NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

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

Injury activations/updates

Clay Buchholz, Diamondbacks: Buchholz made the most of his seven starts for Arizona, notching a 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 31:7 K:BB in 38 innings before he was sidelined with a strained left oblique. His injury coincided with the return of Shelby Miller from Tommy John surgery, allowing Miller to step back into the rotation. Miller now is dealing elbow inflammation, creating an opening as the team's fifth starter. Buchholz covered six innings for High-A Visalia in his rehab start Thursday against Inland Empire. He gave up two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out six and could be activated Tuesday to face the Cubs in Miller's rotation spot. Buchholz joined Arizona on a minor-league deal in early May after being let go by the Royals, posting a 2.93 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 27.2 innings (five starts) between Double-A and Triple-A to earn the promotion. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Julio Urias, Dodgers: Urias could be ready to return from the 60-day disabled list in 3-to-5 weeks. He faced live hitters for the first time during his rehab process last Wednesday with his fastball sitting between 88-92 mph, a tick below his 93.1 average in the majors before he was sidelined. Urias, who will return as a starter -- not a reliever -- has thrown a pair of simulated games and should head out on a rehab assignment shortly. Los Angeles' top pitching prospect when he was promoted in 2016, Urias showed flashes of what made him so special in his 77 innings pitched that season. After opening 2017 in the minors, Urias got the nod early in the year, pitching well his first few starts. But after he struggled and was sent to the minors, shoulder soreness shut him down. Urias underwent successful left anterior capsule surgery June of last season. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (slightly upped stash bid)

Max Fried, Braves: Fried, sidelined since July 6 with a left middle finger blister, tossed 4.2 scoreless, no-hit innings for Triple-A Gwinnett in his rehab start Wednesday, striking out six while walking three in the 76-pitch outing. It looks like Atlanta will bring him back from the DL when a fifth member of the rotation is first needed July 24. Luiz Gohara is still having issues regaining his velocity. Including his two starts after his most recent callup before hitting the disabled list, Fried had a 3.38 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 34:16 K:BB in 32 innings across seven career starts in the majors but a 4.29 ERA, 3.22 FIP, 1.37 WHIP and 51:19 K:BB in 50.1 innings (nine starts) at Triple-A this year. With Brandon McCarthy sidelined with a knee injury and Mike Soroka out with a shoulder injury, Fried, who has two plus pitches in his fastball and curveball, could stick in the Atlanta rotation if he is called up and pitches well. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Drew Smyly, Cubs: Smyly will throw a pair of sim games on Sunday and Thursday. He missed all of 2017 after suffering an elbow injury during the spring that ultimately required Tommy John surgery in June of that year. The Cubs signed Smyly to a two-year deal in December, knowing he likely would miss nearly the entire season and be ready for the 2019 season. As we noted in our pre-season outlook, "his respectable career marks of a 3.74 ERA and 8.7 K/9 made him worth holding onto in deep keeper leagues." Smyly expects to start a minor-league rehab assignment near the end of the month and could join Chicago sometime in August and possibly see a handful of starts down the stretch. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (stash candidate)

Homer Bailey, Reds: Bailey, sidelined with right knee inflammation since the beginning of June, made his sixth rehab appearance -- fifth start -- for Triple-A Louisville last Friday, allowing four earned runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out 10 in six innings, throwing 65 of his 100 pitches for strikes. After deliberating using Bailey in the bullpen, he worked as a starter for his last two rehab appearances. He will rejoin the Reds, replacing Sal Romano in the rotation, Tuesday against the Cardinals. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Chad Bettis, Rockies: Bettis, sidelined since the beginning of the month with a blister on his right middle finger, made a rehab start at Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday. Prior to being sidelined, Bettis was enduring another subpar year, posting a 5.10 ERA and 1.40 WHIP with a 69:38 K:BB over 95.1 innings in 17 starts this season. When Bettis is fully healthy, he likely will rejoin the Rockies' rotation, possibly as early as next weekend. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Jason Vargas, Mets: Vargas, sidelined since June 20 with a strained right calf, will return to action to start Tuesday against the Padres. He pitched well in his two outings for Brooklyn of the New York-Penn League, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out in six innings on July 14 after tossing six scoreless innings while striking out nine on July 9 for Brooklyn. Temper your enthusiasm, as the outing was against first- and second-year players. Vargas replaces Corey Oswalt as the team's fifth starter, but that switch isn't set in stone. But as noted the past few weeks, if you are a glutton for punishment and just haven't had enough of Vargas this year, this post is for you. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (same bid as prior week)

RELIEF PITCHER

Kirby Yates/Phil Maton/Craig Stammen/Matt Strahm/Kirby Yates, Padres: Yates, who was profiled last week, gets another mention, as he will take over as the Padres' closer following the trade of Brad Hand to the Indians. Setting up Hand, Yates had been brilliant again this season, posting a 1.43 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and 48:11 K:BB along with 16 holds in 37.2 innings after notching 20 holds in 2017 following his arrival in San Diego. At 31, Yates could also be traded before July 31. If a deal transpires, Maton, Stammen and Strahm will battle it out to close. Strahm, who pitched for Kansas City last year, is the sole lefty in the bunch and has posted a 2.34 ERA and 0.98 WHIP over 34.2 innings. Maton, the youngest of the triplet, has potential closer stuff with a heavy fastball and slider, but his command in the strike zone needs work. Stammen, the oldest by far in the group at 34, has a 2.91 ERA, 1:17 WHIP and 51:9 K:BB in 46.1 innings. He could be a stopgap but isn't the long-term answer if Yates is traded. Yates - 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: $24; Maton - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Stammen - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Strahm - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Jordan Hicks, Cardinals: Hicks notched the save last Sunday with Bud Norris unavailable due to an arm injury. Norris returned to log the save Saturday but has battled arm woes this year, and if St. Louis decides to be a mild seller, Norris could be dealt, opening the door for Hicks to take over as the closer. Hicks has hit a bit of a hiccup, allowing at least a run in each of his final four appearances before the All-Star break. The one bit of good news is that Hicks has greatly improved his command, walking just one batter in 7.1 innings this month, boding well for a return to early form. In addition, most of his free passes came earlier in the season, but his more frequent use and command of his slider has made his fastball tougher to hit with most of his K's coming lately. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18

Robert Gsellman/Seth Lugo, Mets:Jeurys Familia was traded to Oakland on Saturday, and one of these relievers could step into the job Familia is leaving behind. Brilliant early in the season, Gsellman has struggled the past two months, posting a 4.15 ERA, likely due to fatigue from his early-season work. He has notched four saves and might be the primary option to replace Familia. Bounced between starting and relieving, Lugo has excelled in both roles. Despite allowing two runs Friday, Lugo has a 2.79 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 74:24 K:BB in 71 innings. His hard-spinning curveball and solid fastball could earn him the closer role. Lugo owns the better skills and is the wiser choice to own, but I think Gsellman gets the first chance and deserves a bigger bid for that initial chance. Lugo - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (saves spec); Gsellman - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (saves spec)

Pedro Strop/Carl Edwards Jr./Steve Cishek/Justin Wilson, Cubs:Brandon Morrow landed back on the 10-day DL on Thursday, this time with right biceps inflammation. Because Morrow has had a history of arm injuries, the Cubs will be cautious with his return, though Morrow believes he will return when first eligible on July 25. With Morrow out, Chicago will deploy the "closer-by-committee" routine with Cishek, Edwards, Strop and Wilson all likely in the mix for saves. Edwards was in line for the save Thursday but faltered in the ninth and was replaced by Strop, who notched his third save of the year. Cishek was used to start the seventh and eighth inning with Wilson notching an out in the eighth before Edwards came in to get the last out of the inning. Strop has been excellent for the fifth straight season in Chicago but pitched in the seventh and eighth innings Saturday during a blown save. Still, he might be the first choice due to his previous experience. Edwards looks to be second in line, followed by Cishek and Wilson, especially if a lefty is at the plate in a one-run game or the tying run is on base in the ninth inning. Strop - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14; Edwards - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Cishek - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Wilson - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Injury activations/updates

CATCHER

Francisco Mejia, Padres: Mejia, one of the best prospects in baseball, was the haul San Diego acquired for Brad Hand and Adam Cimber. The Padres sent Mejia to Triple-A El Paso to continue his progression as a catcher, especially defensively. With Austin Hedges and A.J. Ellis crouching for the parent club, Mejia has two good role models to learn from defensively once he hits the majors. Across 79 games at Triple-A Columbus, Mejia slashed .279/.328/.426 with seven home runs and 45 RBI, and his bat is expected to work well in the big leagues, despite his struggles in two brief stints. Mejia might not be up until the rosters expand in September but is an ideal stash candidate if available. 12-team Mixed: Owned; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $11 (if can stash or keeper league)

Injury activations/updates

Manny Pina, Brewers: Pina, out since July 8 with a strained left biceps, was activated Friday. Prior to being sidelined, Pina had found his stroke at the plate a bit, albeit with little power. Pina has resumed his role as the Brewers' No. 1 catcher, backed up by Erik Kratz. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

FIRST BASE

Ryder Jones, Giants: Jones was promoted Friday when Brandon Belt was placed on the paternity list. Although Jones cracked a homer, his major-league stint lasted just one day as Belt came off the paternity list Saturday, sending Jones back to Triple-A Sacramento. Jones was hitting .299/.348/.447 with nine homers and 48 RBI through 81 games with Sacramento prior to his promotion. He flamed out in his first stint in the majors last season and struggled with strikeouts again in the minors this year, but perhaps he's worth being tucked away in some NL-only games. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3 (possible stash candidate)

Brandon Dixon, Reds: Dixon was called up to replace Alex Blandino, who was placed on the disabled list with a torn ACL. He hit .219/.265/.344 in 29 games for the Reds earlier in the season, appearing everywhere but catcher, shortstop and center field. Dixon will be used in a similar role during this stint in the majors. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Injury activations/updates

Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals: Zimmerman, sidelined since mid-May with an oblique injury and profiled last week, was activated Friday after a short rehab assignment. An improved launch angle coupled with strong exit velocity and improved health resulted in a career year in 2017. He blasted 36 home runs, drove in 108 runs and slashed 303/.358/.573 line en route to his best OPS (.930). This year has been a far cry from 2017, as Zim has struggled at the plate, looking like the 2016 rather than 2017 version of himself. Adjust your bids depending on which one you believe is the real Zimmerman. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22

SECOND BASE

Garrett Hampson, Rockies: Hampson was promoted and made his major-league debut at second Saturday, replacing DJ LeMahieu, who was placed on the disabled list with a strained oblique. As we noted in our update on the promotion: "Hampson was the Rockies' third-round pick back in 2016 and has hit over .300 at every stop in the minor-leagues, including a .306/.366/.443 line at Triple-A Albuquerque this season. In addition to making good contact, Hampson has excellent speed, swiping 120 bags at an 84 percent success rate in 286 career minor-league games." He could become a 25-to-30-steal player in the majors with minimal home-run power, though that could inflate considering his home park of Coors Field. Look for Hampson to be up and start at second base for as long as LeMahieu is sidelined, which should be for at least until the end of July but could cost him much more time due to the trickiness of oblique setbacks. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (stolen base potential)

Kelby Tomlinson, Giants: Tomlinson rode the Sacramento-San Francisco shuttle again last weekend, rejoining the Giants. He again provides infield depth by the Bay and should action at second, third and short. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Injury activations/updates

Joe Panik, Giants: Panik, on the disabled list July 7 with a left groin strain, took some swings Friday and he could begin a rehab assignment within the next week. Injuries have limited Panik to just 54 games and he has struggled at the plate in that limited action. If Panik responds well to batting practice and other baseball activities, he'll likely begin a minor-league stint early next week, with a potential return coming in early August. Alen Hanson is filling in at second base for Panik, who should regain his job when he returns, especially since Hanson has had his own issues at the dish lately. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Sean Rodriguez, Pirates: Exiled to the disabled list June 27 with a quad strain, S-Rod was activated Friday after completing a rehab stint in the minor leagues. He's batted seventh and played second base with Josh Harrison dealing with the hamstring he injured last Sunday. Rodriguez was in the midst of 0-for-16 and 2-for-38 skids at the dish and having his second straight poor season at the plate, but he turned it around for at least on game, going 3-for-4 with a three-run home run and four RBI on Friday. Once Harrison is ready to return, Rodriguez will go back to his role at part-time starter, more frequently against southpaws. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

THIRD BASE

Mitch Walding, Phillies: Walding was promoted for his third stint in the majors Friday. He has a .261/.379/.493 slash line with 15 home runs and 45 RBI for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, albeit with 99 strikeouts in 272 at-bats. Walding will once again back up Maikel Franco at the hot corner for the Phillies. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Injury activations/updates

Evan Longoria, Giants: Longoria, profiled the last two weeks, gets another mention as he began a minor-league rehab assignment at Triple-A Sacramento on Friday. Out since June 14 with a fractured fifth metacarpal on left hand suffered when hit by a pitch, necessitating surgery on June 19, Longoria has progressed from taking ground balls and hitting off a tee to the verge of game action. Manager Bruce Bochy stated he hopes Longoria will be activated from the disabled list sometime during the first week in August. Pablo Sandoval will continue to fill in for Longoria, who despite a subpar season when he was sidelined will be welcomed back with open arms by the Bay. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (same early spec return bid)

SHORTSTOP

Manny Machado, Dodgers: Machado, after a mild delay, was finally traded to the Dodgers on Wednesday. Baltimore received somewhat of an underwhelming return package, headlined by Double-A outfielder Yusniel Diaz that also included Dean Kremer, Zach Pop, Rylan Bannon and Breyvic Valera. Machado will play shortstop and third base in L.A., giving Justin Turner days off while Chris Taylor will play second base and center field. If you need us to tell you to bid on Machado, you may need a new hobby. 12-team Mixed: Owned; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: $98

Chase d'Arnaud, Giants: D'Arnaud, called up two weeks ago to back up Alen Hanson at second base, seems to have worked his way into a platoon at third base with Pablo Sandoval. The Panda is starting against righties while d'Arnaud is in the lineup against lefties. Once Evan Longoria returns from his shoulder injury, d'Arnaud could be sent back down, though he likely sticks as a utility infielder. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Injury activations/updates

J.P. Crawford, Phillies: Crawford, out since late April with a Grade 1 right flexor pronator strain, was activated in early June. After less than two weeks of play, Crawford suffered a fractured left hand when a pitch hit him, which was projected to sideline him 4-to-6 weeks. Crawford resumed fielding grounders and playing catch Friday and could be close to starting a minor-league rehab assignment. He should rejoin the Phillies at the end of the month or early August. When he is activated, Crawford, who slashing just .194/.312/.333 when he was sidelined, might become a platoon or utility player, since Scott Kingery, who is starting at shortstop, has found his stroke at the plate recently. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid)

OUTFIELD

Cameron Maybin, Marlins: Maybin, profiled two weeks ago, gets another mention, as he has made the most of the chance created by Lewis Brinson landing on the 10-day disabled list July 4 due to right hip inflammation. Over his last 15 appearances leading up to the All-Star break, Maybin went 11-for-31 (.355 average) at the plate with a 5-for-5 success rate on stolen-base attempts. Maybin went 2-for-7 with a home run when play resumed after the break. Miami won't rush Brinson back, giving Maybin a longer hold on the starting job. After solid 2015 and 2016 campaigns, Maybin regressed last season and struggled until the end of June. He has righted the ship lately, and his stolen-base potential warrants a spot in your lineup. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18

Jesse Winker, Reds: Winker should start every day in right field with Scott Schebler hitting the DL due to a sprained acromioclavicular (AC) joint in his right shoulder suffered when he collided with the outfield wall two Saturdays ago. Winker slashed .357/.468/.565 with six homers and 30 RBI from June 1 through the All-Star break, which landed him in the lineup nearly every day, and Schebler's injury further secures Winker's role. His value is spiking. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18

Phillip Ervin, Reds/Michael Reed, Braves: Behold this week's two depth outfielder promotions. Ervin, who opened the season with the Reds, is up for the third time this season, this time to replace the injured Scott Schebler (shoulder). He will likely fill a bench role during his time with the Reds. Reed has raked at Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett, posting a .939 and 1.077 OPS at the two levels, and he was promoted for the second time this month. Both - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Injury activations/updates

David Dahl, Rockies: Dahl hit .315/.379/.500 with seven home runs and five stolen bases in 237 plate appearances after his promotion in July 2016 and looked primed to take the next step forward last year. A stress reaction to his rib in spring training sidelined the outfielder nearly all season, making it a wasted year. The return of CarGo to Colorado along with presence of Geraldo Parra meant Dahl started the year in the minors. CarGo landed on the disabled list the third week of April, resulting in a promotion for Dahl. He was posting solid numbers before a broken right foot sidelined him in late May. Dahl, who was to miss 6-to-8 weeks, started a rehab assignment Thursday at Triple-A Albuquerque. But with the Colorado outfield healthy, Dahl may end up remaining Triple-A or at best on the short side of time shares at both corner outfield spots when he returns. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up if think he sticks when activated)