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 

Dario Agrazal, Pirates: Agrazal was pitching well for the Pirates, but trouble may loom. The 24-year-old had been stellar in his first five starts prior to Friday's outing with a 2.25 ERA, but also a 12:10 K:BB and 6.15 xFIP foreshadowing potential regression. Agrazal allowed five runs on four hits with no walks and one strikeout across 5.1 innings while taking the loss against the Mets on Friday. He should remain in the Pittsburgh rotation until Steven Brault (shoulder strain) returns, which could be soon as he threw a four-inning simulated game Saturday. At that point, Agrazal could move to the bullpen or possibly replace Jordan Lyles if Pittsburgh decides to move him before the deadline. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Kevin Gausman, Braves: Gausman, profiled last week prior to his activation Sunday, gets another mention thanks to his stellar outing. He hurled seven innings and gave up one run on five hits and no walks while striking out eight, building off three solid rehab starts. Gausman, who was out from Jun. 11 with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, used his time off to augment his repertoire by using his off-speed pitches more than he had before. Gausman posted a 6.21 ERA prior to his stint on the IL but notched a 2.87 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 5-3 record in 10 starts with Atlanta last season after coming over from Baltimore. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (upped bid)

Elieser Hernandez, Marlins: Hernandez was moved back to the Miami rotation, replacing the struggling Trevor Richards. He posted a 4.05 ERA, 1.05 WHIP in five starts from Jun. 11 to Jul. 4 before landing in the Miami bullpen. Hernandez possesses a decent three-pitch mix with above-average command and could remain in the team's rotation the remainder of the season, although his overall 5.24 ERA leaves a lot to be desired. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Adrian Houser, Brewers: Houser and Freddy Peralta are candidates to rejoin the Brewers' starting rotation for the team's upcoming series against Oakland, as Brandon Woodruff (oblique) and Jhoulys Chacin (lat) sit on the IL. Houser moved from the pen to the rotation earlier this month but struggled in that role, prompting a move back to relieving where he's found success. Milwaukee is involved in trade talks for a starter, but if they fail to land one my guess is Peralta stays in the bullpen and Houser slides into the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Julio Urias, Dodgers: Urias, who has been working out of the bullpen, will either start or be used as the primary pitcher Tuesday in Colorado. Ross Stripling landed on the injured list with biceps tightness, opening the door for Urias to finally see more innings. If Stripling misses more than the minimum 10 days, Urias figures to be the primary beneficiary of his absence. Urias may not be a full-time starter until next season, but could see an uptick in innings the remainder of the season. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up if he ends up making several starts)

Injury activations/updates

Pablo Lopez, Marlins: Lopez, out since May 19 with a posterior shoulder strain, began a rehab assignment Sunday with Double-A Jacksonville. He first started his throwing program on Jul. 1 and has finally progressed to game action. Prior to being injured at Marlins Park, Lopez was 3-1 with a 2.13 ERA this season, but struggled to 2-4 with a 6.82 ERA on the road. It all balanced out to a 5-5 record, 4.23 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 73 strikeouts in 76.2 innings. Lopez is likely to need several rehab starts before he is activated and there is no guarantee he slides back into the rotation once activated, although he should at a minimum see a handful of starts when he returns. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (to be upped as he gets closer and if he ends up in the starting rotation)

Jimmy Nelson, Brewers: Nelson missed all of 2018 and spent the first two months of 2019 rehabbing a shoulder he injured running the bases late in 2017. He struggled in three starts after being activated, resulting in a move to the bullpen. Nelson didn't last long in that role, making one appearance before landing back on the IL due to a right elbow effusion. He was assigned to Low-A Wisconsin for a one-inning rehab appearance last Sunday before moving up Wednesday to Triple-A San Antonio, where he allowed two runs in just 1.1 innings. With Jhoulys Chacin (right lat strain) landing on the IL, Nelson could receive the first chance to replace him in the Milwaukee rotation -  but Nelson needs to be further stretched out to be ready. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Alex Wood, Reds: Wood's return from back spasms that has sidelined him since Mar. 28 has been incredibly slow. But he finally will make his season debut for the Reds on Sunday after a four-game minor-league rehab assignment. In his most recent outing, Wood tossed six innings and gave up one run on four hits and no walks while striking out four for Double-A Chattanooga. The southpaw ran his pitch count up to 85 in that start, so he should encounter no restrictions. Wood should remain in the Reds' starting rotation, as he looks to regain his 2014 or 2017 form. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

RELIEF PITCHER 

Nick Anderson, Marlins – The trade deadline was this week – remember, no more Aug. 31 waiver deadline – and Sergio Romo was moved as expected. Now that a deal has happened, Anderson is likely the favorite to close for the Marlins.. After surrendering 10 base-on-balls over his first 21 innings, Anderson has only walked four in his last 21 innings. Since the beginning of June, Anderson has posted a 2.75 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 26:2 K:BB through 19.2 innings, putting him firmly in the mix to close in Miami. Adam Conley and Tayron Guerrero could also factor in, but Anderson looks like the top option. 12 team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 

Sam Dyson, Giants – Dyson notched the save Monday. As we said in our update after the game: "while Will Smith has been excellent as the Giants' closer this season, Dyson is having a solid year in his own right, as he's posted a 2.52 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP and a 47:7 K:BB over 50 innings. If Smith gets traded before the deadline, perhaps it will by Dyson (under team control through the 2020 season) who assumes the ninth-inning duties." He closed for Texas in 2016 and recorded 38 saves, so he can more than fill the role. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (closer potential)

Giovanny Gallegos, Cardinals – Gallegos, who came to St. Louis last year as part of a package for Luke Voit, has taken on a key role in the Cardinals' bullpen. He has made six consecutive scoreless appearances and has allowed just two earned runs over his last 23 trips to the mound. Gallegos' slider has become a major weapon and aided him in notching nine holds along with a 70:8 K:BB in 48.1 innings this season. 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Yoshihisa Hirano/Yoan Lopez, Diamondbacks – Manager Torey Lovullo said his staff would discuss Greg Holland's role after the closer blew his third save in July on Friday. My first column of the month came after Lovullo gave the dreaded vote of confidence to a struggling Holland. But he rebounded and appeared to have a stranglehold on the job until he walked a pair and was pulled on Jul. 24 and blew the save Friday, And with Arizona slumping, Holland could be dealt before the trade deadline. Hirano closed in Japan, but served in a set-up capacity last season - his first in the US - posting 32 holds. He got off to a poor start this year, but has righted the ship the last month by registering a solid ERA and WHIP. Lopez is enjoying the best season of the bullpen crew and did close for Double-A Jackson last year with 12 saves. But he has struggled a bit in July, giving up runs in four of 10 appearances but has recorded a save and six holds. If speculating on saves and willing to take a flyer, take a bet on Lopez as he may be the cheapest to acquire due to the lack of name recognition. Archie Bradley, who has struggled this year, remains a darkhorse candidate, as is Andrew Chafin. Hirano - 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Lopez - 12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Seth Lugo, Mets: Lugo, profiled six weeks ago, deserves another mention. He notched his first save of the season Friday and - despite a few bobbles - has been the Mets' best pitcher out of the bullpen this year. With Jeurys Familia struggling, Lugo has assumed the role of Edwin Diaz's set-up man. And if Diaz is dealt, Lugo could assume the role of New York's closer. In 50.2 innings of work, Lugo has posted a 2.84 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 67:13 K:BB and 15 holds in 40 games pitched. No one knows what Brodie Van Wagenen will do at the deadline, so stay tuned as Lugo's value could spike by the time next week's column comes out. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up if think Diaz gets dealt)

Andrew Miller, Cardinals – Carlos Martinez has taken over as St. Louis's main closer with Jordan Hicks out for the remainder of the season. Despite that change, Miller still retains value due to his fine pitching of late. Miller boasts a 1-1 mark, two saves, six holds and a 2.00 ERA across the nine innings he's logged in July. He represents Martinez's main lefty set-up man and offers plenty of value thanks to 16 holds and 51 strikeouts in 35.1 innings. 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Freddy Peralta, Brewers – Milwaukee found another closing option in Peralta, who notched the save Wednesday. Coming into play that day, he has excelled with a 2.32 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 37 strikeouts in 31 relief innings. Peralta has been touching the upper-90s with his fastball out of the bullpen, as he can maximize his velocity in shorter bursts of usage. Milwaukee needs starting pitching with Brandon Woodruff and Jhoulys Chacin sidelined, so Peralta still could end up back in the rotation. But with Josh Hader heavily used and the back-end of the pen beyond him in a bit of flux, he should continue to be used in high-leverage situations. 12 team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up if think he gets more saves) 

Sal Romano, Reds – Romano, who pitched in 39 games - 25 of them starts last season for the Reds - began the year at Triple-A Louisville. He was promoted Monday with Tyler Mahle (hamstring) landing on the disabled list. Romano posted a 4.70 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 64:22 K:BB in 59.1 innings for Louisville. He will work in low-leverage situations for Cincy, but did notch a three-inning save earlier this week. 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

CATCHER

Russell Martin/Will Smith, Dodgers: Austin Barnes was sent down to the minors this week, leaving the catching duties to Martin and Smith - although manager Dave Roberts said Smith will be the starter. If you're targeting one, Smith is the one to get by a wide margin as Martin is a shell of his former self and has proved a liability behind the plate. Smith, a former first-round pick in 2016 who has taken over as the team's best catching prospect from Keibert Ruiz, posted a .269/.381/.605 slash line with 20 homers and 54 RBI over 61 games at Triple-A Albuquerque and acquitted himself well in his brief stints in the majors earlier this season. He sure as heck made a great first impression Saturday by driving in six runs. Martin - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5. Smith - 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22 (up if in desperate need of a catcher)

Injury activations/updates 

Tucker Barnhart, Reds: Barnhart, on the injured list since Jun. 25 with a strained right oblique, was activated after a short rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville. Prior to getting injured, Barnhart hit just .191/.290/.315 in 162 at-bats and ceded playing time to Curt Casali. Activated Friday, Barnhart should take over as the Reds' clear top catcher with Casali (knee) and Kyle Farmer (concussion) both stuck on the IL and seemingly further behind in their respective rehab programs. But his hold on the role may last only until Casali returns. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3 

FIRST BASE

Matt Adams, Nationals: Adams should start nearly every day at first base with Ryan Zimmerman returning to the injured list earlier this week after his plantar fasciitis flared up again. Howie Kendrick will see a mild uptick in playing time, as he will start against certain southpaws. But Adams is in line for close to full-time duty. He played well while filling that role earlier this season and figures to be at a minimum a nice source of power at least until Zimmerman returns. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (should be owned in NL-only leagues)

Yonder Alonso, Rockies: Alonso slashed just .178/.275/.301 with seven home runs in 67 games, resulting in the White Sox designating him for assignment. He signed a minor-league contract with the Rockies on Jul. 11 and was promoted Tuesday. With Daniel Murphy at first base and Ryan McMahon also able to play the position, Alonso's playing time is likely to be limited. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5

Edwin Rios, Dodgers: Rios, promoted in late June for a cup of coffee in the majors, could replace Enrique Hernandez on the LA roster. He got off to a slow start to the season at the dish in the Pacific Coast League, but hit fairly consistently over the course of his minor-league career and had recently heated up with a .321 average with eight homers and a 1.066 OPS in the month of June to earn the call up. Rios hasn't matched that performance following his demotion but recently slugged five home runs in seven games. He'll see the occasional start, but likely will be used mainly as a pinch-hitter. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Tyler White, Dodgers: White, designated for assignment last week by the Astros, was traded to the Dodgers on Thursday for Andre Scrubb. The 28-year-old, who posted a weak .225/.320/.330 triple slash through 71 games this season for Houston, should serve as infield depth for the Dodgers with Chris Taylor (forearm, injured list) and Enrique Hernandez (hand) sidelined. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

SECOND BASE 

Robinson Cano, Mets: Cano, who came over to the Mets with Edwin Diaz for Jay Bruce, Anthony Swarzak, Jarred Kelenic, Justin Dunn and Gerson Bautista, homered on Opening Day. That was the highlight of his first half, as he dealt with injuries and also struggled mightily and made the trade look like an unmitigated disaster. Cano finished the first half of the season with a .646 OPS and four home runs in 65 games, but since the All-Star break has gone 14-for-54 with two doubles and five home runs - including three on Jul. 23 - over 13 contests. Thanks to that recent mammoth effort, his ownership percentage in CBS Sports rose to 61 percent with the hope he will have a big – or at least better – second half. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: Owned 

Isan Diaz, Marlins: Miami manager Don Mattingly said on Friday that Diaz should be in the majors before September. Diaz was traded to the Marlins before the 2018 season in the deal that sent Christian Yelich to the Brewers. He excelled at Double-A Jacksonville last season, earning a promotion after 83 games to Triple-A New Orleans. Diaz struggled with the Jumbo Shrimp, slashing just .204/.281/.358 in 36 games. He has taken the next step forward at that level, posting a .303/.392/.577 line with 24 home runs through Thursday's games. Almost as important, Diaz has cut his strikeout and increased his contract rate, boding well for future success. Starlin Castro blocks Diaz right now at second base, but Diaz could see time at the hot corner when he is promoted if Castro hasn't been dealt. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec call up bid)

Ian Happ, Cubs: Happ fell prey to the sophomore slump last year, as his batting average fell 20 points while his slugging percentage fell over 100 points - largely impacted by a 36.1 percent strikeout rate. He spent the first four months of the season in the minors trying to cut down on strikeouts and rediscover his swing. Happ's overall numbers of .242/.364/.432 with 16 home runs and 53 runs batted in are solid, but he earned the call up due to his stellar July where he's hit .324 with a 1.059 OPS, five home runs and a 17:19 BB:K in 20 games for Triple-A Iowa. He figures to start out as a utility option, playing left field, second and third base, though he could carve out a bigger role for himself should he carry his success from the past few weeks to the majors. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Injury activations/updates

Jedd Gyorko, Cardinals: Gyorko, sidelined since the beginning of June with back/calf/wrist injuries, including wrist surgery on Jun. 24, will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday. He'll likely require the full 20 days of the rehab assignment before being cleared to return from the injured list. When Gyorko is activated, he likely will only see spot duty due to the fine play of Tommy Edman and Yairo Munoz. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

THIRD BASE 

Zach Green, Giants: Green, a third-round pick of the Phillies in 2012, was called up and made his major-league debut by starting last Sunday against the Mets. He earned the promotion by blasting 23 home runs while posting a 1.099 OPS at Triple-A Sacramento. Green, who joined the Giants organization this offseason, will see the occasional start at third and first while serving as a righty bat off the bench likely until Evan Longoria (plantar fasciitis) is ready to return. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Travis Shaw, Brewers: Shaw rejoined the Brewers on Friday after getting called back up from Triple-A San Antonio. In 18 appearances for the Missions, the infielder slashed .316/.494/.754 with eight home runs and a 19:17 BB:K. Shaw landed in the minors due to his struggles in the majors coupled with the need to make room for Keston Hiura, who has run with the second base job in his second stint with the parent club this season. With Hiura and Mike Moustakas playing well enough to deserve everyday at-bats, Shaw may be limited to spot duty at second and third and possibly the occasional start at first base - as he did Friday - along with serving as designated hitter when Milwaukee goes to AL parks. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Injury activations/updates

Evan Longoria, Giants: Longoria, sidelined since Jul. 14 due to a flareup of plantar fasciitis in his left foot, could rejoin the Giants in 10-to-14 days - which is slightly later than first announced - as the original hope was that he would be back by Aug. 4 at the latest. Prior to being sidelined, Longoria had gotten hot at the plate, holding off Pablo Sandoval at third base. After struggling mightily early, he had flipped the switch to start July against the Padres by going 7-for-13 with a whopping four homers and nine RBI over the three-game set. Longoria added two more home runs in the next five games before he got hurt. If he can regain that form after returning, he should continue to start over Sandoval, who has failed to take advantage of this absence. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Owned

SHORTSTOP

Johan Camargo, Braves – Camargo started at shortstop Saturday with Dansby Swanson (right foot contusion) landing on the 10-day IL. Swanson hopes to return from the injured list when first eligible Aug. 3. As such, Camargo - who came out of nowhere to hit 19 home runs and drive in 76 runs last year - may only get a short-term uptick in value. The addition of Josh Donaldson made Camargo a utility player, as he has struggled without consistent at-bats. Maybe starting for the next week or so is the cure for his ailing bat. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Gavin Lux, Dodgers – Lux, drafted in the first round in 2016, took a major step forward last season by finishing the season at Double-A Tulsa. He started this year at that level but was promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City after slashing an impressive .313/.375/.521 with 13 home runs and seven stolen bases in 64 games. Lux has continued to rake since moving up, blasting six home runs during a five-game span. He projects to be the Dodgers' starting second baseman of the future after getting drafted as a shortstop. But with Corey Seager and Max Muncy manning those spots, there is no reason right now for LA to start Lux's service clock to sit him on the bench - although he is still worth a stash just in case he is promoted. However, Lux will not be added with Enrique Hernandez (hand) landing on the injured list Sunday or Monday. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (stash bid)

OUTFIELD

Aaron Altherr, Mets: Altherr was called up Saturday with Dominic Smith (stress fracture in left foot) landing on the injured list. J.D. Davis, who has seen a recent boost in playing time and was profiled last week, will receive even more time in left field with Smith sidelined. Altherr, who has struggled mightily, should only see sporadic action. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3 

Jay Bruce, Phillies: Bruce is included in this column solely because he is only 64 percent owned in CBS Sports leagues. Those in deeper mixed or NL-only leagues likely kept him on their bench when he went down with a right oblique strain Jul. 17. Bruce was hitting just .256 with the Phillies, but had 10 home runs and 29 runs drive in his first 33 games. He could rejoin the team in about a week. 12-team Mixed: $35; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: Owned

Phillip Ervin, Reds: Ervin continues to make the most of his playing time, as he was up to a .366 batting average with a 1.045 OPS through 92 plate appearances this season. He has been especially good against lefties, which is where he is getting most of his playing time. Ervin has been red-hot the last month, batting over .450 despite not starting daily. He has been aided by a ridiculously high BABIP, but the contact skills and drop in K rate bode well for future success. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Adam Duvall/Ender Inciarte, Braves: Nick Markakis, who suffered a fractured wrist when he was hit by a pitch Friday, won't require surgery and could return at some point in September. Duvall, who was called up Saturday, and Inciarte, who was activated July 18 after being sidelined since May 15 with a lower-back strain, will fill Markakis' spot in right field. Duvall, who was slashing .259/.349/.582 with 29 home runs and 84 RBI in 347 at-bats at Triple-A Gwinnett and experienced significant power years in 2016 and 2017 before falling off a cliff last season, should play against left-handed pitching. Inciarte, who had served as the Braves' primary center fielder prior to slumping and then getting shut down, should start against righties and offer a decent source of runs and steals. Both players started Saturday, with Ronald Acuna sliding from center to right, Inciarte manning center and Duvall in left. Johan Camargo, Charlie Culberson and Matt Joyce will also factor in the mix. Duvall - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Inciarte - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Yasmany Tomas, Diamondbacks: Tomas was promoted from Triple-A Reno on Friday. After batting .272/.313/.508 with 31 home runs in 140 games in 2016, the 28-year-old - who signed a six-year, $68.5 million contract with Arizona in Dec. 2014 - suffered through an injury-plagued campaign the following season and spent all of last years in the minors. Tomas posted a .305/.341/.603 slash line with 29 home runs and 23 doubles across 98 games with Reno to earn the call up. He has split time between first base and left field in the minors, though it's unclear what role he'll play with the big club with Christian Walker entrenched at first and David Peralta now back from his injury and manning left field. It's also possible his time in the Desert ends when Taylor Clarke is activated off the paternity list. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5