FAAB Factor - NL: Rocky Mountain Low

FAAB Factor - NL: Rocky Mountain Low

This article is part of our NL FAAB Factor series.

National League - FAAB - 6/16/13

Happy Fathers' Day to all the fathers, especially my dad, father-in-law and brothers-in-law

Starting Pitching:

Chris Capuano, Dodgers - Capuano, sidelined with a strained triceps, tossed four scoreless innings on one hit and two walks to go with five strikeouts Friday during a rehab start at Triple-A Albuquerque. Capuano's two rehab outings have gone swimmingly, as he's allowed two runs, while recording nine strikeouts, across 9.1 innings. He has struggled this season, with a 5.45 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in eight games, six starts, after a poor second half last season. Because he emerged from the rehab start unscathed, he is scheduled to make his return to the Dodgers' rotation next Wednesday at the Yankees, against whom he's 0-2 with 11 earned runs and an 8:3 K:BB ratio in 9.1 career innings. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Brandon Cumpton, Pirates - Cumpton, who was promoted to start Saturday against the Dodgers, allowed three runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out five. Cumpton just made the jump to Triple-A Indianapolis earlier this season, so his call up was a bit of a surprise, but he's posted a respectable numbers with Indy (3.31 ERA, 1.240 WHIP, 49:22 K:BB ratio in 65.1 innings over 10 starts), and the club is desperate for a spot starter with A.J. Burnett, who suffered a Grade 1 calf strain, hitting the DL. Manager Clint Hurdle was unsure how many starts Cumpton would receive past Saturday, but

National League - FAAB - 6/16/13

Happy Fathers' Day to all the fathers, especially my dad, father-in-law and brothers-in-law

Starting Pitching:

Chris Capuano, Dodgers - Capuano, sidelined with a strained triceps, tossed four scoreless innings on one hit and two walks to go with five strikeouts Friday during a rehab start at Triple-A Albuquerque. Capuano's two rehab outings have gone swimmingly, as he's allowed two runs, while recording nine strikeouts, across 9.1 innings. He has struggled this season, with a 5.45 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in eight games, six starts, after a poor second half last season. Because he emerged from the rehab start unscathed, he is scheduled to make his return to the Dodgers' rotation next Wednesday at the Yankees, against whom he's 0-2 with 11 earned runs and an 8:3 K:BB ratio in 9.1 career innings. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Brandon Cumpton, Pirates - Cumpton, who was promoted to start Saturday against the Dodgers, allowed three runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out five. Cumpton just made the jump to Triple-A Indianapolis earlier this season, so his call up was a bit of a surprise, but he's posted a respectable numbers with Indy (3.31 ERA, 1.240 WHIP, 49:22 K:BB ratio in 65.1 innings over 10 starts), and the club is desperate for a spot starter with A.J. Burnett, who suffered a Grade 1 calf strain, hitting the DL. Manager Clint Hurdle was unsure how many starts Cumpton would receive past Saturday, but it would appear that he has earned himself at least one more opportunity to start after a reasonable debut. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Randall Delgado, Diamondbacks - Delgado, who was a key piece in the Juston Upton trade, could draw the start in place of Tyler Skaggs on Tuesday. The D-Backs are in desperate need for a replacement starter for Tuesday's game, and according to manager Kirk Gibson, neither Josh Collmenter nor Charles Brewer are candidates. Skaggs can't pitch, either, since a player must spend at least 10 days in the minors after being optioned, unless taking the place of an injured player. That leaves the door wide open for Delgado, who has pitched brilliantly in the month of June for Triple-A Reno. He has always had the talent to succeed in the big leagues, possessing swing-and-miss stuff, and this could be his chance to prove he belongs. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (up the bid if you believe he will stick).

Chris Narveson, Brewers - Narveson, sidelined since April 8 with a sprained left middle finger, allowed five runs, three earned, on three hits and five walks with four strikeouts over 4.2 innings in his fourth rehab start with Triple-A Nashville on Friday. The expectation was that Narveson would be activated to join the Brewers' rotation, but given his struggles in the minors, he could see one or two more rehab starts before getting promoted. Narveson was slated to the year in the bullpen this season to protect the left-hander's surgically repaired shoulder, but injuries to the Brewers' rotation led the team to decide to stretch him back out into a starter. Because Narveson made just two starts last year before suffering a shoulder injury and now has been sidelined with a finger injury, the process to get him back to the majors may take a bit longer. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Roy Oswalt, Rockies - Oswalt, profiled two weeks ago, gets another mention, as now there is some clarity as to when he will be called up and start for the Rockies. Oswalt, who made his final minor-league start Friday, throwing 8.1 shutout innings, will make his season debut either Wednesday against the Blue Jays or Thursday against Nationals. With the rotation struggling to go deep in games, putting a heavier burden on the bullpen, the addition of Oswalt could provide the antidote the Rockies need. Oswalt has walked six while striking out 18 and posting a 2.88 ERA in four starts at Double-A Tulsa. Once Oswalt is promoted, Jeff Francis or Juan Nicasio may be forced to accept a bullpen role or head to the minors, with Nicasio the likely candidate as he also started Friday and Oswalt could step right in to his spot. Mixed: $4; NL: $11.

Alex Wood, Braves - Wood is a top candidate to receive a spot start for Tuesday's doubleheader against the Mets. Though the Braves haven't made an official decision on Tuesday's starters, Wood was spotted taking batting practice with the rest of the starting rotation Saturday afternoon. Wood was 4-2 with a 1.26 ERA as a starter at Double-A Mississippi and has worked effectively in relief since joining the big league squad, striking out nine batters in 7.2 innings and posting a 3.52 ERA. Following the start, he will be returned to the bullpen. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Covered last week - Henderson Alvarez, Marlins - Sidelined since before the season with right shoulder inflammation, hurled five shutout innings in first rehab start at Low-A Jupiter on Thursday. He figures to get a few more starts in the minors prior to activation, and the team is actually developing somewhat of a log-jam in the rotation with Jacob Turner's recent promotion and Nathan Eovaldi (shoulder) looking ready to return as well.Mixed: $0; NL: $3; Hiram Burgos, Brewers - Right shoulder impingement, tossed two innings with Low-A Wisconsin in his first rehab start Thursday. He likely will need one or two more starts before being activated. Mixed: $0; NL: $0; Nathan Eovaldi, Marlins - Out all season with shoulder inflammation, will be activated and make season debut starting Tuesday against Arizona. Mixed: 2; NL: $7; John Lannan, Phillies - Out since April 17 with strained hamstring, returned to Philadelphia's rotation this Monday. Mixed: $0; NL: $2; Charlie Morton, Pirates - Returned to the Pirates' rotation from TJS this week. Mixed: $2; NL: $7; Jake Westbrook - Returned to the Cardinals' rotation Friday after being out since May 8 with elbow inflammation.Mixed: $5; NL: $14; Zack Wheeler, Mets - Will make much anticipated major-league debut Tuesday in Game 2 of a doubleheader against the Braves.Mixed: $8; NL: $22.

Injury activation - Johnny Cueto, Reds - (shoulder, activated Sunday, moves right back into the rotation); Ross Detwiler, Nationals (missed a month with a strained oblique, activated and started Thursday. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (weak K ratio hurts the bid slightly)); Stephen Strasburg (oblique, activated to start Sunday, just an FYI as owned in all leagues).

Relief Pitchers:

Rafael Betancourt, Rockies - Betancourt, out since June 1 with a strained groin, will throw light bullpen sessions Friday and Sunday. He received two platelet-rich plasma injections last week, which sped up the healing process, though he will be sidelined a few more weeks. Rex Brothers, who has had a phenomenal season and filled in well for Betancourt, could keep the closer role even when Betancourt returns; likely at the end of the month or beginning of July. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (up if you think he regains his role as the Rockies' closer).

Charlie Brewer/Shawn Camp/Jake Diekman/Jake Dunning/Josh Edgin/Joe Paterson/Henry Rodriguez/Sandy Rosario/Carlos Torres/Pedro Villareal/Nick Vincent/Chris Volstad/Chris Withrow - This week's middle reliever call ups/acquisitions were in Arizona, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, New York, Arizona, Chicago, San Francisco, New York, Cincinnati, San Diego, Colorado and Los Angeles. None of them have major fantasy value. All -Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Kenley Jansen, Dodgers - Jansen, profiled two weeks ago, gets another mention, as has been the norm this year but this time it's because manager Don Mattingly finally named him as the LA closer this week. Jansen had a couple hiccups in May but had made 12 scoreless appearances to earn the role over the struggling Brandon League before blowing the save Saturday. For the year, he has a sparkling 49:6 K:BB ratio along with a 2.57 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in 35 innings. Last year, Jansen recorded 25 saves, 99 strikeouts, and checked in with a 2.35 ERA and impressive 0.85 WHIP. Jansen had offseason surgery to correct a heart ailment and should be able to get through a full season this year without a recurrence. He lost his job late last year to League, who signed a three-year, $22.5 million deal with LA this offseason to serve as their closer. Mixed: $11; NL: already owned.

Covered last week - J.J. Putz, Diamondbacks (sprained UCL, will throw another simulated game Monday and then head to a rehab assignment Friday, possibly at Triple-A Reno. Heath Bell has converted on 11-of-12 save chances since taking over for Putz, but Putz should push him for the ninth-inning job upon his return. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (up substantially if you think he gets the closer's job back)).

Injury activation - Huston Street, Padres - (calf, activated Friday, moves back into closer role in San Diego)

Catchers:

Hector Santiago, Giants - Sanchez, who began the year with the Giants, was recalled Thursday for his second stint with the team, replacing Brett Pill on the active roster. Santiago hit .320/.370/.460 in 19 games for Triple-A Fresno to earn the promotion and showed he was over the shoulder injury that bothered him earlier this season before he was demoted. Santiago will back up Buster Posey. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Covered last week - Carlos Ruiz, Phillies (may return from strained hamstring this Friday, FYI as should be owned in all leagues).

Injury activation - A.J. Ellis, Dodgers - (oblique, activated Friday, moves back into spot as starting catcher in LA, though will cede some playing time to Tim Federowitz).

First Basemen:

Josh Satin, Mets - Satin was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo before Tuesday's game against the Cardinals. Satin has been raking in the minors, to the tune of a .306/.421/.491 batting line in 259 plate appearances. Despite the strong numbers, he's a lightly-regarded 28-year-old with just 28 big league plate appearances to his name. Daniel Murphy is slated to play first base against righties with Jordany Valdespin sliding in at second. Against southpaws, Murphy is expected to move back to second with Satin playing first base. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Second Base:

Tony Abreu, Giants - Abreu, profiled last week, gets another mention as he has been seeing consistent playing time with Marco Scutaro sidelined with a tendon issue in his left hand. The injury could potentially force Scutaro to miss up to 6-8 weeks, though he is hoping to wear a splint and play through it. If he is sidelined long-term, Abreu, who has been starting with Scutaro sidelined, would be in line to see everyday at-bats at second base. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (up bid if Sctuaro is sidelined long-term).

Derek Dietrich, Marlins - The Marlins gave Dietrich a vote of confidence earlier this past week when Donovan Solano was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans following his recovery from an oblique injury. The rookie Dietrich has been swinging well lately, knocking hits in nine of his last 13 games. He's homered three times in his past seven starts while piling up seven runs and four RBI over that span. Mixed: $5; NL: should be owned but gets a spike in value due to vote of confidence.

Logan Forsythe, Padres - A flare-up with Forsythe's plantar fasciitis put him on the shelf early in spring training, but he finally was ready to roll after eight rehab games with Triple-A Tucson. It's was good timing for San Diego, too, as regular second baseman Jedd Gyorko (groin) landed on the disabled list Monday, creating the need for Forsythe to return to the team. Fosythe, who has good plate discipline and speed that he has yet to showcase, has gotten off to a strong start in his return to the majors, driving in six runs along with a home run in his first six games. He played left field Saturday with Carlos Quentin sidelined with Pedro Ciriaco sliding in at second base. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Nick Noonan, Giants - Noonan was called up this week to take the roster spot of the injured Pablo Sandoval. Noonan appeared in 37 games for the Giants this season, hitting .203 with three RBI and 14 strikeouts before being optioned back to Fresno on June 8. He likely will get sent back down when Sandoval returns, possibly as early as June 24. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Jordany Valdespin, Mets - The Mets demotion of Ike Davis created a domino effect on the diamond. Daniel Murphy is now playing first base against righties with Valdespin sliding in at second. Against southpaws, Murphy is expected to move back to second with Josh Satin playing first base. This is Valdespin's chance to prove that he can handle the position and additional playing time, especially by showing improved plate discipline, which has been a concern in the past. So far, he is 3-for-19 with a 3:0 K:BB ratio in five games as a starter, numbers that will have to improve for him to keep the job. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Covered last week - Aaron Hill, Diamondbacks (broken left hand, joined Triple-A Reno on Saturday and could possibly return to the lineup in two weeks. just an FYI, as still should be owned in all leagues, but if not, early spec bid of Mixed: $11; NL: 27).

Shortstops:

Josh Rutledge, Rockies - Rutledge, who began the season as the Rockies' starting second baseman but was sent down to the minors three weeks ago, was recalled with Troy Tulowitzki landing on the DL with a broken rib, which will sidelined him 4-6 weeks. Rutledge was sent down to Triple-A Colorado Springs to work on his defense at second base, but he'll be back up to see time at shortstop, like he did last year with Tulo out. The 24-year-old Rutledge hit .242/.298/.357 with five homers and five steals prior to his demotion but batted .348/.438/.565 with two home runs and 10 RBI in 80 at-bats in the minors. DJ LeMahieu and Jonathan Herrera figure to also see some time at short in Tulowitzki's absence. Mixed: $3; NL: $9.

Jordy Mercer, Pirates - With Clint Barmes struggling, Mercer could be in line for more playing time in the short-term. Barmes went 0-for-4, dropping his average to.204, which could open the door for Mercer to see more starts, even against righties, but certainly against southpaws. Mixed: No; NL: $3

Third Basemen:

Joaquin Arias, Giants -Arias, profiled last week gets another mention, as he continues to see everyday playing time at third base with Pablo Sandoval (foot) on the DL. He does not offer much in terms of power; in fact, he has yet to hit a double, triple or home run in 81 at-bats this season. But he has hit fifth in the order and it resulted in some RBI. He should have multi-positional eligibility, depending on your league's rules, so there could be some short-term value for those in deeper formats. However, keep in mind Sandoval may be back on June 24. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Eric Chavez, Diamondbacks - Chavez, sidelined since May 31 with a strained right oblique, is on target to start swinging a bat Saturday. The expectation was that Chavez wouldn't resume baseball activities until next week, but it seems he's made significant progress in recent days. Manager Kirk Gibson said that Chavez is "getting much better," so perhaps the 35-year-old will be ready to head out for a rehab assignment at some point next week. Prior to getting injury, Chavez was raking, hitting .325 with seven home runs and 25 RBI. Once he does return, Martin Prado will likely move back to the outfield with Willie Bloomquist shifting to a utility role. Mixed: $3; NL: $9.

Pedro Ciriaco, Padres - Ciriaco was traded to the Padres on Friday for a player to be named or cash. Ciriaco was designated for assignment Monday after Will Middlebrooks was activated from the DL. In 51 at-bats this season, Ciriaco hit just .216 with one home run and four RBI this season after resurrecting his career last year in Boston, where he batted.293 in 76 games. Ciriaco was utilized last year as a utility infielder, which will be the role he plays in San Diego. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Outfielders:

Gregor Blanco, Giants - Blanco has quietly turned it on a bit since Angel Pagan went down with a hamstring injury, and is now hitting in the leadoff spot where his base-stealing abilities might become more apparent. He still sits against some tougher lefties, but he is making a strong case for more consistent playing time. That said, keep in mind that Pagan may return this week while the Giants are at home, which will cut into Blanco's playing time, though he will see time sharing left field with Andres Torres, who also has benefited from Pagan's injury. Mixed: $1; NL: $4

Jordan Brown, Marlins - Brown, who was was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Saturday, knocked three hits in eight at-bats in a brief stint with the Marlins earlier this season. The 29-year-old takes Miguel Olivo's roster spot to give Miami another left-handed bat off of the bench. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Alex Castellanos, Dodgers - Castellanos was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque on Tuesday to make his first big league trip of 2013 after spending some time in Los Angeles last season. At Triple-A this season he hit .270 with nine home runs and 28 RBI in 43 games. Castellanos provides the Dodgers with an extra bat off the bench as they have a banged-up outfield with Matt Kemp out of commission with a strained hamstring. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Tyler Colvin, Rockies - Colvin, who was profiled last week, gets another mention as he has started consistently since his promotion last Saturday. Last year, injuries in the outfield opened up a spot for Colvin and he took advantage of it, hitting .290/.327/.531 with 18 homers and 10 triples in 420 at-bats. Colvin was unable to lock up a spot on the 25-man roster this spring, but he hit .293/.396/.518 with nine homers and 29 RBI in 55 games with Triple-A Colorado Springs to earn the call up. He has seen time at first as well as all three-outfield positions, hitting three home runs with nine RBI and a .306 BA, and may be a fixture in the lineup as the Rockies look for offense with Troy Tulowitzki out 4-to-6 weeks. However, keep in mind that he may be ticketed for reserve duty once Dexter Fowler returns from a hand injury. Mixed: $3; NL: $9.

Collin Cowgill, Mets - Cowgill was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo before Tuesday's game against the Cardinals. Cowgill was originally demoted after getting just eight hits in his first 51 at-bats of this season. He turned things around in the minors, and the Mets' outfield is bad enough that he could be in the mix for playing time, though he has yet to see any playing time. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Chris Denorfia/Will Venable, Padres - Both Denorfia and Venable are in line for a bump in playing time with Cameron Maybin out for six weeks with a strained PCL in his left knee. Denorfia will likely play when a southpaw is on the hill, as what happened Saturday when Arizona is trotted out left-hander Wade Miley on Saturday. Venable, who sat Saturday, is posting his best month of the season, slashing .269/.296/.577 with one homer, two triples, one double, five RBI, four runs scored, and one stolen base in 26 June at-bats. If Carlos Quentin's wrist keeps him out, Jesus Guzman could see time at first or right field with Kyle Blanks starting in the other spot. Denorfia - Mixed: $1; NL: $4; Venable - Mixed: $5; NL: owned but gets a spike in value.

Caleb Gindl/Logan Schafer, Brewers - Gindl was called up from Triple-A Nashville to take the roster spot of Ryan Braun who landed on the 15-day DL with a thumb injury. Gindl was batting .274 with eight home runs and 38 RBI over 64 games for Nashville but had been hitting .364 with two home runs and seven RBI over his last 10 games. It's possible that he gets a chance to play, but the more likely scenario has Schafer getting the majority of action in left field with Gindl seeing the occasional start and pinch-hit duty. Schafer put together a strong season both offensively and defensively in his first go-around with Triple-A Nashville last season, racking up 43 extra-base hits (23 doubles, nine triples, and a career-high 11 homers) and making just three errors in 118 games in center field. He earned a role as fourth outfielder on the team this spring and now will get a chance he deserves to play more. Gindl - Mixed: No; NL: $2; Schafer - Mixed: $2; NL: $7

Alex Presley, Pirates - Presley has started the past three games in place of Starling Marte, who is battling a strained oblique and may get placed on the disabled list. If that occurs, look for Presley to continue to start in left field and likely bat leadoff. Mixed: $2; NL: $7

Ryan Sweeney, Cubs - Sweeney is likely in line for more playing time following the injury (sprained shoulder) to David DeJesus that landed him on the disabled list. With few other center field options available to the Cubs, especially with Brett Jackson struggling at Triple-A Iowa, Sweeney could start daily with Julio Borbon getting the occasional start, since both players bat left-handed. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Covered last week - Matt Kemp, Dodgers (expected to return from his strained right hamstring to the majors when eligible on June 14 after completing a short rehab stint); Yasiel Puig, Dodgers (has taken the league by storm and should retain the starting job even when Carl Crawford returns to action. Mixed: $11; NL: $35); Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins (out since April 30 with Grade 2 hamstring strain, likely to be activated later this week. It may take him a bit of time to regain his timing, but he should be owned in all formats. If still available in your league, go Mixed: $22; NL: $55).

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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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