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. Dansby Swanson 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.

PLAYER TEAM POS GRADE $ (12-Team Mixed) $ (15-Team Mixed) $ (NL-Only)
Chase Anderson MIL SP B 25 35 Owned
Mark Appel PHI SP E No No 1
Thomas Eshelman PHI SP E No 0 3
Mark Leiter PHI SP E No No 3
Luis Castillo CIN SP C 1 4 7
Rafael Montero NYM SP E No 0 2
Tyler Anderson COL SP E No 1 4
Homer Bailey CIN SP D 1 4 7
Chad Bettis COL SP
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. Dansby Swanson 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.

PLAYER TEAM POS GRADE $ (12-Team Mixed) $ (15-Team Mixed) $ (NL-Only)
Chase Anderson MIL SP B 25 35 Owned
Mark Appel PHI SP E No No 1
Thomas Eshelman PHI SP E No 0 3
Mark Leiter PHI SP E No No 3
Luis Castillo CIN SP C 1 4 7
Rafael Montero NYM SP E No 0 2
Tyler Anderson COL SP E No 1 4
Homer Bailey CIN SP D 1 4 7
Chad Bettis COL SP E 0 1 4
Trevor Cahill SD SP D 1 5 9
Brandon Finnegan CIN SP D 3 9 14
Christian Friedrich SD SP E No No 2
Jon Gray COL SP C 20 35 Owned
Justin Nicolino MIA SP E No No 2
Ariel Hernandez CIN RP E 0 1 4
Sergio Romo LA RP D No 0 3
Junichi Tazawa MIA RP D No 0 3
Archie Bradley AZ RP B 2 7 11
Jeurys Familia NYM RP A 7 11 18
Luis Garcia PHI RP D 1 4 7
Elias Diaz PIT C D 1 4 7
Jacob Stallings PIT C E No No 2
Chris Stewart PIT C E No No 2
Matt Adams ATL 1B B 65 75 Owned
Freddie Freeman ATL 1B A 75 85 95/owned
Arismendy Alcantara CIN 2B E No No 2
Scooter Gennett CIN 2B D 5 11 18
Carlos Asuaje SD 2B D 0 1 4
Ian Happ CHI 2B B 25 35 Owned
Kolten Wong STL 2B C 5 11 Owned
Enrique Hernandez LA RP D 0 1 5
Asdrubal Cabrera NYM SS C 2 7 11
Adeiny Hechavarria MIA SS E No 0 4
Johan Camargo ATL 3B D 2 7 Owned
Conor Gillaspie SF 3B E No No 2
Ryder Jones SF 3B D 1 4 7
Cory Spangenberg SD 3B D 2 7 11
Martin Prado MIA 3B C 3 9 14
Keon Broxton MIL OF D 11 22 Owned
Wilmer Difo WAS OF E No No 2
Curtis Granderson NYM OF C 3 9 14
Brian Goodwin WAS OF D 2 7 11
Starling Marte PIT OF A 33 44 55/owned
Cameron Perkins PHI OF E 1 4 7
Thomas Pham STL OF D 3 9 14
Jesse Winker CIN OF D 0 1 4
Mark Zagunis CHI OF D No No 2
Manuel Margot SD OF B 11 22 33
Jarrett Parker SF OF D 1 4 7
A.J. Pollock AZ OF B 55/Owned Owned Owned

STARTING PITCHER

Chase Anderson, Brewers - Anderson continued his string of strong starts Thursday, limiting the Pirates to two runs on two hits and a pair of walks with seven strikeouts over six innings. In five starts in June, Anderson has fashioned a 1.60 earned run average with 32 strikeouts in 33.2 innings, and in his last May start, he tossed seven scoreless innings with 11 strikeouts. Overall, Anderson has a 2.92 ERA (3.52 FIP), 1.12 WHIP and 8.5 K/9, and I kick myself daily for waiving him earlier in the season in the RotoWire Keeper Ultra League. 12-team Mixed: $35; 15-team Mixed: $45; 12-team NL: owned

Mark Appel/Thomas Eshelman/Mark Leiter, Phillies - Leiter started against the Diamondbacks on Friday, filling in for Jerad Eickhoff (back). During 12 appearances with Philadelphia this season prior to the start, Leiter had compiled a 4.74 ERA with a 12:14 K:BB in 19 innings of relief. Leiter fired six shutout innings, allowed just three hits and a walk and struck out five batters to pick up his first win. Eickhoff may only miss one more start, which likely will be filled by Leiter. Philly also could turn to Appel, who had his best start of the year with eight shutout innings Monday, but has struggled again this season, posting a 5.05 ERA and a 49:41 K:BB in 71.1 innings. The top pick in the 2013 draft, Appel, who was taken over Kris Bryant, has failed to even remotely come close to living up to that status in his career. The Phillies also could turn to Thomas Eshelman, who went 3-0 with a 3.10 ERA and a 22:5 K:BB in 29 innings for Double-A Reading before an early May promotion to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Eshelman has been even better at the upper level and could be in line for a step up. A 2015 second-round pick, Eshelman doesn't rack up a ton of strikeouts, but he has very good command and could get a call to the majors soon. Appel - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $1; Eshelman - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3; Leiter - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Luis Castillo, Reds - Castillo, acquired from Miami in the Dan Straily trade, was called up from Double-A Pensacola and started Friday against the Nationals. He allowed two runs on five hits and five walks while striking out five across five innings. After the Reds designated Asher Wojciechowski for assignment Sunday, it was expected the organization would go with one of its more experienced arms at Triple-A Louisville to fill the void in the rotation, but Castillo instead got the call. Castillo, one of the Reds' top pitching prospects, has been electric for Double-A Pensacola this season, compiling a 2.58 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 81:13 K:BB over 80.1 innings, but he definitely needs some more seasoning, especially at the upper level of the minors. He sports an 80-grade fastball with an above-average changeup and two breaking balls that are works in progress, each of which should improve as he matures. Brandon Finnegan (shoulder) made his third rehab start at Triple-A on Wednesday and will start for the Reds on Monday, but manager Bryan Price said Saturday that Castillo will stay in the Reds' starting rotation for now. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (more in keeper leagues)

Rafael Montero, Mets - Stop me if you heard this before, Montero is getting a spot start Sunday for the Mets. With Zack Wheeler (biceps) on the shelf and the Mets looking to give each starter the full five days off between outings despite Monday's off day, Montero gets the nod. He has had nine lives in his career, failing to take advantage of his chances to date. But he was solid in relief Wednesday, using his changeup more often and challenging hitters, two areas of weakness. Maybe this will be the bridge point or maybe it's just hopeless optimism by yours truly. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Tyler Anderson, Rockies - Anderson, sidelined since after his May 31 start with left knee inflammation, returned to the Rockies on Thursday, albeit in a relief role. Prior to being sidelined, Anderson had struck out nearly a batter per inning this season, but posted a 3-5 record along with an ugly 5.85 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 2.0 HR/9IP. Anderson was solid in his one rehab start in the minors and will start Sunday. It's unclear if this will be a one-and-done start, but Colorado may elect to have its young starters skip a start or two to keep them fresh and stem the tide of struggles, which would likely allow Anderson to pick up additional starts. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Homer Bailey, Reds - Bailey, limited to just eight starts the past two seasons due to elbow and other arm woes, made his first start of the season in the majors Saturday against Washington. He was brutal in that outing, allowing eight runs on six hits and three walks while striking out two over 1.2 innings to take the loss. Bailey made his final rehab start - his third overall - with Triple-A Louisville on Monday, allowing two runs while striking out six over 91 pitches in 5.2 innings. He went 3-0 with 1.08 ERA in those three starts for Louisville, Double-A Pensacola and High-A Dayton. Bailey, working his back from surgery to remove bone spurs from his elbow, has had setbacks the last two seasons, so tread lightly initially given his propensity for setbacks and until we see some consistency at this level. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Chad Bettis, Rockies - Bettis, who fortunately appears to have won his battle with testicular cancer, threw a 15-pitch bullpen session Sunday. He is working to regain his stamina with the Rockies progressing him slowly from step to step. Now that he is throwing bullpen sessions, the next steps will be simulated games and several rehab starts, putting Bettis' possible return somewhere around the All-Star break, which would be fantastic news considering the concerns when he was first diagnosed. It's unclear if he would return as a starter or reliever.  12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec return bid)

Trevor Cahill, Padres - Cahill, sidelined since May 14 with a strained right shoulder, began a rehab assignment with High-A Lake Elsinore on Thursday and may be back with the Padres by the All-Star break. Prior to being sidelined, Cahill made seven starts, posting an 11.1 K/9 and 29.5 strikeout percentage, which offer a sterling complement to his respectable 3.27 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. Cahill has built off the success he had last year in the bullpen with Chicago. But, he has a 0.48 ERA at home and 5.48 ERA on the road, showing he may just be a product of Petco Park. Keep that in mind when using him, especially if he is dealt at the trade deadline. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (early spec return bid)

Brandon Finnegan, Reds - Finnegan made his third rehab start Wednesday, this one for Triple-A Louisville, allowing four runs on five hits, including a pair of home runs, while striking out five over 71 pitches in five innings. He has been sidelined with a left teres major strain since pitching just one inning in his third start. Finnegan was potentially to receive 2-3 more rehab starts before rejoining the Reds but will start for Cincinnati on Monday. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (upped return bid)

Christian Friedrich, Padres - Friedrich, sidelined since late in spring training with a strained lat, moved his rehab to Triple-A El Paso this week. He tossed four scoreless innings in his third rehab appearance for Double-A San Antonio earlier in the week, paving the way for the next step in his rehab. Friedrich, the Rockies' 2008 first-round pick, has never matched the hype and last year, posted a 4.80 ERA, 1.41 WHIIP and 1.92 K/BB ratio in 24 games (23 starts) for San Diego. It's unclear how many starts he'll need to make with El Paso and if he will be a starter or reliever when he is rejoins the Padres. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Jon Gray, Rockies - Gray suffered a stress fracture in his left foot in mid-April during the best of his three starts to open the season. The bone scan on his foot in early-May showed solid healing and Gray has been working his way back. Gray made his last rehab appearance Saturday, allowing one run on five hits and four walks with six strikeouts while throwing 57 of his 94 pitches for strikes over five innings, and is rejoining the Rockies this week. He made one start for High-A Lancaster and two for Triple-A Albuquerque, increasing his pitch count each start. Colorado's starting staff was red hot before Gray was sidelined but has scuffled a bit lately and will welcome its ace back. 12-team Mixed: $20; 15-team Mixed: $35; 12-team NL: owned (increased early spec return bid)

Justin Nicolino, Marlins - Nicolino, who compiled a 4.15 ERA and 1.46 WHIP through three starts (13 innings) before landing on the DL on June 1 with a blood blister on his left index fielder, was activated and started Monday. He allowed six runs (three earned) on six hits and one walk across three innings in no decision against the Nationals. Nicoino followed that up by allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits while striking out four across four innings in no decision against the Cubs on Saturday. Move along, nothing much to see here. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

RELIEF PITCHER
 
Lisalverto Bonilla/Silvino Bracho/Chasen Bradford/Kyle Crick/Rubby De La Rosa/Dylan Floro/Erik Goeddel/Ariel Hernandez/Hoby Milner/Brandon Morrow/Sergio Romo/Junichi Tazawa -
This week's key middle reliever callups/activations, as well as expected callups, were/will be in Cincinnati, Arizona, New York, San Francisco, Arizona, Chicago, New York, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Los Angeles and Miami. No one, save for Hernandez and maybe down the road, Romo and Tazawa, have substantial value. Hernandez has shown he can strike out hitters, but his minor-league numbers show a pitcher who struggles to avoid walks. Romo and Tazawa could end up in setup roles for their respective teams, but for now, likely will pitch in the sixth or seventh inning. All except for Hernandez, Romo and Tazawa - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0; Hernandez - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $4 (possible strikeout potential); Romo/Tazawa - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3.

Archie Bradley, Diamondbacks - Bradley, despite not starting or closing, continues to provide value as a setup man. He has allowed just a single run through 14.2 innings over his last 16 appearances and sports a 0.61 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 11.0 K/9 during that stretch. Overall, he has a 1.10 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 41:7 K:BB ratio with 11 holds in 32.2 innings. Bradley's role could change before the end of the season, but even if not, there is still solid value to be gotten from him. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Jeurys Familia, Mets - Familia, sidelined after mid-May surgery to remove a blood clot in his armpit area, is expected to head to Florida this week where he could begin a light throwing program. At the time of the surgery, it was announced the hope was Familia could resume throwing in about six weeks and return to "competitive pitching in approximately three to four months." Now that he has been cleared, Familia has slightly beat the announced timeframe, possibly putting him on pace to return before the end of the year. The flame-throwing righty's ratios fell back a bit the last two years, but he's still got the skills to be an elite closer. If he does return, Familia will replace Addison Reed as closer, but the team could opt to be cautious with his return if it fully falls out of the race.  12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (same early spec bid as prior if waived)

Luis Garcia, Phillies - Garcia would have been used for a save chance Thursday had the Phillies not scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. The back end of the Philly bullpen has been in some flux this year, as Hector Neris, Pat Neshek and Jeanmar Gomez have closed. Garcia is not the primary option there, but he has rebounded to 2015 form after a poor 2016 campaign and could be in the closer mix. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (occasional save spec)

CATCHER
 
Elias Diaz/Jacob Stallings/Chris Stewart, Pirates -
Francisco Cervelli landed back on the 7-day disabled list Thursday after experiencing illness and "post-concussion symptoms" stemming from the initial injury he suffered in early June. Filling in for him will be Diaz, who saw a lot of action when Cervelli was first sidelined and has the best offensive upside along with status as the catcher of the future, Stallings, promoted when Cervelli was disabled, and Stewart, who just returned to the lineup Wednesday after missing three weeks with a strained left hamstring. If targeting any of the three, grab Diaz. Diaz - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7, Stallings/Stewart - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

FIRST BASE
 
Matt Adams, Braves -
If you were holding off picking up or debating dealing Adams when his value was high because of the eventual return of Freddie Freeman, well things have changed. Freeman plans to move from first base to third base to keep Adams' bat in the Atlanta lineup, adding to Adams' value. Adams has been a godsend since coming over from St. Louis, blasting home runs and driving in runs in the middle of the Atlanta lineup. The high strikeout rate may portend some kind of regression, but Adams will get a boost when Freeman returns, lengthening the lineup while providing him protection. 12-team Mixed: $65; 15-team Mixed: $75; 12-team NL: owned.

Freddie Freeman, Braves - Freeman, off to a monster start before breaking his left wrist on a hit-by-pitch May 17, plans to move from first base to third base to keep Matt Adams' bat in the Atlanta lineup. Adams has been a godsend since coming from St. Louis, more than ably filling in for Freeman. Prior to getting sidelined, Freeman was batting .341/.461/.748 with a league-leading 14 homers through 37 games (135 at-bats). He took grounders at third base, which he last played in high school, before batting practice Wednesday and also made throws to first base. Freeman underwent a CT scan that showed the wrist to be 80-90 percent healed and was cleared to take dry swings Friday. He hopes to begin a rehab assignment in early July and could be back as early as July 6. Freeman will gain third-base eligibility shortly thereafter, depending on league format. 12-team Mixed: $75; 15-team Mixed: $85, 12-team NL: $95, if for some reason he was waived

SECOND BASE
 
Arismendy Alcantara/Scooter Gennett, Reds - 
With Zack Cozart (quadriceps) out, second baseman Jose Peraza slid over to shortstop and Gennett is sharing second base with Arismendy Alcantara. Gennett is starting against right-handed pitching while Alcantara plays against southpaws. Gennett has destroyed right-handed pitching throughout his career, maintaining a .294/.330/.445 line over 1,532 plate appearances prior to Cozart being sidelined. Gennett displayed pop last year, blasting 14 HR while driving in 56 runs, but is on pace to obliterate those numbers this year, with nine and 37 already before the end of June. When Cozart returns, likely when eligible June 28, manager Bryan Price will continue to find places to get Gennett's bat in the lineup. Alcantara - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $2; Gennett - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11, 12-team NL: $18, due to second base eligibility

Carlos Asuaje, Padres - With Yangervis Solarte out due a strained left oblique, the Padres will turn to Asuaje to primarily handle second base. Asuaje posted a .250/.369/.373 triple slash with an impressive 33:40 K:BB in 228 at-bats with Triple-A El Paso in 2017. He had a cup of coffee in the majors last season after winning PCL Rookie of the Year honors and could stick if he hits well while Solarte is out. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1, 12-team NL: $4.

Ian Happ, Cubs - Happ has regained his power stroke at the plate lately, blasting four home runs since June 14. He has struck out 42 times in 113 at-bats this season, and those swing-and-miss tendencies, resulting in just a 63 percent contact rate, way below his minor-league history, might make it difficult for him to see significant batting average growth. However, Happ's slugging, ability to take a walk and defensive versatility should allow him to stay with the big-league club for the foreseeable future, especially with Ben Zobrist (wrist) and Jason Heyward (hand) sidelined. Happ had gotten off to a great start at Triple-A Iowa this season, hitting .298/.362/.615 with nine home runs in 26 games, including three long balls in his last four games prior to the promotion. He is a switch-hitter with a quick bat, an advanced eye and a bit of power, though that plate discipline hasn't fully carried forward to this level. Happ is unowned in a larger percentage of leagues than expected. 12-team Mixed: $25; 15-team Mixed: $35, 12-team NL: owned

Injury activation/updates:

Kolten Wong, Cardinals - Wong, on the disabled list with a right triceps strain since June 15, remains optimistic that he'll be ready to rejoin the Cardinals sometime in the week leading into the All-Star break. He was first sidelined with left elbow soreness May 27, but returned June 9, lasting six games before he suffered the strained triceps. Paul DeJong has done a solid job filling in for Wong, but Wong, who was hitting 301/.393/.444 when he was injured again, should regain his starting second base job when he returns. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: owned

SHORTSTOP

Enrique Hernandez, Dodgers - Hernandez is a jack-of-all-trades, seeing time already across the entire infield and outfield. Now, the Swiss army knife will start at shortstop while Corey Seager nurses a Grade 1 hamstring strain. Manager Dave Roberts was already playing Hernandez against southpaws, but now likely will have start at shortstop against righties, though Chris Taylor could also see some time there while Seager is sidelined. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Injury activation/updates:

Asdrubal Cabrera, Mets - Cabrera, sidelined again with his sprained left thumb, was activated Friday. The injury has lingered since occurring in mid-May and also impacted him from one side of the plate. Cabrera will move to second base, displacing T.J. Rivera and Gavin Cecchini, keeping Jose Reyes as the starting shortstop, but with the Mets close to out of the race in late-June, Amed Rosario should be up soon. When that happens, Cabrera could remain at second, move to third or be shut down if the injury continues to linger. In addition, with the Mets out of playoff contention, Cabrera is on the trade block, which would impact his value if he does land elsewhere. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 12-team NL: $11 (lower bid due to lingering injury risk)

Adeiny Hechavarria, Marlins - Hechavarria, out since May 10 with a strained left oblique, is in the midst of a rehab stint. His defensive abilities will ensure him a regular spot in the lineup upon his return, but his .255/.291/.337 career batting line and dearth of power or speed render him an unappealing fantasy option outside of NL-only formats or deep mixed leagues. In addition, there are whispers that Hechavarria is on the trade block, as Miami is relatively pleased with J.T. Riddle at shortstop, with his future value dependent on whether he starts wherever he lands. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0, 12-team NL: $4

THIRD BASE

Johan Camargo, Braves - Camargo, profiled last week, has apparently grabbed a firm hold on the third base job, as Rio Ruiz was sent down to the minors Thursday. Adonis Garcia will miss two months following hand surgery, and originally I thought Ruiz likely would serve as the Braves' primary third baseman, but it appears to be Camargo. His numbers improved steadily in the minors, topping out this year at Triple-A Gwinnett before he was promoted for what looks to be good on June 2. Camargo will hold the third base job until the return of Freddie Freeman, who is expected to shift to the hot corner so Matt Adams can remain at first base. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 12-team NL: $11.

Conor Gillaspie, Giants - Gillaspie, who missed 32 games with back spasms, was promoted and started at third base Friday after completing a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento, where he was 8-for-27 with three doubles in eight games. He replaced Eduardo Nunez, who was placed on the disabled list with a left hamstring issue but will be eligible to return when the Giants start their next road trip June 30 in Pittsburgh. Gillaspie was hitting just .133/.216/.156 before the injury, a far cry from the .262/.307/.440 hitter he was over 101 games last season. He will likely be on the short side of a platoon with Ryder Jones, who was promoted Saturday. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $2.

Ryder Jones, Giants - Jones, selected 64th overall in the 2013 draft, was promoted Saturday after Aaron Hill was designated for assignment. Jones had steadily moved up the ladder, blasting 15 HR and driving in 67 for Double-A Richmond last season. He was slashing .299/.390/.553 with 10 homers in 53 games with Triple-A Sacramento before being promoted and should be in line for regular playing time at third base with Eduardo Nunez (hamstring) on the DL. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4, 12-team NL: $7.

Cory Spangenberg, Padres - Since taking over as the Padres' regular third baseman June 9 following the demotion of Ryan Schrimpf, Spangenberg has hit .333 (15-for-45) along with three home runs and a steal. He had a solid 2015 campaign but a severe quadriceps injury limited Spangenberg to just 14 games for the Padres last season. This year, he was in a platoon to begin the year, but is playing daily now. However, his 49:7 K:BB ratio along with a .351 BABIP in 166 at-bats likely means that some amount of regression is forthcoming. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Injury activation/updates:

Martin Prado, Marlins - Prado, sidelined with a strained right hamstring since May 9, was activated Friday. He played six games in his rehab assignment, which began June 15 at High-A Jupiter. Prado first suffered a Grade 1 right hamstring strain March 15 against Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. He returned to play in 17 games before re-injuring the hamstring. Derek Dietrich, who has mostly manned third in Prado's absence, returns to a bench role. Prado's value is more real than fantasy life for Miami. That's not to say that he doesn't contribute to fantasy teams but other than a solid BA and OBA, the counting stats are just average at best compared to others at the position. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14.

OUTFIELD

Keon Broxton, Brewers - Broxton looked to have lost his job two weeks ago after the callup of Lewis Brinson. Things can change quickly, as Broxton has turned around his season. He entered Saturday's game with a 1.195 OPS, six homers, 13 RBI and 10 runs over his last 13 games. Broxton continued his strong recent play Saturday, going 2-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored. The 27-year-old outfielder now has 12 homers and 12 stolen bases this the season, which puts him well within reach of a 20-20 showing, and he's also scored an impressive 42 runs. Those numbers look even better when you factor in his poor April and beginning part of June. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: owned

Wilmer Difo, Nationals - Difo, who played some center field during his time with Syracuse, was recalled to offer some extra depth with Michael Taylor dealing with an undisclosed injury. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0.

Brian Goodwin, Nationals - Goodwin, profiled the last two weeks, has hit fairly well filling in for Jayson Werth. He blasted a pair of home runs Friday and is 18-for-63 with six home runs, 12 RBI and 14 runs scored in June. Goodwin does have 18K but also has drawn nine walks while posting an OPS higher than 1,000. Werth ditched his walking boot but is still a ways away from returning to action, so Goodwin should continue to start nearly every day for the time being.  12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 12-team NL: $11 (upped bid)

Curtis Granderson, Mets - Granderson, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he has shown no signs of slowing. He is hitting just .225 for the season, but is slashing .321/.439/.660 in June with five homers, nine RBI, 10 runs, two steals and an impressive 12:11 BB:K through 20 games (Friday night's contest). In fact, since May 3, he has hit .299/.399/.584 with eight home runs and 22 RBI. Grandy is still seeing a lot of playing time despite the return of Yoenis Cespedes, as Michael Conforto is in the midst of a slump and Juan Lagares is out after fracturing the IP joint of his left thumb trying to make a catch June 15. Keep in mind though that Granderson could get moved, as he is on the block and the Mets are out of playoff contention. 12-team Mixed: $9; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: $25 (bid based on possible trade and four outfielder for three spots in New York)

Starling Marte, Pirates - Marte, who continues to work out at Pirate City, will be eligible to return from an 80-game suspension in mid-July and should be firmly on your radar if he is available. In several leagues, you may have waited too long to get him. He is coming off a season in which he hit .311 with 47 steals, and has four straight seasons of hitting at least .280 and stealing 30-plus bags. Prior to the suspension, Marte had gotten off to a slow start, batting just .241 with a .658 OPS, as he struggled in his transition to center field. With Marte out, Andrew McCutchen shifted back to CF, filling up the stat sheet lately. Marte, whose power numbers dropped last year, likely will play left field when he comes back, which should help in his transition, though he will have to deal with the PED stigma and McCutchen could be moved before the deadline. 12-team Mixed: $33; 15-team Mixed: $44; 12-team NL: $55/owned (up as he gets closer to activation)

Cameron Perkins, Phillies - Perkins saw some additional time for Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season due to Roman Quinn's injury. He made the most of that chance, batting .298/.388/.476 with six home runs and 21 RBI in 208 at-bats over 62 games, earning a promotion to replace Michael Saunders. Perkins, who hit 292/.329/.419 with eight home runs and 11 stolen bases in 408 at-bats last year for Lehigh Valley, got the nod over Nick Williams and Dylan Cozens because the Phillies do not intend to have him start regularly. He initially is splitting time with Daniel Nava in left field, but could carve out more playing time if he capitalizes on his opportunities. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Tommy Pham, Cardinals - Pham was promoted in early May when Stephen Piscotty landed on the disabled list and Dexter Fowler was dealing with a shoulder issue. The Cardinals' outfield is mostly healthy but Pham has been playing left field with Randall Grichuk sent to the minors at the end of May. Pham struggled at the beginning of this month, but he has picked it up lately, blasting four home runs in a five-game span. Grichuk is heating up at Triple-A Louisville and could be back up soon, so Pham will need to stay hot to keep his job. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (likely owned)

Jesse Winker, Reds - Winker earned a callup this week, his second of the season, with Zack Cozart (quadriceps) and Bronson Arroyo (shoulder) both landing on the disabled list. One of the Reds' best prospects, Winker still hasn't shown much power in the minor leagues, compiling just two home runs in 64 games this season, but his .317 batting average and 33:32 K:BB in that span give him some appeal, especially in the hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park. With Scott Schebler, Adam Duvall and Billy Hamilton entrenched in the Cincinnati outfield, Winker will get spot- and pinch-hit duty while also possibly starting at DH when the Reds play in AL parks, as he did this week in Tampa. When Cozart returns, likely June 28, Winker might be sent back to the minors, as Scooter Gennett likely moves back to the fourth outfielder role. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Mark Zagunis, Cubs - Zagunis, who was batting .249/.399/.474 with 11 homers in 65 games with Triple-A Iowa, was called up this week with Jason Heyward (hand) joining Ben Zobrist (wrist) on the disabled list. A converted catcher and third-round pick in 2014, Zagunis has hit and shown a good eye at the plate at every level. He slashed a combined .288/.384/.469 in 101 games between Triple-A Iowa and Double-A Tennessee last season before missing the last month with a broken foot. Zagunis may only stick around until Zobrist finishes his rehab stint, which might be over the weekend. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Manuel Margot, Padres - Margot, sidelined since May 24 with a strained soleus muscle, began a rehab assignment with Triple-A El Paso on Monday. He has steadily progressed in his baseball activities and likely will need about a week of rehab games before returning, so he may be back early this week. Franchy Cordero has ably filled in for Margot in center field, but when Margot is ready to return, Cordero could shift to left field with both Travis Jankowski and Alex Dickerson still sidelined. Margot got off to a hot start but had tailed off in the last month before the injury and was hitting .259/.305/.389 with four home runs and five steals (on 10 attempts). 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33 (same bid as prior, in case he was waived)

Jarrett Parker, Giants - Parker, on the 60-day disabled list after breaking his right clavicle April 15, begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Monday. Barring any setbacks, Parker will likely need 10-14 days on a minor-league rehab assignment before returning to the big club. With Hunter Pence struggling, Parker could see time in right field, as well as in center, as Austin Slater has been solid since his promotion in left. But Parker, who mashes righties, could also see time in left paired with Slater. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (more as he gets closer to returning).

A.J. Pollock, Diamondbacks - Pollock, out since May 14 with a Grade 1 strain of his right groin, began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno last Saturday. However, he was pulled from Monday's game with tightness in his right quad. Pollock was able to do some running and agility work Tuesday and is tentatively scheduled to pick up his rehab assignment with Reno on Sunday. Manager Torey Lovullo originally said Pollock might only need 10 to 15 at-bats in the minors before he's ready, but that may be extended due to the setback he had. At one point, the thought was that Pollock, who was batting .299/.337/.395 with 11 stolen bases before he was sidelined after playing in just 12 games last year due to elbow and groin injuries, might not need a rehab stint. But as we saw, one clearly was needed and it's now possible Pollock won't be back before the end of the month, which was the projected return date. 12-team Mixed: $55 (in case he was waived); 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned.

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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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