NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

This is our weekly look at National League free agents. We have two goals for this article:

1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.

2. Estimate how much of your $100 starting free-agent budget you should bid on them.

This year, we are again using grids into the FAAB articles, so users can easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats. 

The grids, which are sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This serves as a reflection of a player's skills and role on an A-E scale. Cody Bellinger would have been an "A" grade player last year -- that mark will be reserved for similar high-impact prospects stepping into an everyday role.

As always, if there is a player that was not discussed in the article that you would like to know about, feel free to ask about the player in the comments.

STARTING PITCHER 

Tyler Beede, Giants: Beede, who surrendered 18 runs - including 17 earned - on 23 hits and 16 walks in 14.1 innings in his five career major-league appearances, notched his best career effort Thursday against the Marlins. Granted, the effort was versus Miami, but Beede did allow one run on five hits and three walks with four strikeouts in six innings. Beede, 2-2 with a 2.34 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in seven starts at Triple-A, got the nod after the Giants elected to push Drew Pomeranz to Friday in Baltimore and keep Dereck Rodriguez in the bullpen. He will remain in the rotation for another start, which will likely come next week against the Mets and could remain as the team's fifth starter with another good effort, partially aided by the lack of many viable good options for the role. 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 

Steven Brault, Pirates: Brault, languishing with an 8.24 ERA, 1.93 WHIP and 20:13 K:BB through 19.2 innings, turned in two straight solid appearances and will remain in the Pittsburgh rotation. He compiled a 1.64 ERA and 6:5 K:BB in 11 innings during those two outings and will make at least one start. If Brault - who has bounced between starting and relieving during his stints in the majors - pitches well, he could remain in the rotation until Pittsburgh gets some of the injured starting pitchers back. 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Genesis Cabrera, Cardinals: Cabrera, acquired from the Rays in the Tommy Pham deal, was promoted and made his major-league debut in a start against the Phillies on Wednesday. He allowed five runs - including three earned - on five hits and two walks while striking out five over 3.2 innings. Cabrera's promotion was surprising, as he posted a 6.35 ERA and 1.58 WHIP with a 39:19 K:BB over 39.2 frames at Triple-A Memphis this season and hasn't really pitched well since 2017. The Cardinals plan to give Cabrera another start, though Alex Reyes could replace him soon. 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3 

Jon Duplantier, Diamondbacks: Duplantier, profiled multiple times before, gets another mention as he was promoted to replace Luke Weaver (right forearm strain) in the Arizona rotation. Sent down three weeks ago to finally get stretched out as a starter after getting used in the bullpen, Duplantier posted a 2.25 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 12 punchouts over 12 frames out of the bullpen prior to his promotion. He's built up his pitch count to 65 in his most recent start at Triple-A Reno, meaning he will need a few starts to get fully stretched out - though he did toss 77 pitches Friday. He allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four over five innings against the Mets. Taylor Clarke has replaced Zack Godley as the team's fifth starter and with Weaver out, Arizona needs to fill a large hole in the rotation. Duplantier, selected in the third round in the 2016 draft, is one of the more skilled pitchers in the minors when healthy thanks to above-average slider, fastball and command. After spending most of the 2018 season with Double-A Jackson, where he compiled a 2.69 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 68:28 K:BB in 67 innings over 14 starts. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (up if think he sticks in rotation)

Zac Gallen, Marlins: Gallen should already have been on your radar if targeting a pitcher for the second half of the season. After a nice 2017 and 2018, Gallen has exploded on the scene this year, posting a 1.70 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and 88:13 K:BB through 74 innings at Triple-A New Orleans. Gallen may have to wait for an injury or a trade to open up a spot in the Marlins' rotation before making his big-league debut, as Miami has used the same five starters all season and is why Elieser Hernandez pitched out of the bullpen in his one appearance and then was sent back down this week. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec bid)

Cole Irvin, Phillies: Irvin, the International League's Pitcher of the Year last season, enjoyed two good starts and one poor one for the Phillies by posting a 5.60 ERA after he was promoted on May 12. As we noted in an update late last season, scouting reports have him as a back-of-the-rotation, command-driven lefty as he lacks velocity and possesses no plus secondary pitches. Irvin recorded a 2.57 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 131:35 K:BB in 161.1 innings in 2018 at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In six starts this season prior to his promotion, Irvin posted a 2.25 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 23:8 K:BB and earned the call up in place of the injured Vince Velasquez, who was sidelined with a strained right forearm. What is key here is that Irvin got the nod over Velasquez, who now is healthy but looks to be relegated to bullpen duty. He didn't appear Saturday as was originally announced, but was available in relief following opener Jose Alvarez. 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Alex Reyes, Cardinals: Reyes broke camp as a member of the Cardinals' bullpen, but was sent down after allowing five runs with a 1:6 K:BB over three innings of work. He struggled initially before fracturing his pinkie finger after punching a wall in frustration on Apr. 25. The injury sidelined Reyes three weeks, but he used that time to tweak his changeup grip and build arm strength. He looked sharp in a pair of starts for High-A Palm Beach, compiling a 1.93 ERA and 11:3 K:BB in 9.1 innings, and earned a promotion this week to Triple-A Memphis. With Michael Wacha moved out of the rotation for now and St. Louis looking for a fifth starter, Reyes - who boasts top-shelf stuff but is injury-prone - could get a chance to fill that role after a start or two at Triple-A. 12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early spec call up bid)

Injury activations/updates

Dinelson Lamet, Padres: Lamet, recovering from April 2018 Tommy John surgery, allowed three runs over 2.2 innings with five strikeouts on Wednesday in a rehab start for High-A Lake Elsinore. He posted a 4.57 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 139:54 K:BB through 114.3 innings as a rookie, raising hopes in San Diego that they had a potential ace before he suffered the injury. Lamet threw his fastball and slider over 95 percent of the time combined as a rookie, which is why he was working on a curveball to go along with a subpar changeup before he was injured. He figures to require a handful of rehab starts before being cleared to rejoin the big-league rotation, which could be at the end of the month. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid, to be upped as he gets closer)

RELIEF PITCHER

Injury activations/updates

Pedro Strop, Cubs: Strop, out since May 6 with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and profiled last week, kicked off a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday. He tossed two scoreless innings with a hit allowed and a strikeout across two rehab outings and made another rehab appearance Sunday. Prior to being sidelined, Strop had struggled after posting a 5.06 ERA while blowing two saves in six opportunities opening the year as the Chicago closer. Steve Cishek has filled in nicely while Strop and Brandon Morrow (elbow) have been sidelined and could hold the role even when Strop returns. But Strop may get another chance at filling the role, as he did last season. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (same as prior)

CATCHER

Elias Diaz, Pirates: Diaz is taking advantage of his opportunity with starter Francisco Cervelli (concussion) sidelined. He's started 11 of the last 13 games, batting .370 in 46 at-bats over the span, putting his early-season struggles far in the distance. Diaz slashed .286/.339/.452 with 10 homers and 34 RBI in 277 plate appearances last season, so his lack of power so far this year isn't that concerning based on his prior year performance. If Cervelli continues to miss more time or struggles when he returns, Diaz will fill the role as Pittsburgh's catcher. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (upped bid from prior week)

Carson Kelly, Diamondbacks: Kelly is making the most of the additional playing time following John Ryan Murphy getting designated for assignment last Saturday. After slumping mightily last year and getting dealt from St. Louis to Arizona in the Paul Goldschmidt deal, Kelly - once a top prospect for the Cardinals - has found his way again at the plate. Kelly boasts an 800+ OPS and already hit five home runs in slightly more than 100 at-bats. Alex Avila is still in the mix, but Kelly is the clear #1 behind the plate for the D-Backs. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: Owned (upped bid from prior week) 

Andrew Knizner/Matt Wieters, Cardinals: Knizner was promoted Friday with Yadier Molina landing on the 10-day IL with a right thumb tendon strain. One of the best catching prospects in baseball, Knizner was hitting .286/.355/.450 with five homers at Triple-A Memphis at the time of his call up. He is likely to split time with Molina in 2020 and take over in 2021 as the Cardinals' primary backstop now that Carson Kelly is in Arizona. Wieters, in a backup role, has hit well in limited at-bats and will likely see most of the time behind the plate while Molina is sidelined. Knizner - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (up in keeper leagues); Wieters - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (if Molina is sidelined for a few weeks) 

Russell Martin/Will Smith, Dodgers: Austin Barnes landed on the 10-day IL with a slightly strained left groin. Smith was promoted to replace Barnes on the Dodgers' 25-man roster and is seeing most of the action behind the plate. A former first round pick in 2016, Smith was red-hot in Triple-A, slashing .290/.404/.551 with eight home runs and 28 runs batted in across 166 plate appearances this season. Martin is continuing in his role as the backup, ceding time to Smith. Barnes, who was on a slight role before the injury, is slashing .231/.345/.393 with four homers and 15 RBI over 117 at-bats. It's possible LA sticks with Smith even when Barnes returns to action, but the more likely occurrence is that Smith is sent back to the minors. Martin - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5. Smith - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up if think he sticks)

Manny Pina/Jacob Stallings: The aforementioned names were promoted to fill the backup catcher job in Milwaukee and Pittsburgh. Pina, sidelined since May 15 with a hamstring injury, was activated Saturday and resumed his backup role to Yasmani Grandal. Stallings will back up Elias Diaz while Francisco Cervelli is sidelined with a concussion. Both - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2 

FIRST BASE

Jim Adduci, Cubs: Adduci was called up this week to give Chicago another infielder with Kris Bryant dealing with a small injury and the team using the DH in Houston. He started in right field Monday but likely won't see much time, other than pinch-hit appearances, while on the team. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3 

Jose Osuna, Pirates: Osuna, sidelined since the spring with a neck injury, completed a rehab assignment in early May and was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. In 19 games for Indianapolis, Osuna posted a .268/.361/.479 slash line with a pair of home runs and 13 runs batted in over 83 plate appearances to earn a call up Sunday. Josh Bell is entrenched at first base but Osuna could see time at first and third base - where he started Monday - as well as in the outfield. Osuna slashed .321/.378/497 in 302 Triple-A at-bats in 2018, but his major-league resume to-date has him at risk of becoming known as a Quad-A talent. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3 

Dominic Smith, Mets: Smith, buried behind Pete Alonso at first base and profiled last week, started in left field Wednesday and went 3-for-5 with a home run and another two runs scored. With Keon Broxton now in Baltimore and Brandon Nimmo (neck), Michael Conforto (concussion) and Jeff McNeil (hamstring) all battling injuries and the Mets searching for offense, Smith is receiving a second chance in the outfield and has started in left field versus right-handed pitching. He started 10 games in left field last season but graded out very poorly there according to both DRS and UZR and hasn't necessarily looked comfortable there. But Smith, a former first round pick, is red-hot at the plate and New York is looking to get his bat in the lineup alongside Alonso. This has prompted the Mets to play Smith in left field, at least until the team is healthy. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Injury activations/updates

Travis Shaw, Brewers: Shaw, sidelined with a wrist injury, is expected to rejoin the Brewers during the team's next homestand beginning Tuesday against the Marlins. He has struggled so far during his rehab assignment, continuing his season-long issues. Shaw blasted 32 home runs last season while also gaining second base eligibility but saw his OPS versus left-handed pitches drop from .776 the year before to .599. He was off to a horrific start, posting a .163/.266/.281 line through the first 40 games of the season, and his injury made it easy for Milwaukee to promote Keston Hiura. Once he is activated, Shaw could get another chance to regain his starting spot, but that will depend on if Hiura continues to hold his on in the field and at the plate, which has been the case so far. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: Owned

SECOND BASE 

Scott Kingery, Phillies – Kingery, profiled last week when he was activated off the injured list the prior Sunday, gets another mention as he is starting in center field against lefties. He also has seen starts at second, third and shortstop, with his versatility giving Philly many options to get him in the lineup daily. Kingery struggled this spring, carrying forward his issues from his regular season numbers, but turned it on once the season started. Prior to getting injured, Kingery was slashing .406/.457/.719 with two homers, six RBI, five runs and a stolen base in 14 games. He hasn't slowed much since returning to action and should continue to play almost daily. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22 (upped bid) 

Luis Urias, Padres – Urias displayed more power in Triple-A last year, though that came at the expense of a higher strikeout rate. He failed to carry that increase in production into the majors or in his brief cup of coffee earlier this season, but he has been raking again at El Paso. Urias boasts a 1.169 OPS with 13 home runs in 38 games and is pushing for a promotion. If Ian Kinsler continues to struggle, San Diego might opt to call up Urias and start him at second base, sitting Kinsler despite having signed the latter for next year. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec call up bid)

Injury activations/updates

Scooter Gennett, Reds: Gennett, on the injured list since he severely strained his right groin on Mar. 22, took batting practice and fielded grounders Friday and could begin a rehab assignment in one to two weeks. If that timeframe remains intact, Gennett - on the 60-day IL - could return by late June. Gennett hit .310 with 23 homers, 92 RBI and 86 runs last season and signed a one-year, $9.78 million contract with the Reds in January of 2019. Cincinnati have rotated several players in at second base looking to find a replacement for Gennett, with Derek Dietrich the latest. Once Gennett is healthy, he should regain his starting second base job, but that won't be set in stone if Dietrich hits as he has lately. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (same early return bid)

THIRD BASE

Martin Prado, Marlins: Prado should be in line with additional playing time at first base with Neil Walker suffering a quad injury on Thursday. Garrett Cooper and Austin Dean will also factor into the mix at first, though Dean is seeing time at left field while Cooper is also playing right field. This might allow Prado, who already qualifies at first base, to see the majority of the playing time at the position. Prado, who was known for his durability by playing at least 128 games every season from 2009-2016, suited up for just 91 games the past two seasons. Even when healthy, his production proved suboptimal during that time. If he can recapture some of his prior form, Prado should hold off Cooper and Dean while Walker is sidelined. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Injury activations/updates

Jung Ho Kang, Pirates: Kang, out since May 13 with a strained left side, will join Triple-A Indianapolis for his minor-league rehab assignment. Prior to being injured, he was struggling mightily at the plate with a 0-for-22 mark in the nine games prior to the injury and a .133 average on the season. Pittsburgh might have Kang take the full 20 days on his rehab assignment with the hope the extra at-bats will help him find his way at the plate. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Jake Lamb, Diamondbacks: Lamb, sidelined with left quad strain, recently resumed baseball activities and participated in some fielding work Friday. He still needs to increase the intensity of his running and execute quick cuts before beginning a rehab assignment. Lamb's 2018 season ended on Jul. 26 after he injured his shoulder and underwent surgery. Prior to getting injured, Lamb failed to build or even approach his 2016 and 2017 breakthrough campaigns. The trade of Paul Goldschmidt to St. Louis opened up first base, which is where Lamb was to play this season, ceding the hot corner to Eduardo Escobar. But Lamb was placed on the injured list Apr. 5 with the Grade 2 strain of his left quad muscle, resulting in Christian Walker grabbing a hold of the first base job. Manager Torey Lovullo will have to find time for Lamb with Kevin Cron, Christian Walker, Eduardo Escobar and Wilmer Flores - when he returns - in a crowded infield. But Arizona needs help against right-handed pitching, which Lamb should provide once active. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

SHORTSTOP

Adeiny Hechavarria, Mets: Hechavarria, profiled last week due to the additional playing time he was in line to receive when Robinson Cano strained his left quadriceps, gets another mention as he has been red-hot at the plate. Not known for his offense, Hechavarria has smacked three home runs and 10 RBI since stepping in for Cano. The run will end eventually, but ride while it lasts - or at least until Cano returns. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 

Addison Russell, Cubs: Russell, who finished the 40-game suspension he received last fall for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy and was called up May 8, has excelled at the plate since his promotion and earned more playing time. Most of his action has come at second base, though Russell is still seeing the occasional game at short and likely will qualify at both positions next year. Through Wednesday, he has posted a .279/.339/.529 line with four home runs in 19 games. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18

JT Riddle, Marlins: Riddle was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Friday, taking the place of Neil Walker, who injured his quad Thursday. Producing a .243/.282/.452 slash line with four homers and 19 RBI over 30 games with New Orleans, Riddle provides Miami depth at both shortstop and left field. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

OUTFIELD 

Jay Bruce, Phillies (currently on Mariners): Bruce is reportedly on the verge of being dealt to the Phillies. He gets a bump in value due to the home park, but loses somewhat substantial value due to the potential lack of playing time. Bruce is unlikely to unseat Rhys Hoskins at first base or Andrew McCutchen or Bryce Harper from the outfield corners, reducing the number of at-bats he will receive - except when Philly plays in AL parks or an injury occurs. He still possesses plenty of power but doesn't provide much else. 12-team Mixed: Owned; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: $11

Tim Locastro, Diamondbacks: Locastro is in line for additional playing time in left field in the short-term with Blake Swihart landing on the IL, joining David Peralta on the sidelines. With both Swihart and Peralta out, Arizona is short of outfield options. Locastro, whose best quality is his ability to get on base, and Jarrod Dyson will man left field for the time being. However, Peralta took batting practice Friday and could appear in an extended spring training game this weekend, so Locastro's timeframe in the starting job may be limited. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Nick Williams, Phillies: Williams was promoted Tuesday to take the place of Odubel Herrera, who was placed on administrative leave following his arrest. He was sent down in mid-May to make room for Scott Kingery to come off the injured list. Prior to his call up, in 38 games in the major leagues, Williams slashed .180/.231/.262 with a homer and four RBI. Williams, who started in left field Tuesday, could see some time against righties since Andrew McCutchen moves to center field but remains in left against southpaws, with Scott Kingery playing center. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Injury activations/updates

Franchy Cordero, Padres: Cordero, sidelined since early-April with a stress reaction in his right elbow, began a rehab assignment with Triple-A El Paso on Friday. That progression in his rehab occurred after Cordero received more than 20 at-bats at extended spring. San Diego misses Cordero's left-handed bat as a platoon option in the outfield, a role now being filled by Josh Naylor. Once activated, which could happen this week, look for Cordero, who went 5-for-15 with a double, a stolen base and a 4:7 BB:K in nine games before landing on the shelf, to see most of his time in center field. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14