NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

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.

Bids in general are best guesstimates. With so much uncertainty at least initially, those values may be even greater estimates than usual. The FAAB chart below lets users easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The chart, which is 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. An "A" grade is reserved for a high-impact prospect stepping into an everyday role.

If you have questions on players, I'm happy to provide my thoughts in the comments.

STARTING PITCHER 

Tyler Anderson, Pirates: Anderson, a first-round pick in 2011, is a soft-tossing lefty who averages 90 MPH with his fastball. But he has learned to pitch, mixing in his changeup to draw weak contact. Anderson is 2-2 with a 2.92 ERA and 21:6 K:BB in 20.2 innings after his win Wednesday. He profiles as a spot or streaming starter in deeper leagues, so be wary about using him. But Anderson's solid beginning to the season makes him an appealing short-term option. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7

JT Brubaker, Pirates: Brubaker, rostered at 59% in CBS leagues, has gotten off to a phenomenal start to the season. In four starts across 22.1 innings, he's posted a 2.01 ERA, 9.3 K/9 and 59% groundball rate. On the flip side, he has a 4.12 FIP due to a .236 BABIP and 93% strand rate. Brubaker made his big-league debut in 2020, starting nine games and relieving in two more. His 4.94 ERA in 47.1 innings was generally unimpressive, but his 4.08 FIP and 4.14 xFIP shine a more optimistic light on him. Brubaker is set for some regression, but is fairly locked into his starting rotation spot. He gets a better test this week when he faces St. Louis at home. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: Rostered 

Austin Gomber, Rockies: Gomber, acquired from St. Louis in the Nolan Arenado trade, notched his first win as a member of the Rockies on Wednesday limiting the Astros to two runs on two hits and two walks with six strikeouts over six innings. After a very rough debut outing, Gomber has a 3.38 ERA and 1.17 WHIP across 21.1 innings this season, but he also sports a 20:15 K:BB through four starts contributing to a 4.54 FIP. The southpaw has worked at least six innings in each of his last three outings, but his walk rate at Coors Field and so-so team behind him may limit his upside. All that said, Gomber is worth a look - especially in deeper leagues. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Jon Gray, Rockies: Gray, like Brubaker, slides in just under the 65% rostered threshold I use for these columns resulting in his inclusion. After posting a 3.84 ERA and 4.05 FIP, which is reasonable as a Coors Field starter in 2019, Gray cratered last year with a 6.69 ERA and 5.06 FIP in 39.1 innings showing he was a bit unlucky. He also posted an 8.39 ERA at home versus a 3.77 mark on the road, so not all was lost and the sample size was relatively small. Through three starts, Gray is doing his best to put last year behind him with a 2.42 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 21:11 K:BB in 24.2 IP. To retain any level of success, he will need to substantially cut his walk rate. And ironically, his one bad start came on the road in Los Angeles. 12-team Mixed: $6, 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: Rostered

Elieser Hernandez, Marlins: Hernandez, who left his first start of the year in the third inning with biceps tendon inflammation, has been throwing successfully from 90 feet and increased his throwing distance from 60 this week. With a bullpen session in line for some time soon, Hernandez is drawing closer to a return. However, he is still without a formal timetable to take the mound in game action. Hernandez's stuff screams major upside, but his limited innings last year means he is unlikely to pitch that much more than 100 this year - presuming he's able to stay healthy. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: Rostered (same as prior weeks)

Ryan Weathers, Padres: Weathers, profiled last week, gets another mention as he will now stick in the San Diego rotation for the time being. Originally starting with the Padres going occasionally with a six-man rotation, with Dinelson Lamet (forearm) out in the near-term and Adrian Morejon sidelined for the year after Tommy John surgery, Weathers' fine early-season performance has earned him a continued spot. Weathers has shone in his five appearances this season, yielding only one earned run over 15.1 innings while registering a 16:5 K:BB. In two starts against the division-rival Dodgers, the lefty has given up no runs on only two hits across 9.1 frames. Even when Lamet returns, Weathers could remain a starter if he continues dominating opposing offenses. Just keep in mind Weathers advanced all the way from Low-A in 2019 to make his major-league debut in the playoffs last year, so some regression could be forthcoming and MacKenzie Gore looms at Triple-A. But the talent is there for Weathers to stick as a starter. 12-team Mixed: $7, 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22 (upper bid from prior and based on believing he sticks in rotation)

Alex Wood, Giants: If you didn't jump on the Wood train last week, his performance from the first two starts have substantially upped his value. The talent has always been there, but his career has been marked with injuries since a brilliant 2017 campaign. Wood has allowed just one run in 12 innings along with a 11:1 K:BB with both starts coming against Miami. He will have a harder time his next opportunity against the Rockies, though he benefits from that start coming at home. Logan Webb was to move to a bullpen role when Wood rejoined the starting rotation, but remained in the rotation with Johnny Cueto missing two starts due to an oblique injury. Webb pitched poorly in his start and Aaron Sanchez is dealing with diminished velocity despite pitching well, so Wood is fairly locked into a role in the Giants' starting rotation. 12-team Mixed: $9, 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: Rostered 

RELIEF PITCHER 

J.B. Bukauskas, Diamondbacks: Bukauskas, a first-round pick by Houston in 2017, was a significant part of the return for Zack Greinke. After battling elbow and wrist issues in late 2019 and early 2020, Bukauskas is finally healthy. He has shown a great strikeout punch when healthy with his mid-90s heat and plus slider, but with spotty command and control pointing to a likely future in relief. Promoted from the taxi squad last Sunday, Bukauskas has been used in lower-leverage situations, but could seize a more prominent role given the club's lack of reliable late-inning arms even when either Joakim Soria (calf) and/or Chris Devenski (restricted list) is activated. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Andrew Chafin, Cubs: Chafin, who came to Chicago last year from Arizona and re-signed with the team this offseason, is playing a key role as the Cubs' main lefty out of the bullpen ahead of Craig Kimbrel. He has notched three holds, but faltered in the role and took the loss Saturday. Chafin's value is mainly in leagues that count holds. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

Brusdar Graterol, Dodgers: The Dodgers activated Graterol from the 10-day injured list last Sunday after missing the start of the season due to COVID-19. Acquired last year as part of the three-team Mookie Betts deal, Graterol posted a 3.09 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 13:3 K:BB in 23.1 innings out of the bullpen. Armed with a 100-mph sinking fastball and hard-breaking slider, he's yet to reach his strikeout potential but should be a key weapon as a bridge to closer Kenley Jansen. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (K potential) 

Spencer Howard, Phillies: Howard, who struggled last season before getting shut down with shoulder soreness in September, was promoted this week with Jose Alvarado hitting the COVID-19 list to help provide some depth for bullpen. He still profiles as a long-term starter, but will pitch out of the bullpen for now and is a decent shot to be sent down when Triple-A action begins on May 6. Howard also missed time in 2019 with a sore shoulder, which is a troubling trend. His fastball, slider and changeup can all be at least plus pitches when he is at his best and has shown solid command in the past, which could add up to a No. 2 starter if he can overcome his shoulder issues. Vince Velasquez is filling in for Matt Moore (COVID-19) in the team's rotation, but there is a spot to be had if Howard shows he's ready. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (up if he starts) 

Joe Kelly, Dodgers: Kelly, who missed most of last year with shoulder soreness and opened the regular season on the injured list, is expected to return in early or mid-May. With Corey Knebel (lat) now expected to miss multiple months, Kelly could serve as one of the Dodgers' top setup men – a role he has filled in the past - upon his return. Until then, Blake Treinen, Victor Gonzalez and Brusdar Graterol each move up a notch behind Kenley Jansen. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid) 

Seth Lugo, Mets: Lugo, who underwent surgery to remove a loose body from his elbow in mid-February, started throwing bullpen sessions this past week. He was initially given a mid-May timeline and remains on that schedule. Lugo was brilliant out of the pen as a multi-inning weapon last year. And after starting in that role last season, he moved back to the rotation where he faltered. When Lugo returns, he will be part of the setup crew in front of Edwin Diaz, where his fastball gets a spike in velocity and his curveball enables him to strike out hitters at a high rate. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid)

Joakim Soria, Diamondbacks: Soria, who strained his left calf in his first game as a D-Back, is inching closer to returning. He faced hitters in a simulated game this week for the first time since landing on the IL and will pitch off the mound one or two more times before returning from the injured list. Manager Torey Lovullo said Soria's arm is sound, but he wants to see the pitcher cover first base and backup bases without issue. Soria had a brutal spring training, but posted a 2.82 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 22.1 innings with the Athletics last year and could close when activated. No one has fully stepped forward in his absence, but J.B. Bukauskas, Kevin Ginkel, Stefan Crichton and Chris Devenski all may factor in the closing mix. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

CATCHER

Sandy Leon/Chad Wallach, Marlins: Leon was called up this week with Jorge Alfaro landing on the injured list with a strained left hamstring. He and Wallach will split time behind the plate, though neither is an appealing fantasy option. Both - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3 

Austin Nola, Padres: Nola, sidelined since Mar. 14 with a fractured middle finger on his (left) catching hand, could return for San Diego's upcoming series against Arizona beginning Tuesday. He has been participating in games at the team's alternate site since Apr. 20, but may be a bit rusty and play through some pain in the finger when he first returns. Nola hit .271/.347/.461 with 17 home runs and 59 RBI over the last two years with both the Mariners and Padres. When he finally returns to active duty, Victor Caratini will shift back to spot duty and Luis Campusano is probably heading to the minors. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $21 (slightly upped bid)

FIRST BASE

Matt Beaty, Dodgers: Beaty was promoted back to the big-leagues Saturday. He made the Dodgers' Opening Day roster, but didn't do much with his limited opportunities going 1-for-11 at the plate before being sent down in mid-April. Beaty is unlikely to fill a significant role now that he's back with LA and could be sent back when Gavin Lux (wrist) returns Monday. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

C.J. Cron, Rockies: Cron, rostered in slightly under 50% leagues, has shown signs of life at the plate after a slow start. He has gone 9-for-30 with a pair of home runs and eight runs batted in his last nine games. Cron is pretty locked in as the team's starting first baseman, although Ryan McMahon could see time at first when Brendan Rodgers (hamstring) returns but is likely to play third in place of Josh Fuentes. If you can buy low on Cron, do so - especially since he plays half his games at Coors. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: Rostered

Pavin Smith, Diamondbacks: Smith, drafted as a first baseman in the first round in 2017, started in center field Thursday and Friday. With outfielders Tim Locastro (finger) and Ketel Marte (hamstring) and first baseman Christian Walker (oblique) unavailable, there are opportunities for Smith even at an unfamiliar position. Smith batted leadoff for the fourth straight game Friday and is 6-for-20 with two walks, four runs and two RBI during that stretch. Nick Heath, who was acquired from the Royals last weekend, had been starting in CF but Smith looks to be the primary option there at least until the D-Backs get healthy. Smith's lack of power limits his upside potential and likely will relegate him back to the bench when Arizona gets back their injured players. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 

Daniel Vogelbach, Brewers: Despite Keston Hiura's poor performance at the plate, Vogelbach has seen limited action at the plate only receiving 39 plate appearances in 18 games. After hitting 30 home runs in 2019 - albeit with a .208 batting average - Vogelbach was cut loose by the Mariners and landed with the Blue Jays before finishing the year with Milwaukee. He likely will see playing time as the DH against some right-handed starters, but his inability to make consistent contact limits his playing opportunities. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

SECOND BASE

Jon Berti, Marlins: Berti had 17 steals in 287 plate appearances in 2019 and nine in a little more than half as many plate appearances last year, which represents a major part of his value. He broke camp as a utility player, but is seeing a significant increase in playing time at third base with Brian Anderson (oblique) forced to the injured list. Berti blasted his first home run and drove in a pair of runs Saturday. And while he has yet to steal a base this year, he could be a source of swipes if he can get on base at a strong enough clip. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (stolen base potential)

David Bote/Nico Hoerner/Eric Sogard, Cubs: Bote earned the starting second base job this spring, resulting in Hoerner getting sent down to the minors. He got off to an extremely slow start, but has righted the ship recently while seeing almost of his playing time at the keystone. Hoerner was recalled by the Cubs on Thursday with Joc Pederson (wrist) landing on the injured list. The 23-year-old started at shortstop Saturday with Javier Baez getting a day off, but could get regular playing time at second moving forward over Bote and Sogard and possibly in the outfield as long as he stays productive at the plate. In terms of upside potential, Hoerner is by far the better option over his two competitors for playing time. Sogard, the oldest of the three, figures to see the least playing time, but can fill in all over the infield like Bote. Bote - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6; Hoerner - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up if think he produces like he did in 2019); Sogard - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Mauricio Dubon/Wilmer Flores/Tommy La Stella, Phillies: Donovan Solano landed on the injured list Thursday with a strained calf that will sideline him a while. Evan Longoria is also dealing with a tight left hamstring and Brandon Crawford (side/quad) has also been forced to the sidelines. Filling those three spots has been Dubon, Flores and La Stella. All three have struggled to start the season resulting in a drop in initial playing time, but injuries have created opportunities for each. If targeting one or two, go with Dubon as he has some power and speed and Flores, who broke out last year at the plate. La Stella is still trying to find the power stroke he had two seasons ago. Dubon - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: Rostered; Flores - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: Rostered; La Stella - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Kyle Farmer, Reds: Farmer saw an uptick in playing time this past week, starting at third base with Mike Moustakas landing on the 10-day injured list with a non-COVID-19 illness. Moose is expected back this week, which will return Farmer to his super-utility role where he'll spend time at multiple positions. After seeing 15 games behind the plate in 2019, Farmer did not play there last year and is not expected to see time at catcher this season - a role that would increase his value. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Scott Kingery/Nick Maton/Brad Miller, Phillies: Kingery, who was sent down to the minors this spring, was recalled by the Phillies on Wednesday after Jean Segura (quadriceps) was placed on the 10-day injured list.  After a solid 2019 campaign, Kingery appeared in 36 games for the Phillies last year slashing .159/.228/.283 with three home runs and six RBI. Philly hoped his slump was due to Kingery contracting COVID-19 at summer camp, but he posted a .525 OPS while striking out in 19 of his 44 at-bats in Grapefruit League play resulting in his demotion. Miller is the favorite to start at the keystone, but he has been battling a stiff neck thereby opening the door for Maton - who was promoted as a bench infielder - filling the spot left vacant with Ronald Torreyes landing on the COVID-19 list. Maton, a lefty batter, played a handful of games at short for Didi Gregorius then started the past two at second with Miller. He's a competent defender at shortstop, although unlikely to hit enough to be a regular with a career .259/.342/.378 slash line in the minors and has been red-hot at the plate since his promotion. Miller mashes righties, but is a subpar defender, which may limit his playing time. However, once healthy, look for Miller to start almost daily at the keystone while Segura is out and also will see time all over the infield. Kingery - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3; Maton - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3; Miller - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 

Sheldon Neuse, Dodgers: Neuse was recalled from the Dodgers' taxi squad last Sunday and started at second base in the team's series finale in San Diego. Drafted by Washington and then sent to Oakland, Neuse was acquired by LA this past offseason. He replaced Gavin Lux (wrist), who was placed on the 10-day injured list, at the keystone and blasted his first home run this past week. Lux should be back Monday, but Neuse is likely to stick with the parent club with Zach McKinstry (oblique) landing on the 10-day IL and will be out a while while Chris Taylor is nursing a bad back. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6

THIRD BASE

Rodolfo Castro, Pirates:  Castro, signed in 2015, was added to Pirates' 40-man roster this offseason. He hit 19 homers in 2019 while splitting time between Low-A and High-A ball, which is the highest level of action he had seen before making his MLB debut in Game 2 of Pittsburgh's doubleheader Wednesday. Castro hits the ball really hard, but has some major swing-and-miss concerns. He can play second base in addition to the hot corner and will likely head back to the minors whenever Ke'Bryan Hayes (wrist) is able to return. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Jason Vosler, Giants: Vosler, drafted in the 16th round in 2014 by Chicago and traded to San Diego before the 2019 season for Rowan Wick, was called up Saturday. He hit well with the club this spring, but failed to make the team due to its plentiful infield depth. However, regulars such as Evan Longoria (hamstring), Donovan Solano (calf) and Brandon Crawford (quadriceps) are currently sidelined and leave the team depleted. That will give Vosler – who hit 20+ home runs in the minors in 2017 and 2018 before doing the same in the thin air in El Paso in 2019 - the chance to make his major-league debut and he should draw the majority of his work at second and third base. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $4 

SHORTSTOP

Jose Devers/Miguel Rojas, Marlins: Devers, acquired from the Yankees as part of the Giancarlo Stanton trade, was recalled by the Marlins on Thursday with Brian Anderson (oblique) on the 10-day injured list. The 21-year-old Devers, Miami's best defensive minor-league shortstop, was expected to open the season at Double-A Pensacola or Triple-A Jacksonville after splitting time between the rookie-ball, Low-A and High-A in 2019 produced a collective .322/.391/.390 slash line in 47 games. But an injury opened the door and he will back up Rojas at shortstop and could see time at second and third, although his bat is a major work-in-progress. Rojas also upped his OPS the past two seasons and is locked in the Marlins' shortstop. His best feature is his ability to make contact, as seen in his minuscule strikeout rate. Rojas won't provide a lot of power, though he did manage 11 home runs in 2018 and is a nice option in deeper leagues requiring a middle infielder. Devers - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $3; Rojas - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team-NL: Rostered

Josh Rojas, Diamondbacks:  Rojas parlayed a hot spring to open the season as Arizona's starting shortstop with Nick Ahmed (knee) sidelined. He failed to hit, resulting in pine time that dried up even more when Ahmed returned. Ahmed has struggled mightily at the plate and got a day off Friday to work on his swing while Rojas is 5-for-13 his last five appearances (three starts) and seeing time at second, short and in the outfield. As long as Rojas stays hot, he should be in the lineup almost regularly. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

OUTFIELD

Shogo Akiyama, Reds: Akiyama, sidelined with a strained left hamstring, played in a scrimmage at the Reds' alternate training site Saturday. Presuming he has no setbacks, he could return to active duty the first week of May. Akiyama's first year in the US and majors last season went far worse than expected, save for a decent on-base average, as his power and speed left a lot to be desired. Once activated, he would likely serve as the Reds' fourth or fifth outfielder. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $5 (same bid as prior week)

Harrison Bader, Cardinals: Bader, out since spring training with a strained forearm and profiled last week, gets mentioned again as he was cleared this week to take live batting practice but is still about a week away from participating in all baseball activities. Originally slated to miss four weeks, Bader is well behind that estimated timetable and likely won't be back until mid-May at the earliest. Dylan Carlson has handled and will continue to most of the starts in center in Bader absence. Bader's defense might allow to him see some action, but of Carlson and Tyler O'Neill - who is out with a groin injury and hot at the plate - Bader's playing time will be minimal. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $7 (same spec return bid)

Lewis Brinson/Magneuris Sierra, Marlins: Brinson, called up with Starling Marte (rib) landing on the 10-day injured list Tuesday, is getting the chance to play regularly in center field. Rather than being limited to short-side platoon duty at the position with Sierra, the righty-hitting Brinson looks like he'll stick in the lineup against both right and left-handed pitching while Marte is on the mend. Over 829 career plate appearances in parts of five seasons in the majors, Brinson carries a .187/.240/.300 slash line and a 29.4 percent strikeout rate and he has done little so far to show he warrants that starting spot. Sierra started Saturday, but he too is struggling thereby giving Brinson additional chances to run with the job. Brinson - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Sierra - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

Yonathan Daza, Rockies: Daza, who I debated about profiling last week, gets mentioned this week as he started his third straight game in center field Saturday. To facilitate that playing time, the Rockies again moved Garrett Hampson to second base, pushing Ryan McMahon to third and Josh Fuentes to the bench. The outfielder raked at every level of the minors, but failed to translate that success to the majors in 2019 and didn't see time with the parent club last season. Daza has surpassed Sam Hilliard on the Rockies' depth chart, but it remains to be seen how the outfield aligns when Brendan Rodgers (hamstring) is ready. While Daza boasts elite speed, he's only had one season where he's stolen more than 20 bases. But anyone logging at least semi-regular time and playing half his games at Coors Field warrants a look-see in most formats. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Nick Heath, Diamondbacks: Heath's best qualities are his eye at the plate and speed on the basepaths. With Tim Locastro (finger) joining Ketel Marte (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list Sunday, Heath - acquired this off-season from the Royals - was promoted from Arizona's taxi squad last Sunday. He looked like he could have a clear path to an everyday role in center field, at least against right-handed pitching. But Pavin Smith - normally a first baseman - has started the past two in center field relegating Heath to pinch-hit duty. Heath likely will be sent down when either Locastro or Marte return. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

Jake Marisnick, Cubs: Marisnick, who bounced from the Astros to the Mets and now the Cubs, is receiving additional playing time due to Joc Pederson on the injured list. He has served as the starting center fielder in each of the last three games since the Cubs have faced three consecutive southpaws, a role he should continue to play while Pederson is out. Against righties, Ian Happ plays CF while Kris Bryant moved from third base to left field. Marisnick offers a combination of some power and speed, giving him a short-term spike in value until Pederson returns. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $7 (short-term value spike) 

Tyler O'Neill, Cardinals: O'Neill, whose hot spring earned him a starting job, landed on the injured list with a strained right groin on Apr. 11. He was activated Friday, but fouled a ball off his foot Thursday explaining why he was absent from the lineup upon his return but started in left field Saturday. O'Neill has shown he can be streaky and will need to hit to hold off Justin Williams and keep his spot when Harrison Bader (forearm) is ready to return. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team-NL: Rostered 

DJ Peters, Dodgers: Peters was called up by the Dodgers and replaced Zach McKinstry (oblique) - who was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday - on LA's active roster. He could see occasional playing time and offers some power potential having hit at least 23 homers in each of his past three minor-league campaigns. Peters slashed .237/.370/.421 with two home runs and five RBI this spring and will likely be used off the bench, although he did start in center Saturday versus lefty Blake Snell, which could be his usage. He is one of many candidates to be sent down when Gavin Lux (wrist) is activated off the injured list, potentially Monday. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $4

Corey Ray, Brewers: Ray, drafted fifth overall in 2016, was called up and made his major-league debut Saturday. He flashed potential with 27 homers and 37 steals at the Double-A level back in 2018, but only hit .239 that season. In 53 games at the Triple-A level the next year, he managed a miserable .188/.261/.329 while striking out 38.7 percent of the time. Ray joins a crowded Milwaukee outfield, but could earn opportunities despite his flaws with Christian Yelich (back) and Lorenzo Cain (quadriceps) both on the injured list and Avisail Garcia day-to-day with a back issue. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $5