NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

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.

Bids in general are best guesstimates. With so much uncertainty at least initially, those values may be even greater estimates than usual. The FAAB chart below lets users easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The chart, which is 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. An "A" grade is reserved for a high-impact prospect stepping into an everyday role.

If you have questions on players, I'm happy to provide my thoughts in the comments.

STARTING PITCHER

Alec Bettinger, Brewers: Bettinger, called up this week from the Brewers' alternate training site, is scheduled to start Sunday against the Dodgers with Corbin Burnes sidelined likely due to COVID-19 protocols. Selected in the 10th round in 2017, Bettinger spent 2019 at Double-A Biloxi and posted a 3.44 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 157:35 K:BB over 146.1 innings while pitching at the alternate site last season. He'll likely get sent down when Burnes returns until he remains over Eric Lauer, who started with Zack Godley (finger) sidelined. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

Miguel Diaz, Padres: The Padres' rotation is like a M.A.S.H. unit with Chris Paddack landing on the injured list for an unspecified reason Friday. To fill that spot, Diaz's contract was selected by San Diego. He started spring training as a non-roster invitee, but was sent to minor-league camp in early March. Now up in the majors, Diaz could be an option to fill in as a starter in Paddack's or Ryan Weathers' (arm) spot. San Diego has not given any indication MacKenzie Gore would be a candidate to fill in for either pitcher. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

Elieser Hernandez, Marlins: Hernandez, who left his first start of the year in the third inning with biceps tendon inflammation, tossed his first bullpen session Wednesday. This is a significant milestone, but he still has to build up his pitch count and will likely appear in rehab games before returning to the active roster. Hernandez's stuff screams major upside, but his limited innings last year means he is unlikely to pitch much more than 100 this year presuming he is able to stay healthy. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: Rostered (same as prior weeks) 

Eric Lauer, Brewers: Lauer, making his first start of the season after Zack Godley was placed on the IL with a bruised finger, beat the Dodgers on Thursday going five innings and permitting no runs on four hits and two walks with three strikeouts. After league-average type seasons starting for San Diego in 2018 and 2019, Lauer only made four appearances last year for Milwaukee, including two starts where he was hit hard. He could stick over Godley or could pitch out of the Brewers' bullpen. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Jon Lester, Nationals: Lester, signed to a one-year deal by Washington this offseason, was activated from the COVID-19 IL list to start against Miami on Friday. He tossed five scoreless innings, scattering five hits and a pair of walks while striking out one and throwing 70 pitches. After a solid 2018 season albeit with a FIP a run higher than his ERA, Lester's regression really started in 2019 and cratered last year by turning in a career-worst 5.16 ERA across 61 innings mirroring his 5.13 FIP. His fastball velo dropped each season from 2016 (92.1) to 2020 (89.1), partially contributing to his struggles. Despite those issues, look for Lester to remain in the Nats' rotation, using guile while mixing up his pitches as he looks to notch the seven victories he needs for 200 in his career. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Riley Smith, Diamondbacks: Smith could slot into the Arizona rotation to replace Taylor Widener, who is out with a groin injury. Smith tossed four-plus innings Wednesday, allowing three runs and six hits with all the damage occurring in the fifth inning. The Diamondbacks have an off-day Monday, which would have been Widener's next turn, so manager Torey Lovullo has some wiggle room before making a decision. If Smith is skipped for that turn in the rotation, look for him to be used in long relief. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

RELIEF PITCHER

Tejay Antone/Sean Doolittle, Reds: Antone, a 2014 fifth-round pick, burst on the scene last spring while upping the velo on his fastball by 5-6 mph to 96-97 mph thanks to offseason weight lifting. He rode that increased velocity and elite spin of his 80-mph curveball and 84-mph slider to a 2.80 ERA and 20.6 K-BB% over 13 appearances (four starts) during the regular season. Antone dealt with a strained hip this spring, but broke camp with the team to be used in a multi-inning role out of the bullpen. He has been the team's best and most consistent reliever, but could close with both Amir Garrett and Lucas Sims slumping - as he did Friday notching his first career save. Antone has surrendered just one earned run on four hits with a 20:6 K:BB in 14.2 innings. He also fired three scoreless innings without giving up a hit, walking two batters and striking out three to earn his first major-league win over the Dodgers on Monday. If Antone doesn't close, Doolittle, and his 4.66 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 9.2 innings across 11 appearances could get a chance. Doolittle, who was ineffective in 2019 and injured last year, has notched a pair of wins and a save aided by a three MPH rise in his fastball and is the primary lefty in Cincy's bullpen. Antone - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14; Doolittle - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

David Bednar, Pirates: Bednar, acquired from San Diego in the Joe Musgrove deal, has the makings of a future closer. He has gotten off to a strong start in Pittsburgh by allowing two runs – both on solo homers – with an 11:3 K:BB in 9.2 innings. Bednar relies on his 96-mph fastball to retire hitters while pitching mainly in the seventh inning setting up Kyle Crick in the eighth and Richard Rodriguez in the ninth. If either Crick or Rodriguez are traded, Bednar will move into a more prominent role. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Archie Bradley/Sam Coonrod, Phillies: Bradley, out since Apr. 10 with a strained left oblique, took a step forward in his return by throwing in the outfield Friday. The next step will be a short bullpen session, which means he is likely still a few weeks away. With Bradley out, Coonrod allowed a walk and struck out one in one inning to earn the save Friday while Hector Neris was rested after pitching three of the previous four days. The 28-year-old right-hander has a 1.50 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 13:2 K:BB with two holds and blown saves across 12 innings and 11 appearances this season. Neris lost Saturday's game but has been lights out this year, relegating Bradley, Coonrod and Jose Alvarado to setup duty. Bradley - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4; Coonrod - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Stefan Crichton/Chris Devenski/Joakim Soria, Diamondbacks: Crichton has recorded a save in three of his last four appearances, which have come over an 11-day span. He finished 2020 as Arizona's closer, notching five saves and posting a 2.42 ERA across 26 innings. The Diamondbacks brought in Joakim Soria during the offseason with both players struggling this spring and neither named as the closer while Soria strained his left calf the first Sunday of the season. Devenski posted the team's first save before blowing his next chance and then landed on the restricted list due to a family issue. He now is back to factor in the mix while Soria is pitching in simulated games and taking fielding practice at the alternate site. If Crichton can continue to show consistency, Arizona's closer-by-committee situation may be his with Soria next in line when he returns followed by Devenski. Crichton - 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (based on him closing); Devenski - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Soria - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (up if he closes)

Mychal Givens, Rockies: After allowing two runs on Opening Day, Givens has been lights out in the Colorado bullpen surrendering just one run on six hits with a 10:0 K:BB ratio on 9.2 innings over his last 10 appearances. The part-time closer for Baltimore in 2018-19, Givens could get a chance to fill a similar role for the Rockies with last year's surprise Daniel Bard scuffling. Bard has mainly been hurt by walks and solo home runs, blowing two saves while allowing runs in four of his last five appearances. No change is imminent, but Givens is next in line. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (closer spec bid)

Tim Hill, Padres: Hill, acquired from the Royals prior to the 2020 season, has taken on a higher role in the Padres' bullpen. He notched his fifth hold Friday and has allowed only two earned runs over 12.2 frames this season while registering an impressive 17:4 K:BB. With his funky delivery and heavy-sinker approach, Hill keeps the ball on the ground and normally is death to lefties but is strafed by righties, though this year, his splits have been reversed. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (value mainly in leagues that use holds) 

Seth Lugo, Mets: Lugo, who underwent surgery to remove a loose body from his elbow in mid-February, has now thrown multiple bullpen seasons in the past week. He was initially given a mid-May timeline and remains on that schedule, although he might return a week later. Lugo was brilliant out of the pen as a multi-inning weapon last year. And after starting in that role last season, he was moved back to the rotation where he faltered. When Lugo returns, he will be part of the set-up crew in front of Edwin Diaz, where his fastball gets a spike in velocity and his curveball enables him to strike out hitters at a high rate. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same early spec return bid) 

Devin Williams, Brewers: Williams, NL Rookie of the Year and top reliever last season, got off to a horrific start to the season but has righted the ship of late. He allowed runs in three of his first appearances, resulting in him being utilized in low-leveraged situations. Williams has found his form, surrendering just one run in his last seven appearances while notching holds in five straight as he resumed his role as setup man in front of Josh Hader. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: Rostered

CATCHER 

Victor Caratini/Austin Nola, Padres: Nola, sidelined since Mar. 14 with a fractured middle finger on his (left) catching hand and profiled the last few weeks, was activated from the injured list Wednesday but will share time behind the plate with Caratini for the time being. He hit .271/.347/.461 with 17 home runs and 59 RBI over the last two years with both the Mariners and Padres and still has some swelling in the finger that he will need to play through. Caratini, acquired from the Cubs this offseason, came into Saturday's game slashing .230/.333/.311 with 11 RBI and a 30.6 percent strikeout rate but did manage 11 home runs in 2018 and has done a solid job catching San Diego's pitching staff. Caratini - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: Rostered; Nola - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18

William Contreras/Alex Jackson, Braves: Contreras and Jackson are included in this week's column because Travis d'Arnaud left Saturday's game and landed on the injured list with an apparent left hand/thumb injury suffered on a tag play at the plate. Though no specifics are known, Atlanta manager Brian Snitker described the injury as "not good". With TdA sidelined, recently called-up Contreras and Jackson will split time behind the plate for Atlanta. Jackson, despite his poor start to the season, is likely to be the main man at catcher due to his Triple-A experience while Contreras will back up having played at Double-A Mississippi in 2019 and recording 10 plate appearances for the Braves last season. Contreras - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3; Jackson - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Mario Feliciano/Luke Maile/Manny Pina, Brewers: Omar Narvaez will miss two weeks with a strained left hamstring. Filling in for Narvaez at catcher will be some combination of Feliciano and Maile until Pina returns Friday from a fractured toe. Feliciano has only played three Double-A games and none at the Triple-A level, meaning he will likely back up Maile and head back down when Pina is activated. Feliciano - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3; Maile - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4; Pina - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Andrew Knizner/Ali Sanchez, Cardinals: With Yadier Molina sidelined at least another week with a foot injury, Knizner will be the Cardinals' primary catcher. Molina's hot start has limited Knizner's playing time, but the 26-year-old now gets a chance to show what he can do behind and at the plate. He posted solid numbers in the high minors in 2018 and 2019, resulting in him getting a look see in 2019 and last year. Once Yadi returns, Knizner will return to his role as backup and catcher of the future. Sanchez, who played with the Mets last season, joined the Cardinals in spring training and was called up when Molina was placed on the IL. He will serve as the backup catcher while Molina is out. Knizner - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (higher in dynasty leagues); Sanchez - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3 

Daulton Varsho, Diamondbacks: Varsho failed to earn a roster spot this spring, but was recalled by the Diamondbacks on Wednesday with Kole Calhoun (hamstring strain) landing on the injured list. Calhoun will be sidelined for around 6-8 weeks after undergoing a procedure to excise the left semitendinosus tendon in his left hamstring Friday. Varsho, who qualifies at catcher in most leagues, Pavin Smith, Wyatt Mathisen and Nick Heath should see time in right field while Calhoun is unavailable, although Varsho has so far been limited to pinch-hitting duties. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (due to catcher eligibility)

FIRST BASE 

Matt Adams, Rockies: Adams, who hit at least 20 homers each season from 2017-19, had his contract selected by the Rockies on Thursday. After signing a minor-league deal with Colorado in late March, he joins the major-league club as part of a shuffle after outfielder Sam Hilliard was sent down. Adams appeared in 16 games for Atlanta last year and hit .184 with two home runs and nine RBI. He should mainly serve in a depth role for Colorado, used largely as a pinch-hitter while starting occasionally at first base or left field and possibly seeing time at DH in AL parks. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Pavin Smith, Diamondbacks: Smith, drafted as a first baseman in the first round in 2017 and profiled last week, is in line for additional playing time with Kole Calhoun sidelined for 6-8 weeks. With outfielders Tim Locastro (finger) and Ketel Marte (hamstring) and first baseman Christian Walker (oblique) unavailable, Smith was playing center field and first base. Now that Calhoun had joined them in the infirmary, Smith should continue to start almost every day at either first base, left or center field. Daulton Varsho, called up when Calhoun went down, and Wyatt Mathisen will also see playing time in the outfield, although Locastro and Walker could be back Tuesday. Smith's lack of power limits his upside potential and likely will relegate him back to the bench when Arizona gets back their injured players. But for now, he gets another spike in at-bats and playing time. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 

Christian Walker, Diamondbacks: Walker, out with a strained oblique, was to appear in games at the D-Backs alternate site this weekend. Presuming he has not setbacks. Walker – rostered in 46 percent of CBS Sports leagues – could be activated Tuesday. Pavin Smith, who had done a solid job filling in for Walker before Arizona lost three outfielders, will continue to start in center or left field with Asdrubal Cabrera and Josh Rojas most in danger of ceding at-bats. Walker hit 29 home runs his first season in the Desert in 2018 and will resume his role as starting first baseman once active. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: Rostered

Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals: Zimmerman earned a slight uptick in playing time earlier this past week with Josh Bell slumping, but Bell started to show signs of life homering Thursday and Saturday. If Bell's two games are an aberration after a delayed start to the campaign due to COVID-19 protocols, then Zimmerman - who opted out last year and last had a solid full campaign in 2017 - could see increased usage at first base. Zimmerman's off to a strong start and could start at DH when the Nationals are in AL parks. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7 

SECOND BASE

Isan Diaz, Marlins: Diaz, in contention for the starting role at second base during spring training, lost the job to Jazz Chisholm and was called up this week after Chisholm was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain. He should be in the lineup towards the bottom of the order while starting at second base nearly daily. In addition, Jose Devers could also see a slight uptick in playing time while Chisholm is sidelined. Díaz, part of the Christian Yelich trade, has just over 200 plate appearances at the big-league level and has struck out in 29.6 percent of those with a .174/.251/.294 line to show for it. He offers both stolen-base ability and power at the minor-league level with a patient approach at the plate, but also with a lot of strikeouts around the walks and extra-base hits and likely is only up until Chisholm returns. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Nick Maton/Brad Miller, Phillies: Maton and Miller continue to start at the keystone with Jean Segura sidelined. Maton, a lefty batter, initially played a handful of games at short for Didi Gregorius, but has seen most his action at second. Miller has seen some starts at the keystone while also seeing action in left field due to Andrew McCutchen's struggles at the plate. If Cutch doesn't pick it soon, he could start only versus left-handed pitchers while Miller, who has a little pop in his bat, goes against righties. Maton - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7; Miller - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped bid based on potential for increased playing time)

Jose Peraza, Mets: Peraza was promoted, demoted and promoted again this past week, but should stay with the Mets for the time being with Luis Guillorme (strained oblique) landing on the injured list. He will likely be used primarily as a pinch runner and backup infielder for now. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

THIRD BASE

J.D. Davis/Jonathan Villar, Mets: Davis's defense at the hot corner continues to be an issue, but his hot bat has kept him in the lineup. Despite all the work he's done to improve his defense, that side of his game remains a problem. But if Davis is able to rake at the plate like he is, the Mets will live with his defensive issues and possibly replace him late in games. He batted .307/.369/.527 with 22 homers in 2019, but posted a .761 OPS last season. Davis's hot start gave him more of a hold on the role, but he was removed Saturday against the Phillies with a sprained left hand. If that injury keeps him out and with Luis Guillorme landing on the IL Friday with a strained oblique, look for Jonathan Villar to start at either third or second depending on where Jeff McNeil is deployed. Villar, coming off a brutal 2020 in both Miami and Toronto, signed with the Mets in February. He filled at third while Davis was out earlier this year. When Davis is in the lineup, Villar is a super-utility player with stolen base potential off the bench. 12-team Mixed: $18 (if healthy); 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team-NL: Rostered; Villar - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team-NL: $7 (stolen base potential) 

SHORTSTOP

Alex Blandino, Reds: Blandino broke camp with the Reds and has remained with the team even after landing on the injured list, as he was activated in mid-April when Mike Moustakas was sidelined. He is filling a utility infield role for Cincy, playing first, second, third or left. Blandino, a 2014 first-round pick, doesn't have a high ceiling but is serviceable depth in NL-only leagues - especially ones using on-base percentage. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $4

Brendan Rodgers, Rockies: Rodgers, sidelined since Mar. 1 with a strained right hamstring strain, continues to progress towards a return from the injured list and began running Thursday. While his return has been slower than hoped, there have been no reports of any setbacks. There is still no timetable for Rodgers' return, but he's already taken batting practice and fielding drills. In his absence, Garrett Hampson and Ryan McMahon have manned the position, but Hampson also starts in center field and McMahon could switch to third to displace Josh Fuentes when Rodgers returns. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same early spec return bid as three weeks ago) 

Josh Rojas, Diamondbacks:  Rojas, profiled last week, gets another mention as he continues to make the most of his recent uptick in playing time. He homered for the third straight game Saturday and is 13-for-33 with four home runs and nine runs driven in over his last 13 games. Rojas parlayed a hot spring to open the season as Arizona's starting shortstop with Nick Ahmed (knee) sidelined. He failed to hit, resulting in pine time that dried up even more when Ahmed returned. Ahmed has struggled mightily at the plate, while Rojas is seeing time at second, short and in the outfield. When Christian Walker and Tim Locastro return this week, playing time will get tighter, but Rojas has earned the right to remain on the field - likely at shortstop. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped bid from prior week, go higher if think he replaces Ahmed)

OUTFIELD 

Shogo Akiyama, Reds: Akiyama, sidelined with a strained left hamstring, is playing in scrimmages at the Reds' alternate training site. Presuming there are no setbacks, he could return to active duty this week although that isn't set in stone. Akiyama's first year in the US and majors last season went far worse than expected - save for a decent on-base average - as his power and speed left a lot to be desired. Once activated, he would likely serve as the Reds' fourth or fifth outfielder. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $5 (same bid as prior weeks) 

Harrison Bader, Cardinals: Bader, out since spring training with a strained forearm and profiled the last few weeks, gets mentioned again as he was activated from the injured list and started Friday. Originally slated to miss four weeks, Bader needed close to six to return to game action. Dylan Carlson had handled most of the starts in center in Bader absence, but the latter's defense should allow to him to regain his starting spot with Carlson shifting to right and Tyler O'Neill in left. But if Bader hits as he did in 2019 and last year, Carlson could slide back to center with Justin Williams filling in at right field. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team-NL: $9 (slightly upped return bid) 

Steven Duggar/Monte Harrison/Mark Payton/Pablo Reyes, Reds: The Giants, Marlins, Reds and Brewers called up fourth/fifth outfielders this week. Duggar, up earlier this season, was recalled this week by San Francisco. He will see time at all three outfield spots but is at risk of being sent down when Mike Yastrzemski possibly returns May 7. Harrison boasts tremendous raw skills and talent, but has been unable to transfer them to on-field production. A second-round pick by Milwaukee in 2014 who came to Miami in the Christian Yelich deal, Harrison struck out in over half of his 51 plate appearances in his major-league debut last season while hitting just .170/.235/.255, but still managed to steal six bases. He'll likely fill a bench role during his time with Miami. Payton, who has not impressed in his brief stints in the majors, was called up Friday to replace Jonathan India on the roster who landed on the injured list for undisclosed reasons. Reyes, called up Monday, could see time at third and the outfield but is at risk of being sent down once either Lorenzo Cain or Christian Yelich are ready to return. Reyes only hit .229/.295/.368 in 89 games for the Pirates in 2018 and 2019 and did not get into a game last season. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $4

Odubel Herrera, Phillies: Herrera, who lost his 40-man roster spot following his 2019 domestic violence suspension, failed to win an Opening Day roster spot following a mediocre spring. With Adam Haseley sidelined due to personal reasons, Roman Quinn first slumping at the plate and now out with COVID-19 and Mickey Moniak not really ready for prime time, the Phillies recalled Herrera Monday. Even if Herrera only plays as well as he did in 2017-18 when his regression in walk rate resulted in his decline as compared to what he posted his first two seasons in Philly, the Phillies will have a solid starting center fielder. Herrera is just 1-for-17 in this current stint with the team, so tread a bit lightly until you see more from him at the dish. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team-NL: $7

Cristian Pache, Braves: Pache broke camp with the Braves, but landed on the injured list in mid-April with a left groin strain and was sent down after being reinstated. However, he rejoined the major-league roster Saturday after Guillermo Heredia (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day IL. Pache, who struggled before he was sidelined, started in center field Saturday and blasted his first career home run - a grand slam. His hitting has always been his worst tool while his center field defense is a game-changing weapon, which should keep him in the lineup. Pache does have a little pop in his bat, which we saw Saturday and should start almost daily with Heredia and Ender Inciarte sidelined. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team-NL: $14

Mike Tauchman, Giants: Tauchman was traded to the Giants on Tuesday in exchange for Wandy Peralta. That swamp moves Tauchman from one crowded outfielder to another, although he should start against righties at a minimum for San Francisco - especially in center field while Mike Yastrzemski recovers from an oblique injury. Tauchman is now two years removed from 2019's breakout .277/.361/.504, 13 home run, 47 RBI effort, but he gets a chance at steady play - which wasn't the case in New York. Besides the potential power, he could be a sneaky source of speed with a solid on-base average due to his plate discipline. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team-NL: $22

Ka'ai Tom, Pirates:  Tom, a Rule 5 pick this past offseason by Oakland from Cleveland, was claimed off waivers from the A's last week but wasn't immediately added to the 26-man active roster while he waited to clear COVID-19 intake testing protocols. Activated this past week, he should see time in left and especially center field after Pittsburgh recently booted Dustin Fowler and Anthony Alford from its 40-man roster. Bryan Reynolds will start daily at one of the two spots while Tom manning the other, especially with Phillip Evans playing third and Ke'Bryan Hayes (wrist) still sidelined. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $5