NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

This article is part of our NL FAAB Factor series.

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.

PLAYERTEAMPOSGRADE12-Team Mixed $15-Team Mixed $NL-Only $
Chase AndersonMILSPC2535Owned
Trevor BauerCINSPA/BOwnedOwned93
Elieser HernandezMIASPE159
Adrian HouserMILSPE015
Mike LeakeAZSPC253545
Dustin MayLASPC2711
Drew SmylyPHISPD3914
Marcus StromanNYMSPA/BOwnedOwned90
Michael WachaSTLSP

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.

PLAYERTEAMPOSGRADE12-Team Mixed $15-Team Mixed $NL-Only $
Chase AndersonMILSPC2535Owned
Trevor BauerCINSPA/BOwnedOwned93
Elieser HernandezMIASPE159
Adrian HouserMILSPE015
Mike LeakeAZSPC253545
Dustin MayLASPC2711
Drew SmylyPHISPD3914
Marcus StromanNYMSPA/BOwnedOwned90
Michael WachaSTLSPE015
Steven BraultPITSPD2711
Johnny CuetoSFSPC015
Garrett RichardsSDSPD015
Archie BradleyAZRPC2711
Jarlin GarciaSTLRPD3914
Tayron GuerreroAZRPE147
Ryne StanekAZRPD159
Shane GreeneDETRPCOwnedOwned55
Seth LugoDETRPC51116
Reyes MorontaSFRPE015
Sam SelmanSFRPENoNo3
Scott ObergCOLRPC304050
Victor CaratiniCHICD2711
Taylor DavisLACENoNo3
Will SmithLACC55OwnedOwned
Eric ThamesMIL1BD51116
Scooter GennettSF2BE2711
Cesar HernandezPHI2BE51116
Jose PerazaCIN2BE159
Josh VanMeterCIN2BD51116
Kolten WongSTL2BD3914
Jedd GyorkoLA2BENoNo3
Ben ZobristCHI2BE147
J.D. DavisNYM3BD51116
Jon BertiMIA3BENoNo4
Evan LongoriaSF3BD511Owned
Mauricio DubonMILSSD147
Kris NegronLASSENoNo4
Aristides AquinoCINOFE147
Steven DuggarSFOFE015
Austin SlaterSFOFD3914
Nicholas CastellanosCHIOFB/COwnedOwned77
Yonathan DazaCOLOFE015
Raimel TapiaCOLOFD3914
Adam DuvallATLOFD3914
Trent GrishamMILOFD2711
Jason MartinPITOFENoNo2
Jose OsunaPITOFD2711
Pablo ReyesPITOFENoNo5
Wil MyersSDOFD71422
Josh NaylorSDOFE017
Lane ThomasSTLOFENoNo4
Mike YastrzemskiSDOFD51116

STARTING PITCHER

Chase Anderson, Brewers: Anderson has righted the ship since his ERA sat at 4.70 in late June by not allowing more than two earned runs in any of his last eight starts. He's surrendered 12 earned runs on 30 hits and 11 walks while striking out 35 in 42 innings, lowering his ERA by almost a full run. If Milwaukee is to remain in Wild Card race, Anderson will need to continue to excel on the mound. 12-team Mixed: $25, 15-team Mixed: $35; 12-team NL: Owned 

Trevor Bauer, Reds: Cincinnati was one of the big winners at the trade deadline, acquiring Bauer as part of a three-team deal with the Padres and Indians. Bauer posted a 3.79 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 185:63 K:BB through 156.2 innings this season with Cleveland and joins Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray in a formidable Cincy rotation, all of whom are under contract for at least one more year. Moving from Cleveland to Cincinnati hurts Bauer in terms of ballpark, but he benefits from a shift to the National League. He allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four in 4.2 innings in his Reds' debut Saturday against the Braves. 12-team Mixed: Owned, 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: $93

Elieser Hernandez, Marlins: The trade of Zac Gallen to the Diamondbacks secures a rotation spot for Hernandez, who recently was moved back to the Miami rotation replacing the struggling Trevor Richards. He posted a 4.05 ERA, 1.05 WHIP in five June/July starts before landing in the Miami bullpen. In nine starts at Triple-A New Orleans, Hernandez compiled a 1.13 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 69:14 K:BB across 48 innings. Hernandez possesses a decent three-pitch mix with above-average command and will remain in the team's rotation the remainder of the season. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (upped bid from prior)

Adrian Houser, Brewers: Forced into the rotation due to the myriad of injuries to Milwaukee's starters, Houser excelled in his first start in two weeks Tuesday by giving up just one run in five innings with three hits and a walk while striking out six. That fine effort earned him a second start Sunday against the Cubs. Houser has been eons better out of the bullpen, but desperate times call for desperate measures, so he could remain in the rotation with another solid outing. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Mike Leake, Diamondbacks: Leake, traded to Arizona from Seattle, went 9-8 with a 4.34 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 100:19 K:BB in 22 starts over 137 innings with the Mariners. The first-round pick out of Arizona State in 2009 will replace Zack Greinke in the D-Backs rotation. Signed for two more years on a five-year deal worth $80 million, Leake was acquired for High-A infielder Jose Caballero. He features an 89-mph sinker and mixes in a cutter and change with the occasional slider and curve, and may suffer from the move from Safeco to Chase Field. 12-team Mixed: $25, 15-team Mixed: $35; 12-team NL: $45

Dustin May, Dodgers: May, the Dodgers' top pitching prospect, was called up to make his major-league debut Friday to replace Ross Stripling (bicep). He took the loss against the Padres on Friday after surrendering four runs - including three earned - on nine hits while striking out three over 5.2 innings. May compiled a 3.74 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 86:20 K:BB in 79.1 innings over 15 starts for Double-A Tulsa, earning a late June promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City. In five starts at that level, May owned a 2.30 ERA with a 24:9 K:BB. His mid-90s sinking fastball generates a ton of groundballs and is augmented by a developing curveball and cutter and excellent control. Nicknamed Gingergaard by some, May could pitch out of the LA bullpen once all their starters are healthy, but will receive at least one more start. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up in keeper leagues) 

Drew Smyly, Phillies: Smyly, released by the Rangers in late June, subsequently signed a minor-league deal with Brewers. He opted out of that deal Thursday and was inked to a major-league deal by the Phillies. Smyly, who underwent Tommy John surgery in June of 2017, returned to action this year. In 13 games with the Rangers, he posted an 8.42 ERA, 1.91 WHIP and 52:34 K:BB. He has looked great through his first two starts for Philadelphia with one run allowed on eight hits over 13 frames, locking his role in the starting rotation. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Marcus Stroman, Mets: New York acquired Stroman from Toronto for Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods Richardson. The Long Island native went 6-11 with an AL-fifth ranked 2.96 ERA. Stroman benefits from a move to the NL, but the weak Mets' infield defense could hurt him since he is a groundball pitcher. That aspect lowers his potential slightly, but he and Trevor Bauer are the two big-name starters who came over the National League at the deadline. Stroman allowed two runs on seven hits and a pair of walks while striking out three in 4.1 innings in his Mets' debut Saturday against the Pirates. 12-team Mixed: Owned, 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: $90

Michael Wacha, Cardinals: Fozzie Bear gets another chance to hold down a spot in the Cardinals' rotation. Wacha will start Monday against the Dodgers with Daniel Ponce de Leon having been optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday. His career-worst figures in ERA at 5.15 and WHIP at 1.61 doesn't inspire much confidence, but he had recently looked better in long relief, prompting St. Louis to the give the 28-year old righty another chance at starting. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Injury activations/updates 

Steven Brault, Pirates: Brault, sidelined for a month with strained shoulder, will return from the injured list to start Tuesday against the Brewers. He recorded a decent 4.15 ERA through nine starts and six relief appearances prior to the injury, pitching extremely well his last seven starts by posting a 2.20 ERA in 41 innings. Brault, barring any setbacks, should remain in the Pirates' rotation the remainder of the season. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Johnny Cueto, Giants: Cueto is working his way back from August 2018 Tommy John surgery. Prior to undergoing the knife, he had posted a 3.23 ERA in 51 innings but his fastball had dropped two MPH and his K rate had also declined, resulting in a 4.65 FIP. Cueto made his first rehab start in the Arizona League on Sunday. He could rejoin the Giants as a reliever in September and contend for a starting spot next spring. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (early spec return bid) 

Garrett Richards, Padres: Richards, who pitched with elbow issues for nearly two years, finally underwent Tommy John surgery in late July last season. He made two appearances with the Padres' AZL affiliate before starting a rehab assignment at High-A Elsinore on Tuesday, throwing 2.1 innings. San Diego signed Richards to a two-year, $15.5 million deal in the offseason with the expectation he would spend all of 2019 rehabbing. The Padres may see him join the parent club in late August, and is likely to be deployed as an opener or bullpen arm. Depending on what happens with the Friars' young arms, Richards could get a chance to start next season. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (early spec return bid)

RELIEF PITCHER

Archie Bradley, Diamondbacks: Bradley struggled in the back half of June but has rebounded nicely with 10 straight scoreless outings and a 19:6 K:BB in 12.1 innings. He notched the save Tuesday against the Yankees after posting holds his prior two appearances. Bradley tied for the league lead in holds with 34 last year, but his early-season struggles and the presence of Greg Holland landed him in lower-leverage situations. Bradley's fine recent work coupled with the demotion of the closer role of Holland possibly makes him the favorite to close in the Desert. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up if think he becomes the full-time closer)

Jarlin Garcia/Tayron Guerrero/Ryne Stanek, Marlins – After the trade of Sergio Romo to the Twins, Nick Anderson looked like the best option to close for the Marlins. So much for that idea, as Anderson was dealt at the trade deadline to Tampa. Leading the list of possible closers for Miami is Garcia, who notched a 2.51 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 25:8 K:BB through 32.1 innings with two wins and a hold in 29 appearances before allowing two runs in one-third of an inning on Saturday. The one strike against him might be as a southpaw, so he could end up being a matchup choice for manager Don Mattingly by getting the call against lefty-heavy lineups in the ninth. Guerrero has struggled since coming back from his injured finger, but he boasts a high-90s fastball and makeup of a possible closer. Walks continue to be his downfall, which could preclude him from closing. Stanek, currently on the on the injured list with a hip injury, kicked off a rehab assignment at High-A Jupiter following his acquisition. With Tampa, the righty reliever posted a 3.40 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 61:20 K:BB in 55.2 innings and he too could factor in the closing mix having pitched in high-leverage situations part of the last two seasons. Adam Conley and Jose Quijada could also factor in the mix - as with Drew Steckenrider when he returns from his injury later this month - but Garcia looks to be the top option right now. Garcia - 12 team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14; Guerrero - 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Stanek - 12 team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (closer spec bid) 

Shane Greene, Braves – Atlanta vastly improved their bullpen at the trade deadline by acquiring Greene from the Tigers, Chris Martin from the Rangers and Mark Melancon from the Giants. Greene, who sported a 1.18 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 43:18 K:BB along with 22 saves in 38 innings with Detroit, will close for the Braves. While his numbers look pretty, he's recorded a 3.69 FIP so a bit of luck has been involved. As an extreme groundball pitcher, the move from Comerica Park to SunTrust Field may not impact Greene much. Luke Jackson is the main loser, as he will shift back to a setup role. 12 team Mixed: Owned, 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: $55

Seth Lugo, Mets – Lugo, named NL Reliever of the Month for July due to his 12 scoreless appearances, extended that streak to 13 on Saturday. Edwin Diaz allowed two runs in a non-save situation in that game after which manager Mickey Callaway was non-committal as to who will close moving forward. If a changing of the guard does occur, Lugo - who notched his first save of season Jul. 26 when Diaz was unavailable after getting hit by a comeback the day before - remains the favorite to take over as the closer. 12 team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (spec bid, up more if he closes)

Reyes Moronta/Sam Selman, Giants: Moronta struggled the first seven weeks of the season but has righted the ship ever since. He's allowed five earned runs in 24.2 innings since May 23 to go along with a 26:11 K:BB, but troubling signs do exist. Last season, Moronta finished with a 2.49 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 79:37 K:BB in 65 innings, but his 3.28 FIP and 6.6% HR/FB indicated concerns behind the base numbers. With Sam Dyson dealt, he works in a traditional righty-lefty setup configuration with Tony Watson setting up Will Smith. Selman was promoted with Sam Dyson, Mark Melancon and Drew Pomeranz shipped out at the deadline. He dazzled out of the bullpen at Sacramento this season by recording a 1.35 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 65:13 K:BB over 40 innings. He will pitch in low-leverage situations initially, as he did when he allowed a run in the sixth inning Friday. Moronta - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Selman - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3 

Scott Oberg, Rockies – The Rockies removed Wade Davis as their closer Friday. Oberg, who filled the closer role earlier this season when Davis was sidelined with an oblique injury, will reclaim that spot. He has continued his early season success, sitting with a 1.59 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 54:21 K:BB in 51 innings. Jake McGee and Carlos Estevez could also be part of the closer mix.12 team Mixed: $30, 15-team Mixed: $40; 12-team NL: $50

CATCHER

Victor Caratini/Taylor Davis, Cubs: Willson Contreras left Saturday's game against the Brewers with what appears to be a right hamstring injury. He's at minimum expected to be out until undergoing an MRI on Monday. Caratini has proven he can handle the catching role when called upon and should start almost daily while Contreras is sidelined with Martin Maldonando going back to Houston at the trade deadline. The Cubs will need a second catcher, so look for Davis to be called up to back up Caratini until Contreras returns to action. Caratini - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (to be upped if Contreras misses several weeks); Davis - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Will Smith, Dodgers: Smith, profiled last week when Austin Barnes was sent down to the minors, has taken a firm grasp on the backstop role in LA by blasting three home runs and 13 RBI since rejoining the Dodgers last weekend. The 2016 first-round pick 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, while acquitting himself well during his brief stints in the majors earlier this season. If you were on the fence about acquiring Smith, your window has likely passed. But if not, bid heavily. 12-team Mixed: $55; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: Owned

FIRST BASE

Eric Thames, Brewers: Milwaukee dealt Jesus Aguilar to Tampa for Jake Faria, opening up additional playing time at first. Ryan Braun may slide over to play there against lefties, creating space in left field for Trent Grisham. On the season, Thames is slashing .252/.365/.504 with 15 long balls and 40 runs batted over 288 plate appearances through Thursday's games and should continue to start against almost righties. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (should already be owned in NL-only leagues)

SECOND BASE

Scooter Gennett, Giants: Gennett benefits from his trade to the Giants, as he is likely to take over as the team's primary second baseman by relegating Joe Panik to backup duty. He has struggled since returning from his groin injury that sidelined him until July, slashing only .212/.232/.258 in Cinci. The Giants are hoping Gennett can rediscover his form from his breakout campaign in 2018, when he excelled with a .310/.357/.490 line to go along with 23 home runs, 30 doubles and 92 RBI in 154 games. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up if think he returns to last year's form)

Cesar Hernandez, Phillies: With Scott Kingery slumping at the plate of late, manager Gabe Kapler has turned to Hernandez as the team's table setter. While the walk rate has plummeted, his contact rate has risen. Until Kingery pares down his strikeouts, Hernandez should earn a bona fide chance of sticking as the club's primary leadoff man and enjoying a spike in run-scoring and base-stealing opportunities atop a strong Phillies' lineup. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

Tony Kemp, Cubs: Kemp was acquired from the Astros for Martin Maldonado. He split time between second base and the outfield with Houston, compiling a .227/.308/.417 triple-slash with seven home runs and four stolen bases in 66 games. A fifth-round pick out of Vanderbilt in 2013, Kemp should see time at second base and in the outfield, bringing speed and a strong contact rate to Chicago. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Jose Peraza, Reds: Peraza could see a rise in playing time and at-bats following the trade of Scooter Gennett to the Giants. He has slumped at the plate and is not stealing bases as he had in the past, thereby impacting his value. Looks like Peraza gets two months to prove he should be part of the future in Cincinnati. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Josh VanMeter, Reds: VanMeter has made the most of his current chance with the Reds by grabbing ahold of the Reds' second base job, at least against right-handed starters. Cincinnati dealt Scooter Gennett to the Giants and Yasiel Puig to the Indians at the trade deadline, clearing additional playing time for VanMeter. Jose Peraza started at second base, with Aristides Aquino starting in right field and Phillip Ervin in left, which likely will be the arrangement against southpaws. But VanMeter, at least while he is hot - which has been the case recently - should start almost every day against righties, either at second or in left field. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18

Kolten Wong, Cardinals: Wong was suffering through another nightmarish campaign before the calendar flipped to July. In the past month, Wong boosted his season average 24 points to .263, a feat partly facilitated by reaching safely in each of the last 13 games during which he's logged at least one official plate appearance. With eight home runs, 40 RBI, 40 runs and 15 stolen bases, Wong is providing across-the-board production and is locked in as the Cardinals' starter at the team's keystone spot. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Injury activations/updates

Jedd Gyorko, Dodgers: Gyorko, sidelined since the beginning of June with back/calf/wrist injuries - including wrist surgery on Jun. 24 - is in the midst of a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis. He was dealt from the Cardinals to the Dodgers on Wednesday, transferring his rehab to Double-A Tulsa on Saturday. When activated, Gyorko will provide infield depth for the Dodgers, who are currently without Chris Taylor (forearm), Enrique Hernandez (hand) and David Freese (hamstring). 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Ben Zobrist, Cubs: Zobrist, on MLB's restricted list since May 8 due to his potential divorce, began a rehab assignment with Low-A South Bend on Friday and will appear with them through Sunday before the Cubs decide on his plan going forward Monday. Because he was on the non-suspended restricted list, his rehab can last up to 30 days window before activation and he'll need to be reinstated by Aug. 31 to be eligible for the postseason. Prior to going on that list, Zobrist was slashing .241/.343/.253 with one extra-base hit in 99 plate appearances prior to leaving the team. Last year, the 14-year veteran enjoyed a resurgence by slashing .305/.378/.440 with nine home runs, 58 RBI and 67 runs scored. Chicago just acquired Tony Kemp to see time at second base, so Zobrist may resume his utility role when he returns. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

THIRD BASE

J.D. Davis, Mets: Davis, profiled two weeks ago, gets another mention as he continues to make the most of his playing time. Aided by the stress reaction foot injury to Dominic Smith, Davis started for a fifth straight game Thursday. From Jun. 30 to Jul. 31, he slashed .393/.460/.571 with a pair of homers, seven RBI and eight runs scored. Davis qualifies at third and in the outfield, which is where he will see most of his work as Todd Frazier was not moved at the trade deadline. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (upped bid from two weeks ago)

Injury activations/updates

Jon Berti, Marlins: Bertl, sidelined since May 19 with a left oblique strain, was finally activated Wednesday after a nine-game rehab stint. Prior to being sidelined, he slashed .237/.324/.373 in 22 games. Berti went .296/.333/.519 with two home runs and a stolen base in his rehab stint and has resumed his role as a utility infielder for Miami. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Evan Longoria, Giants: Longoria, sidelined since Jul. 14 due to a flareup of plantar fasciitis in his left foot, could rejoin the Giants on Sunday. Prior to being sidelined, he had gotten hot at the plate and held off Pablo Sandoval at third base. After struggling mightily early, Longoria had flipped the switch to start July by going 7-for-13 with a whopping four homers and nine RBI over the three-game set against the Padres. He added two more home runs in the next five games before getting sidelined. If Longoria can regain that form after returning, he should continue to start over Sandoval - who has failed to take advantage of this recent absence. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Owned 

SHORTSTOP 

Mauricio Dubon, Brewers: Dubon, who enjoyed a cup of coffee earlier this season for Milwaukee, was traded to San Francisco for Drew Pomeranz and Ray Black. He hit .297/.333/.475 with 16 home runs and nine steals in 98 games at Triple-A San Antonio, rebounding after a slow start and aided by the livelier ball. This trade is good for his fantasy value, as he obviously promises a much better chance of displacing Joe Panik/Donovan Solano than he would have of unseating Keston Hiura. Dubon - who profiles as a future second baseman - has built off his success from 2018 when he posting a .922 OPS over 27 games before tearing his ACL. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (future playing time bid)

Kris Negron, Dodgers – Los Angeles acquired Negron from the Mariners to fill a utility infield role with Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernandez out. In Seattle, he appeared in 10 games and hit .217 with a .497 OPS. Negron could see time at second, third, short and left field in LA, though he did start in center field Friday - but may only get to do so until the team gets healthy. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

OUTFIELD 

Aristides Aquino, Reds: Aquino was promoted to replace Yasiel Puig in the Reds' outfield. He slashed .299/.356/.656 with 28 home runs in 78 games at Triple-A Louisville to earn the call up. Though lefty hitters Jesse Winker, Josh VanMeter and Derek Dietrich are likely the leading candidates to draw most of the starts in the corner-outfield spots versus right-handed pitching, Aquino and Phillip Ervin could be deployed as short-side platoon mates for any of the three lefties. His power and home ballpark provides some value and if he gets hot, he could carve out additional playing time as a switch-hitter. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Nicholas Castellanos, Cubs: Castellanos was primarily acquired to improve Chicago's numbers against southpaw starters. The Cubs entered Wednesday batting only .235 against lefties - 21 points lower than their average against right-handers. Castellanos slashed .347/.415/.611 against lefties along with the sixth-best average, seventh-best OPS and ninth-highest on-base percentage in the American League. Don't look for him to play third base, as he has regressed defensively at the hot corner, but he should start almost daily in right field. Castellanos, who was slashing .273/.328/.462 with 11 home runs in 100 games for the Tigers, was acquired for Paul Richan and Alex Lange. 12-team Mixed: Owned; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: $77

Yonathan Daza/Raimel Tapia, Rockies: Daza was called up Saturday with David Dahl landing on the injured list with an ankle sprain. He grabbed just one hit in six games with the Rockies earlier in the season, but has enjoyed a strong year for Triple-A Albuquerque by hitting .364/404/.548 with 11 homers and 12 steals. Daza hasn't hit below .300 at any minor-league stop that's lasted more than 10 games since 2013, though he hadn't shown any power prior to this season. Tapia had already been seeing an uptick in playing time, but could play daily in left field while Ian Desmond will likely slide back to center field. Daza - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Tapia - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Steven Duggar/Austin Slater, Giants: I was intending to write about Alex Dickerson, but he landed on the 10-day IL with a strained right oblique. Those injuries can linger, so his 1.222 OPS in 30 games may miss more than 10 days, though the expectation right now is that he will be right around the minimum time missed. Stepping in for Dickerson should be Duggar and Slater. If targeting one, go with Slater, who slashed an impressive .270/.370/.524 with three home runs and 13 RBI in 73 plate appearances in July - although with a 28.8 percent strikeout rate. Duggar opened the season in the majors, but struggled at the plate and landed in the minors after coming off the injured list in early July. He has hit well in the minors and could get another chance if Slater slumps. In addition, we may see one in right and the other in center, as was the case Friday and Saturday. Duggar - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Slater - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Adam Duvall, Braves: Duvall, profiled last week when Nick Markakis suffered a fractured wrist, gets another mention as he has been red-hot since his call up. In his first six games, he went 12-for-26 with five home runs and seven runs driven in. Duvall, who was slashing .259/.349/.582 with 29 home runs and 84 RBI in 347 at-bats at Triple-A Gwinnett and recorded big power years in 2016 and 2017 before falling off a cliff last year, was expected to play mainly against left-handed pitching. His fine start has earned him close to full-time duty in left field and should allow him a bit of leeway when regression hits. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Trent Grisham, Brewers: Milwaukee dealt Jesus Aguilar to Tampa for Jake Faria, opening up a roster spot for Grisham. After opening the season at Double-A Biloxi, he hit .254/.371/.504 with 13 homers and six steals to earn a promotion. Grisham posted a.381/.471/.776 slash line with 13 home runs and six stolen bases in 34 games, along with an excellent 22:23 K:BB across 158 plate appearances with San Antonio to warrant a trip to Milwaukee. Ryan Braun may slide over to play first against lefties, creating space in left field for the 2015 first rounder. Grisham's prospect status has waned since his draft year, but his fine play this season paved the way to his major-league debut - although it's unclear how much playing time he will receive. He did start in center field Thursday, giving Lorenzo Cain a day off. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Jason Martin/Jose Osuna/Pablo Reyes, Pirates: Following the trade of Corey Dickerson to the Phillies, Martin, Osuna and Reyes are all in line for a boost in playing time, at least until Gregory Polanco returns to action. Also look for Melky Cabrera, signed through the end of 2019, to also factor in the mix the final two months of the regular season. Osuna, a first baseman by trade, has struggled defensively in the outfield but has excelled at the plate in limited playing time. Martin and Reyes each encountered short major-league stints earlier this season. Reyes has been hot at the plate all season at Triple-A Indianapolis and was promoted Friday, while Martin has found his stroke in the minors the past month or so. Martin - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5; Osuna - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $9; Reyes - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5

Wil Myers, Padres: Myers was already seeing an uptick in playing time prior to the trade deadline, starting at three different positions. That change came out of nowhere, as he had been in the throes of a horrible slump and landed him on the bench. San Diego dealt Franmil Reyes as part of a three-team deal and acquired Taylor Trammell, who has struggled at Double-A but is still viewed as a top prospect. This has opened up left field to Myers for now, who was 6-for-15 with a home run the last four games before the deadline. Ride the wave while he remains hot. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $33; 12-team NL: $33

Josh Naylor, Padres: Naylor was called back up Thursday and will serve as the Padres' fourth outfielder after Franmil Reyes was traded to Cleveland in a three-team deal earlier in the week. The 22-year-old outfielder hit .236/.287/.358 with three home runs and a stolen base in a 41-game stint with the Padres earlier in the season. Naylor boasts big-time power but struggled with strikeouts along with his contact and walk rates his first stint in the majors. He should see action at both corner outfield spots as well as at first base. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7

Lane Thomas, Cardinals: Thomas was called up with Harrison Bader landing back in the minors. With Marcell Ozuna still sidelined and Tyler O'Neill day-to-day with a finger injury, Thomas could see some starts in left field. Once Ozuna returns, which could be early this week, Thomas is a candidate to be demoted. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Mike Yastrzemski, Giants: Yastrzemski continues to excel at the plate and owns a stranglehold on the right field job in San Francisco by registering a .276/.326/.503 slash line with 34 RBI and 36 runs scored over his first 58 major-league games. Yaz's hitting streak ended at six Saturday and he will continue to bat second against righties, ceding some at-bats against southpaws to Austin Slater and Kevin Pillar. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jan Levine
Levine covers baseball and hockey for RotoWire. He is responsible for the weekly NL FAAB column for baseball and the Barometer for hockey. In addition to his column writing, he is master of the NHL cheat sheets. In his spare time, he roots for the Mets and Rangers.
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