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

Logan Allen, Pirates: Allen, one of the Padres' top pitching prospect, was called up to make his major-league debut against the Brewers on Tuesday. He picked up the win, allowing three hits and two walks over seven scoreless innings while striking out five and inducing lots of weak contact. His minor league numbers this year – 5.15 ERA and 1.45 WHIP – mask the 24.5 percent strikeout and 8.6 percent walk rates. Allen projects as a future back-end or possibly mid-rotation starter with mostly average pitches, including a 92-94 mph fastball curveball and command but a strong changeup. He'll remain in the San Diego rotation in place of Cal Quantrill. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Adbert Alzolay, Cubs: Alzolay was promoted and made his first MLB start Thursday. He allowed one run in four innings and struck out five to notch the win against the Mets. In 32 innings with Iowa this season, the 24-year-old owned a 3.09 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 46:6 K:BB. Alzolay was promoted to work in long relief but will replace Tyler Chatwood - who started Thursday and was filling in for Kyle Hendricks - in the Chicago rotation. He will get the start Tuesday with the Cubs working with a six-man rotation next week, so it remains to be seen if he'll work as a true starter after Tuesday's outing. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Zac Gallen, Marlins: Gallen, profiled a few weeks ago when I noted pitchers to look out for the second half, got the call to the majors this week to replace the injured Pablo Lopez (shoulder) in the Miami rotation. After a nice 2017 and 2018, Gallen has exploded on the scene this year, compiling a 1.77 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 112:17 K:BB in 91.1 innings at Triple-A New Orleans. He allowed one run on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts in five innings, losing a win due to the Miami bullpen. Gallen should stick for at least one more turn and could remain in the team's rotation. 12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $1 

Walker Lockett, Mets: Lockett, acquired from the Indians this offseason in the Kevin Plawecki deal, was called up to make his Mets' debut Thursday to start in place of the injured Noah Syndergaard (hamstring). He cruised through the first two innings, but then allowed six runs to the Cubs in the third. Lockett posted a 3.28 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 9:4 K:BB in 24.2 innings at Triple-A Syracuse to earn the promotion. Even though Syndergaard may only miss the one start, possibly putting him on track to start Wednesday, Lockett is set to start Tuesday against Philadelphia. 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Ross Stripling/Julio Urias, Dodgers: Stripling is expected to take Rich Hill's (forearm) spot in the Dodgers' starting rotation. Urias made a spot start Thursday but Stripling will step in for Hill, who will miss at least 5-6 weeks and possibly the season. Stripling began last season in the bullpen, but moved into the rotation at the end of April and was brilliant initially before fading his last 10 starts. He started the season in the rotation, but moved back to the bullpen Rich Hill (knee) and Hyun-Jin Ryu (groin) returned from their injuries. Urias has mostly pitched out of the bullpen this year and isn't stretched out, but he will be a starter in the future. It's possible he sees some spot starts as the season wears on, and has much greater value in keeper leagues, Stripling - 12 team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (based on view he recaptures last and this year's early form); Urias - 12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up in keeper leagues)

Vince Velasquez, Phillies: Velasquez, removed from the starting rotation earlier in the season, was inserted back in Saturday against the Marlins. He allowed just one run on one hit with no walks and five strikeouts in five innings and may have earned a second start, which would also come against the Marlins. Velasquez hasn't looked noticeably different as a starter than as a reliever over the course of his career, with a 4.60 ERA in the rotation and a 4.66 mark out of the bullpen, so be careful not to overrate him even if he strings together a few nice outings. 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Injury activations/updates

Dinelson Lamet, Padres: Lamet, recovering from April 2018 Tommy John surgery, advanced his rehab to Triple-A El Paso on Sunday by allowing four runs on four hits and a walk while striking out four batters in five innings. This effort came after notching his best outing of the year in his third rehab start, all of which were at High-A Lake Elsinore. Overall, Lamet has allowed 12 runs in 14 innings, although he's managed 18 strikeouts. 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 they had a potential ace before he suffered the injury. He 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 getting hurt. Lamet's rehab assignment will be up before the end of the month, but there's no guarantee he heads straight to the big leagues at that point. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (same spec return bid)

Alex Wood, Reds: Wood's return from back spasms that sidelined him since Mar. 28 has proven incredibly slow. He did throw a 20-pitch bullpen session last Saturday, followed by a 21-pitch live batting practice session Tuesday and is scheduled to throw another session. Wood is probably at least a month away from rejoining the Reds, at which point he should slide into the starting rotation. Although it's possible he works out of the bullpen, based on the time he missed. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same early spec return bid, to be upped as he gets closer and if he is to start)

RELIEF PITCHER

John Gant/Andrew Miller/Tyler Webb, Cardinals: Webb notched a one-out save Saturday with Jordan Hicks leaving the game due to triceps tendinitis. Hicks was working on a five-out save when he was removed with one out in the ninth. The Cardinals have two off days in the upcoming week and three in the next nine days, so it could be a good chance to take advantage of the 10-day injured list. If Hicks does land on the IL, Gant might be the favorite to close due to his excellent relief work, followed by Miller and his closing experience, and Webb while John Brebbia and Giovanny Gallegos also in the mix. Gant - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Miller - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: Owned; Webb - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (saves speculation)

Michael Lorenzen, Reds: Lorenzen notched the save Monday for the Reds, his third of the season. Coach David Bell pulled Raisel Iglesias after he faced three batters in the eighth and two in the ninth. The same sequence happened Tuesday, as Iglesias pitched the eighth and Lorenzen the ninth to notch the save. Bell has now shown he will use Iglesias at key moments other than the ninth. This could mean more save chances for Lorenzen, who's posted a 3.00 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 38:12 K:BB through 39 innings this season and 4-for-5 in save chances with four holds. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (saves speculation)

Jose Quijada, Marlins: Quijada notched the save Saturday for the Marlins, the first of his career. Recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Wednesday, Quijada now has recorded two holds and a save in the last three games for Miami. His minor-league numbers regressed the past two seasons, but saves are saves. Even though Sergio Romo is entrenched as the team's closer, Quijada could get some chances if he remains with the parent club. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (saves speculation) 

CATCHER

Curt Casali, Reds: Casali has now moved into, at a minimum, a time-share with Tucker Barnhart behind the plate for Cincinnati. His start Friday was the seventh start over the last 12 games, aided by Barnhart's .191 average. After Friday's game, Casali is now hitting .273/.347/.445 and has built off his fine numbers in limited playing time last season. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Bryan Holaday/Wilkin Castillo, Marlins – Holaday is now the de facto starter behind the plate for Miami, backed up by Castillo. With Jorge Alfaro joining Chad Wallach (both with concussions) on the injured list Friday, Castillo was promoted and he made his first appearance in the major leagues since 2009 on Saturday. Holaday's track record is nothing special at the plate, so don't expect much. Holaday - 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3; Castillo - 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0

Brian McCann, Braves – McCann's numbers took a major nosedive last season, and he signed a one-year deal to return to Atlanta to split time with Tyler Flowers. While his days as an everyday catcher appeared over and likely are, he has been red-hot of late and earned additional playing time behind the plate. He is up to a .289/.358/.492 slash line, seven home runs, 29 RBI and 15 runs in 128 at-bats this season. 12 team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

Francisco Mejia, Padres – Mejia, out since May 11 with a sprained knee, was activated and then sent down to Triple-A El Paso on Jun. 1. Prior to getting injured, he was hitting just .167 over 54 MLB at-bats. Mejia, who came over from Cleveland last season, possesses a big-time bat but major questions exist if he can play passable enough defense at catcher to stick behind the plate or needs to move to third base/outfield. He hit .365 with four homers and 12 RBI over 18 contests in the minors recently to earn the call up, resulting in the demotion of Austin Allen. Mejia was originally going to slot in as the backup catcher behind Austin Hedges, but blasted his first home run of the season Tuesday and has started four straight games through Saturday's action. As a result, he's likely to supplant Hedges as the starting backstop. 12 team Mixed: $7, 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22 (aggressive bid)

FIRST BASE 

Ryan McMahon, Rockies: McMahon has taken advantage of Garrett Hampson demotion to serve as the Rockies' starting second baseman, and has solidified his role by finding his stroke at the plate the last several weeks. Trevor Story landed on the 10-day IL on Thursday with a sprained right thumb, prompting the promotion of Brendan Rodgers, who struggled during his first majors go-around and was sent down just five days ago. Rodgers could see the occasional start at second base against left-handed pitchers, but is likely to see most of his playing time at shortstop in place of Story - although Pat Valaika will also see action there. He hit .246/.300/.277 and striking out 31.4 percent of the time over 70 plate appearances during his first stint with the Rockies, but raked in the minors and should see consistent playing time while Story is sidelined. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: Owned

Injury activations/updates

Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals: Zimmerman, out of action since the end of April with plantar fasciitis, began a minor-league rehab assignment at Double-A Harrisburg this past weekend. He recently ran the bases with no issues and was finally able to return to game action, but likely needs to play in a handful of rehab games before being cleared to rejoin the Nationals. Matt Adams - when healthy - has filled in nicely for Zimmerman, so there's no guarantee the latter gets his starting job back. But he should at least be part of a platoon at first base, starting against southpaws. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (based on him seeing decent playing time)

SECOND BASE

Domingo Leyba, Diamondbacks: Leyba was promoted Saturday to replace Kevin Cron on the D-Backs' 25-man roster. Despite big numbers at Triple-A Reno, Leyba projects as a future utility infielder and appears to be in line to fill that role during his time with Arizona. Acquired in 2014 as part of a three-team deal that also netted Robbie Ray, Leyba could see solid playing time if Ketel Marte (groin) remains sidelined. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5

Pat Valaika, Rockies: Valaika was promoted to give the Rockies middle infield depth. Trevor Story landed on the IL with a sprained right thumb and his absence could provide Valaika additional playing time. But with Ryan McMahon already on the roster and Brendan Rodgers promoted, Valaika is unlikely to see much playing time. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Injury activations/updates

Scooter Gennett, Reds: Gennett, on the injured list since severely straining his right groin on Mar. 22, kicked off a rehab assignment Monday at High-A Daytona and hopes to rejoin the Reds by the end of next week. He 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 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, especially since Dietrich has struggled recently. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (upped return bid)

THIRD BASE

Injury activations/updates

Jake Lamb, Diamondbacks: Lamb, sidelined with left quad strain, kicked off a rehab stint at Triple-A Reno last Saturday. He will remain in the minors a bit longer to make sure he is fully healthy, but could return to the D-Backs before the end of the month if his timing at the plate is good and he gets enough reps at both first and third base. Lamb's 2018 season ended on Jul. 26 after he injured his shoulder, which needed surgery to correct. 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 and 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. 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 (same as prior)

SHORTSTOP 

Brendan Rodgers, Rockies: Ryan McMahon has taken advantage of Garrett Hampson's demotion to be the Rockies' starting second baseman and has discovered his stroke at the plate the last few weeks. Trevor Story landed on the 10-day IL on Thursday with a sprained right thumb prompting the promotion of Rodgers, who struggled his first go-around in the majors and was sent down just five days ago. Rodgers could see the occasional start at second base against left-handed pitchers, but is likely to see most of his playing time at shortstop in place of Story, although Pat Valaika will also see time there. He hit .246/.300/.277 and striking out 31.4 percent of the time over 70 plate appearances his first stint with the Rockies, but raked in the minors and should see consistent playing time while Story is sidelined. Rodgers - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (aggressive bid in case Story will be sidelined several weeks)

OUTFIELD 

Ian Desmond, Rockies: Desmond rebounded from a poor 2017 campaign to post decent numbers last season. His poor start this year landed him on the pine, as Raimel Tapia carved out additional playing time. But once the calendar flipped to June, Desmond rediscovered his touch at the plate. Though 18 appearances this month, Desmond has gone 23-for-64 with four home runs, six doubles, 17 RBI and 12 runs, reducing Tapia to backup status in center field. 12-team Mixed: $18; 15-team Mixed: $35; 12-team NL: Owned 

Alex Dickerson, Giants: Dickerson was promoted Friday, with Steve Duggar (back) landing on the injured list. He made an immediate impact, blasting a home run and driving in six runs that evening. Dickerson missed all of 2017 with back issues and 2018 after undergoing Tommy John surgery before playing in handful of games for Padres in May. He then landed on the injured list and was designated for assignment before landing in San Francisco. Dickerson should see consistent playing time in left field with Duggar sidelined, as Kevin Pillar should play center and Mike Yastrzemski in right. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (up if think he goes on a hot streak) 

Kyle Garlick, Dodgers: Garlick is seeing spot action at both corner outfield spots for the Dodgers. He has posted solid numbers while in the lineup, building off his performance in the minors. Garlick is worth using in DFS leagues when in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5

Jason Martin, Pirates: Martin was called up Saturday with Gregory Polanco (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list. He played in 17 games for the Pirates earlier in the season, hitting an unimpressive .229/.289/.286. Martin will fill a bench role in a crowded Pittsburgh outfield with Bryan Reynolds, Melky Cabrera and Corey Dickerson the prime beneficiaries of Polanco's absence. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Kevin Pillar, Giants: Pillar's overall numbers since coming to San Francisco haven't appeared to be special, but he has impressed in June. Through Friday's games, Pillar was slashing.249/.277/.415 as a Giant. But through 18 games this month, Pillar has a .309/.319/.544 line with three homers, two steals, 12 RBI and 14 runs. Ride the hot wave while it lasts. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

Cesar Puello, Marlins: Miami acquired Puello from the Angels after he was designated for assignment earlier in the week. Prior to being dropped from Los Angeles's 40-man roster, the former Mets' farmhand compiled an impressive .390/.500/.683 slash line with three homers and 12 RBI in 12 games. With Miami already playing out the string, look for Puello to be in the lineup nearly every day and splitting his time at both corner outfield spots. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Injury activations/updates

Ender Inciarte, Braves: Inciarte, out since May 15 with a lower-back strain, was cleared to resume all baseball activities Monday. If his back responds well to the activity, he could be ready to begin a minor-league rehab assignment next week before returning from the 10-day injured list. Inciarte had served as the Braves' primary center fielder prior to getting shut down, but his slump before the injury coupled with the play of Austin Riley since his promotion means he is likely to transition into a fourth-outfielder role once returning. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

A.J. Pollock, Dodgers: Pollock underwent surgery May 2 to have the growth plate and screws removed from his right elbow, and then suffered an infection that extended his absence. Now fully healthy, Pollock took some swings off a tee this past Monday and will play in rehab games during the upcoming All-Star break. He'll likely need 40 to 50 at-bats in rehab games before being reinstated, at which point he should regain his role as the team's starting center fielder - but he may not play daily. Alex Verdugo has filled in nicely for Pollock and he may see some time in left field with Joc Pederson possibly playing first base, but several timeshares may ensue. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22 (early spec return bid, to be upped)

Roman Quinn, Phillies: I almost profiled Quinn last week, but delayed when he was hit by a pitch in the shoulder Friday. That setback proved to be a minor one, as he was back just a day or two later than expected. Quinn's speed makes him an interesting fantasy asset, dependent on if he receives playing time. Odubel Herrera is still on administrative leave and could be moved to third base as Scott Kingery has filled in well in center field, pushing Maikel Franco to the bench and opening up center field for Quinn. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (steals speculation)