7

William Contreras/Alex Jackson, Braves: Travis d'Arnaud and Tyler Flowers, Atlanta's top-two catchers, tested negative for Corona but are away from the team due to showing symptoms. Their absence resulted in Atlanta having to promote Contreras and Jackson on Opening Day. Contreras projects to contribute both offensively and defensively, but would be spending the season at Triple-A Gwinnett in a normal year. He could be the team's catcher of the future. Jackson was once a big-time outfield prospect who has transitioned to catcher. He blasted 28 home runs last season at Triple-A but his swing-and-miss issues that have plagued his career were evident. Jackson has improved defensively and should see most of the playing time until TdA and/or Flowers return. Contreras - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3; Jackson - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4  

Elias Diaz/Drew Butera/John Ryan Murphy/Josh Phegley: Clubs submitted initial 30-man rosters this week, consisting of third catchers in several instances. The list includes backstops in Colorado, Pittsburgh and Chicago. Diaz and Butera back up Tony Wolters with Diaz having the potential to earn some appearances. Murphy replaces Luke Maile, who will miss 10-to-12 weeks after undergoing surgery Jul. 17 to repair a fractured index finger on his throwing hand, backing up Jacob Stallings. If Stallings struggles, Murphy could carve out additional playing time. Phegley will back up Willson Contreras and Victor Caratini. All - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Kyle Farmer, Reds: I profiled Farmer a little over a month ago, and what I wrote then applies now. In leagues that play with 10-game position eligibility requirements, he promises increased value. Last season, Farmer played at least that many contests at catcher, first, second and third base. He likely won't see as much action, even prorated based upon the expected shortened schedule, due to the depth in Cincy. But Farmer's catcher eligibility and the need with the condensed calendar for multi-position flexibility coupled with his impressive work in camp at shortstop makes him very worthwhile in NL-only leagues. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5

Kurt Suzuki, Nationals: Suzuki, who is a much better hitter than Yan Gomes, was scheduled to serve as the primary catcher for Max Scherzer and Anibal Sanchez during the regular season with Gomes slated to catch 4-5 times a week. But the condensed schedule could change that alignment, which also could be impacted if Gomes further declines as a hitter. Suzuki started the first two games of the season, as the Nationals appear to be favoring Suzuki's bat over Gomes' defensive abilities in the first couple games with Juan Soto out. We will need to see how this plays out when Soto returns. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

FIRST BASE 

Matt Adams, Braves: Adams exercised his opt-out clause with the Mets last Saturday, signing almost immediately with the Braves, where he spent part of the 2017 season. He will see most of his playing time at DH against righties with the occasional start at first base when Freddie Freeman needs a day off. Adams spent 2019 with the Nationals and posted a .226/.276/.465 slash line with 20 home runs in 111 games. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team NL: $9

Matt Beaty/Edwin Rios, Dodgers: Expanded rosters and strong summer camps allowed Beaty and Rios to break camp with the Dodgers. Beaty took advantage of several injuries to appear in 99 games for LA in 2019 while Rios managed a solid short stint in the majors last season and several strong campaigns in the minors. Max Muncy is starting at first and leading off for the Dodgers, but he could also play the keystone while the presence of the DH should allow both players to see some playing time. In addition, Beaty could see some time at the hot corner.  Both - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

Wilmer Flores/Darin Ruf/Pablo Sandoval/Austin Slater, Giants: Brandon Belt dealt with Achilles' tendon pain through summer camp resulting in him not making the Giants' Opening Day roster. San Francisco signed Flores to a two-year, $6 million deal in February after the Diamondbacks declined his club option earlier in the offseason. He figured to split time at second base with Mauricio Dubon, but now should see most of his at-bats at first - where he had seen plenty of playing time in the past - with Belt out, as well as maybe at third with Evan Longoria out. Flores should be in the lineup nearly every day with Belt and Longoria sidelined. Ruf also made the team but he is a righty, like Flores, which could limit his playing time - although he has a .299/.379/.542 career line against lefties. Belt's absence also allowed Slater, who is dealing with a bruised right hip, to make the roster and possibly also see action at first base. The big winner also is Sandoval, who looked like an extreme longshot to make the roster coming off injury but should see steady playing time at both corner spots early on with Belt and Longoria out. Belt and Longoria both are expected back Thursday, impacting Ruf's, Sandoval's and Slater's value. Flores - 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Ruf/Slater - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3; Sandoval - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Logan Morrison, Brewers: Morrison, on the Brewers' 30-man roster, provides depth at first base and DH. Barring injury, he is unlikely to see much time over Justin Smoak, but he gives Milwaukee another lefty bat in the lineup when needed. Given his recent history – one good year the past five seasons – don't spend a lot of dollars on Morrison. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

SECOND BASE

Derek Dietrich/Eduardo Nunez/Edmundo Sosa: Similar to the catchers above, teams have added backup middle infielders to their 30-man rosters. The list includes players in Chicago, New York and St. Louis. Dietrich exercised the opt-out clause in his contract and was released by the Reds on Jul. 20, signing with the Cubs this past Thursday. He will battle Jason Kipnis for utility playing time and possible at bats in the outfield. Nunez enjoyed solid campaigns in 2016 and 2017, but his production fell off dramatically from there, resulting in him getting just a non-roster invite to the Mets this spring. He parlayed that chance into a spot on the 30-man roster and could see time at second and third base. Sosa made the roster thanks to his solid spring training and summer camp with respect to his defensive versatility and contact rate at the plat. He has experience filling in at second base, third base and shortstop, with his most extensive experience coming at the latter position. All - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Ty France, Padres, France is slated to start at DH against southpaws. The righty slugger hit .346/.413/.684 with 12 home runs in 150 plate appearances against lefties in the Pacific Coast League last year. Overall, he posted a posting a .399/.477/.770 slash line with 27 home runs, showing that he could also hit righties. France can play second and third base, so a hot start could earn him at-bats at multiple positions in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Enrique Hernandez/Chris Taylor, Dodgers: Gavin Lux, penciled in as LA's starting second baseman, reported to camp late on Jul. 10 and was optioned to the alternate site location. Filling in at the keystone in his absence will largely be Hernandez and Taylor with a smidge of Max Muncy mixed in.  Hernandez struggled at times last season, but still posted 17 home runs and 64 runs batted in over 414 at-bats. The mechanical adjustments Hernandez made to his swing over the offseason appeared to pay off in Cactus League play, as he posted a .300/.323/.667 slash line with three home runs and nine RBI before spring training was suspended. Before Lux was sent down, Hernandez figured to reprise his role as a super-utility player. But he got the start opening Day, going 4-for-5 with a home run. Taylor, who also can play multiple positions, saw his production decline substantially in 2018 after his brilliant 2017 campaign. He was having a solid rebound year last season before a broken arm cut into his playing time. Concerning, though, was his decline in exit velocity and power numbers coupled with a rise in strikeouts. Taylor still should see solid playing time, but a tick below Hernandez. In addition, keep in mind that Lux will be back at some point, impacting both players. Hernandez - 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14; Taylor - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Zach McKinstry, Dodgers, McKinstry is a name to keep in mind and put in your pocket. He turned heads throughout spring training and summer camp, but LA chose to move him to their alternate training site for the start of the season. A 33rd round pick in 2016, McKinstry earned a spot on the team's 40-man roster with a breakthrough 2019 campaign at Double and Triple-A. He played double-digit games at second base, shortstop, third base and the outfield, which is likely a hint at his future deployment when he is promoted, described as just an "injury away". 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

THIRD BASE

Johan Camargo/Austin Riley, Braves: Josh Donaldson, Atlanta's third baseman last season, signed with Minnesota, leaving a hole at the hot corner. Camargo, the starter at third in 2017, and Riley, who moved from third to left field last season, were battling this spring to fill that spot. Originally, the loser was expected to head to Triple-A Gwinnett. But with MLB having slightly expanded rosters, the presence of the DH and both players having fine springs, each opened the season in Atlanta. Camargo (hamstring) is limited by injury, leaving Riley as the clear starter for Opening Day. Manager Brian Snitker has consistently indicated both Riley and Camargo will receive starts at the hot corner, but a good start likely would secure regular more consistent chances. Riley fell off after a brilliant debut after the league caught up to him, but he's got more upside than Camargo and is the clear add if choosing between the two.  Camargo - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Riley - 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

Phillip Evans, Pirates: Evans' versatility – he can play first, second and third base – and mild power potential earned him a spot on Pittsburgh's 30-man roster to start the year. He has previously struggled in the majors, but hit 17 home runs at Triple-A last season. Evans started at the hot corner Saturday and could play against southpaws, giving Colin Moran a day off. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Jedd Gyorko/Eric Sogard, Brewers: Gyorko and Sogard will open the season as a platoon at the hot corner for the Brewers. Injuries limited Gyorko to 62 games last season and contributed to him finishing his 2019 campaign with St. Louis and Los Angeles with a lowly .498 OPS. But Gyorko showed in the past when healthy he can be productive and versatile by playing several positions. Sogard, who played in Milwaukee in 2017 and 2018, brings a strong on-base average and could bat leadoff for the Brewers when in the lineup. Both will battle Brock Holt and possibly Ryon Healy for at-bats now that the season has begun, but initially, Gyroko and Sogard will man the spot while Gyorko could see time at other positions. Gyorko - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4; Sogard - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7

Sean Rodriguez, Marlins: Rodriguez was promoted Friday with Jorge Alfaro landing on the disabled list due to COVID-19. S-Rod could pick up time all over the diamond, but his bat leaves much to be desired, so the hitting numbers could be a bit empty. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

SHORTSTOP

Andres Gimenez, Mets: Gimenez's inclusion this week, as it was a month ago when first profiled, is more for keeper leagues. The expanded rosters and lack of minor-league season resulted in him joining the parent club to start the season. His bat is behind his glove, but Gimenez could see time at second base and shortstop as a backup to Robinson Cano and Amed Rosario. He may provide most of his impact as a late-inning defensive replacement or as a pinch runner given above-average speed, limiting his value this year. For those leagues who can pick up and stash Gimenez, as well as other minor-league prospects once they hit the majors, this season could be a gold mine. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Nico Hoerner, Cubs: Hoerner, selected in the first round of 2018, made his major-league debut last season as an emergency call-up with Javier Baez and Addison Russell sidelined. This season, he opens the year as the Cubs' starting second sacker, supported by Jason Kipnis, who will see the occasional start at the position. In addition, Hoerner could earn occasional action in center field and fill in at short if Javier Baez is not in the lineup. Hoerner projects to hit 15-20 home runs in the future and steal 8-10 bases, but for now, look for him to hit second in the order and provide solid across-the-board production. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

OUTFIELD

Albert Almora, Cubs: Almora's strong summer camp – both at the plate and on the bases – coupled with his superior defensive ability was originally thought to possibly gives him the edge over Ian Happ in center field for Chicago. In addition, Happ could see time at DH, opening the door for Almora to add at-bats. Don't look for much power or speed from Almora, who might be a decent source of runs if he hits towards the upper part of the batting order. But Happ got the nod in center field the first games of the season, so temper your expectations of Almora - at least initially. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Aristides Aquino/Charlie Culberson/Jaylin Davis/Ben Gamel/Kyle Garlick/Phil Gosselin/Jason Martin/Joe McCarthy: Fourth, fifth and sixth outfielder roles have been earned on several teams with 30-man rosters. Clubs that have added players to fill those spots were in Cincinnati. Atlanta, San Francisco, Milwaukee, Philadelphia (2x) and Pittsburgh. Aquino failed to make the Reds' Opening Day roster but was promoted Saturday with Matt Davidson landing on the IL due to COVID-19. Davidson, who is also right-handed, served as the designated hitter against southpaw Matthew Boyd, a role Aquino could potentially fill against lefties in his absence. It's unclear if Aquino will remain once Davidson returns. Culberson gives Alanta defensive flexibility, but won't provide much at the plate. Davis (vs. lefties) and McCarthy (vs. righties) could platoon in right field with Hunter Pence serving as the Giants' DH, at least until the team is healthy. Once Brandon Belt and Evan Longoria are back in action, SF will have a myriad of DH options, possibly pushing Pence to play right field almost daily - presuming his foot can withstand the running. Davis's forte is power, seen in his home run Friday, and he does possess some speed, making him more likely to carve out a bigger role than McCarthy. Gamel played in 134 games last season but wasn't guaranteed to break camp this spring. But with rosters expanding and the universal DH allowing Ryan Braun to see plenty of time in that role, Gamel was able to lock up a roster spot. He will technically be Milwaukee's fifth outfielder, but could slot more often then expected into all three outfield spots. Garlick might see the occasional start in CF to give Andrew McCutchen a day off while Gosselin provides the Phillies solid defense and versatility, but won't help much from the batter's box despite his two home runs Saturday. Martin surpassed 20 steals and 20 homers in the minors and stolen bases seem to be his most likely area to help in fantasy leagues, now that he's recovered from offseason shoulder surgery.  All but Davis and Gamel - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3; Davis - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Gamel - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Yoenis Cespedes, Mets: Cespedes is profiled again as he opened the season as the Mets' starting DH. Manager Luis Rojas said he hopes to use Cespedes in the field, but we likely will see Yo see most of his playing time at designated hitter. He has been told by team trainers to run at just 80 percent, which also will limit his time in the field, but he is healthy enough to hit and run the bases while batting in the middle of what should be a potent Mets' batting order. Cespedes is in the final year of the four-year contract he signed with the Mets and his desire to earn another big deal should prove to be a motivating factor. He got off to a good start with a home run for the only run of the game Opening Day. 12-team Mixed: $7, 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22 (slightly upped bid from prior)

Adam Duvall, Braves: Duvall should receive most of his playing time against lefties, but could see some starts against righties. Marcell Ozuna will see action at DH against lefties and left field versus righties with the recently signed Matt Adams starting at DH against righties - at least initially. Johan Camargo and Austin Riley could also be in the mix in left field, but Duvall - who homered Saturday - is one of the primary beneficiaries of Nick Markakis deciding to opt out of the 2020 season. Duvall blasted 32 home runs in the minors and 10 in 130 plate appearances after getting called up to Atlanta last season. He played corner infielder while coming up through the Giants' system, so is likely the first option at first if Freddie Freeman needs a day off while also seeing the occasional game in right field. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Trent Grisham, Padres, Grisham, acquired from Milwaukee in the Luis Urias trade, should start in center field - at least against righties - for San Diego. A strong camp gives him a shot – at least initially – to also play against southpaws. Edward Olivares is available if Grisham proves incapable of hitting lefties, but manager Jayce Tringler may give Grisham a bit of a leash to remain in the lineup. He has a good eye at the plate, along with some power and speed, and could hit towards the top of the Padres' order. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

Garrett Hampson, Rockies: Hampson, who provides speed to the Colorado lineup, was battling for a bench spot when spring training concluded. Brendan Rodgers, who was in the mix, was sent down to the alternate camp just prior to the season starting, creating the potential for additional at bats. Chris Owings made the team, but Hampson should see somewhat regular time at the keystone as starter Ryan McMahon should cover first base when Daniel Murphy serves as the DH. In addition, Hampson could start in left or center field against southpaws with David Dahl, Sam Hilliard and/or Raimel Tapia sitting. Hampson was brilliant last September, hitting five homers, scoring 16 runs and stealing nine bases while batting .318, so we know what he can do with consistent playing time. Now the question is if he will get it. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 

Adam Haseley/Roman Quinn, Phillies: Haseley, the eighth overall pick in 2017, made the jump to the majors last season despite playing just 18 games at Triple-A and held his own, posting a .266/.324/.396 slash line in 67 games. That performance at the plate coupled with his solid play defensively was expected to be given the chance to prove he's worthy of an everyday role this season in center field. But on Opening Day, it will be Quinn in center field even though a righty, Sandy Alcantara, is on the hill. Quinn made his major-league debut in 2016, but decent contact, plenty of speed and far too many injuries have limited him to 109 games. His career .243/.321/.382 slash line is unimpressive, but 23 steals provide a fair amount of upside. Haseley projects to be a fourth outfielder, so the position may be split as a platoon, though it's not yet fully clear how the playing will be divided. Haseley - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Quinn - 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Jesse Winker, Reds: Winker looks to be a starter for Cincinnati at either DH or outfield against righties and sitting versus lefties, as he did Opening Day. He spent much of the shutdown working on improving his foot to be a better outfielder. Phillip Ervin should start in left field against southpaws with Winker on the larger side of the platoon. Last season, Winker showed a surprising uptick in power, but we will need to see him repeat that output before we view that as the norm and not an aberration. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11