FAAB Factor - NL: Huge Slate of September Callups

National League - FAAB - 9/2/12

Starting Pitching:

Anthony Bass - Bass, on the disabled list since June 21 with inflammation in his pitching shoulder, likely will be promoted following his rehab start on Sunday. Sunday's outing will be his third rehab start and Bass should be stretched out enough to re-join the SD rotation, though it's possible the team will use him out of the bullpen. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Trevor Bauer - Bauer could be part of the team's rotation down the stretch. GM Kevin Towers did not rule out the possibility of bringing Bauer back into the fold, but it sounds like it may be a scenario where he only makes a start or two for the D-Backs between now and the end of the season, as the team is still considering a six-man rotation to ease the workload of their young starters. Bauer is hitting the mid-90s with his fastball again, after his velocity slipped during his brief stint in the big leagues. He's turned things around in a big way recently at Reno, including a 32:8 K:BB over 26.1 innings in August, which has put him in the mix for a possible September call up when Reno's season ends. Mixed: $4; NL: $11 (in case he is promoted and go higher if think he is up before mid-September)

Hiram Burgos - Brewers assistant GM Gord Ash said Wednesday that Burgos is a candidate for September call-up. Burgos has posted a 1-2 record with a 3.93 ERA and 25 strikeouts in six starts since coming up to Triple-A Nashville near the end of July. The 25-year-old right-hander was outstanding at Double-A Huntsville, where he went 6-1 with a skinny 1.94 ERA before his promotion. Burgos, was drafted in the sixth round in 2009, is not a hard-thrower, so he relies on good command and control and generating groundballs to be successful. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (spec bid).

Chris Carpenter - After throwing his first bullpen session in more than a month Tuesday, Carpenter, who has been out all year and had surgery to alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome in July, said he felt good. The other bullpen sessions Carpenter had were followed up by a lot of soreness the following day, but that was not the case here. Carpenter threw two innings of a simulated game Friday and still has hopes of coming before the season ends. That looks like a long shot but Carpenter has shown the ability to come back from injury repeatedly in his career. If he is unable to come back this year, Carpenter is expected to be ready to go next season, and he is a classic high-risk, high-reward starter. Mixed: $1; NL: $4

Andrew Cashner - Cashner, sidelined since July 4 with a strained right lat muscle, was activated Saturday. In three recent rehab starts, he went 0-1 with a 2.60 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 8:2 K:BB ratio across nine frames. Cashner will likely make an appearance in the Padres' rotation sometime this week. He has never been a full-time starter in the majors, but has awesome strikeout potential with a fastball that approaches 100 mph. Cashner -Mixed: $4; NL: $11

Tyler Cloyd - Cloyd was called up to make his MLB debut Wednesday, starting in the place of Cole Hamels (stomach). He pitched well, allowing three runs on seven hits and two while striking out five in six innings against the Mets and will get another start with Vance Worley out for the rest of the season. Between Double-A and Triple-A, Cloyd went 15-1 with a 2.26 ERA and 1.01 WHIP this year, including 12-1 with a 2.35 ERA and a 93:38 K:BB ratio in 142 innings for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He was named MVP of the International League this year, but at 25, he's old for a prospect, and his 6.1 K/9IP in the minors isn't too exciting. That said, Cloyd works in the high-80s to low-90s and uses a change-up and slider to keep hitters off balance and knows how to pitch, which aided his success the past two seasons. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Kevin Correia - Correia, who was sent back to the pen last week with Pittsburgh completing their 20 games in 20-day stretch, may move back into the rotation. Jeff Karstens left Friday's start with a hip flexor strain, and even though Jeff Locke is starting Monday, if Karstens missed more than one start, Correia could be in line to fill that gap in the rotation. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Jorge de la Rosa - De La Rosa was having a career year last season before a complete tear of his UCL led to Tommy John surgery in May. He's never boasted pinpoint control, so it may take him a bit of time after the surgery to get back to where he was in his 2011 (career-low 3.36 BB/9IP). This season has been one of starts and stops, but de la Rosa is inching closer to returning. He faced hitters on Saturday and the Rockies will evaluate him Sunday before deciding on the next step. Despite the somewhat slow progress, de la Rosa could be back pitching in the majors before the end of the season. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (spec bid).

Jeurys Familia - Familia hit a bit of a rough patch in late July, but he seems to have recovered well from it with a 35:9 K:BB over his last five outings. When he is on, Familia mixes a late moving, mid-90s fastball with a developing slider and changeup. His strikeout potential is huge, but he's going to have to learn to limit the walks he allows. Once Familia's control is a little stronger, he could do some serious damage in the majors. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early speculative bid)

Casey Kelly - Kelly made his major league debut Monday, blanking the Braves for six innings on just three hits and two walks while striking out four. Kelly, who was a first-round pick in 2008 by Boston, came over to San Diego with Anthony Rizzo in the Adrian Gonzalez trade. The Padres' top prospect missed much of the season due to inflammation in his elbow, but with the team's rotation decimated by injuries this season, he got the call. Kelly posted an 0-2 record with a 3.35 ERA and 39:3 K:BB ratio in 37.2 innings across three minor league levels this season. The K's are way above his normal ratio, as Kelly relies on an 88-92 mph sinking fastball to generate lots of groundballs, supplemented by good control as well as a curveball and change. He projects to be a #3 starter down the road and should be aided by pitching in Petco. Mixed: $4; NL: $11

John Lannan - Lannan was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday. Lannan has started 24 games at Triple-A this year, going 9-11 with a 4.30 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and 87:50 K:BB ratio over 148.2 innings. If the Nats' decide to stagger Stephen Strasburg's remaining innings throughout September, Lannan, who made two starts for the Nats this year, is the likely candidate to earn spot starts. Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Jeff Locke - Starting Monday against Houston, Locke will join Pittsburgh's rotation and stay there for the rest of the season with Erik Bedard waived. Manager Clint Hurdle wants to get a good look for the rest of 2012 at the lefty, who in 24 starts at Triple-A Indianapolis went 10-5 with a 2.48 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 131:43 K:BB ratio across 141.2 innings. Locke has a good shot at joining the Pirates starting rotation in 2013 but he will have to be a lot better than he was in his four-game stint with the Bucs last season. He mixes a low-90s fastball with a good curveball and change-up and has a feel as to when to throw each pitch coupled with solid command and control. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Jennry Mejia - Mejia could appear in the Mets rotation sometime during September. Though Mejia's long-term future is likely as a reliever, he's seen success since being moved back to a starting role at Triple-A Buffalo in early-August. Mejia, who returned from Tommy John surgery this season and failed in his conversion to relieving, could get the call to limit the innings burden on Matt Harvey. When he is on, Mejia uses a low-to-mid 90s cutting/sinking fastball, plus-changeup and work-in-progress curveball. Mixed: $1; NL: $4

Shelby Miller - Miller has had a very up-and-down season but has righted the ship lately. Miller has a 36:4 K:BB ratio his last 24.1 innings to help restore his status as the Cardinals" #1 pitching prospect, though Carlos Martinez is close behind. Miller struck out 150 batters in 130.2 innings at Triple-A Memphis. When he is on, he mixes a mid-90s fastball with late-life and movement along with a curveball, change and solid control. Miller has had some off-the-field issues the past two seasons, which have raised some make-up questions about him, but he seems to be on the beam now. He is not on St. Louis 40-man roster but there has been some talk that Miller could be promoted as a reward for his strong finish. Mixed: $2; NL: $7

Collin McHugh - McHugh will be called up and start for the Mets on September 3 against the Cardinals. McHugh was profiled last week when he spectacular in his major league debut on August 23 against the Rockies. He threw seven two-hit innings while striking out nine. Despite that, he was optioned back to Triple-A as Jeremy Hefner returned from the paternity list. When McHugh is on, as he was in his debut, he mixes a low-90s fastball with a curveball, cutter, slider and change-up. Since McHugh is at 155.1 innings and threw 129 innings last season, he was expected to pitch on a regular turn down the stretch in the majors, but he should be a September call up and get a few turns in the Mets' rotation. Mixed: $1; NL: $4

Relief Pitchers:

Ronald Belisario/Brandon League - Belisario and Brandon League will share the closer's role until Kenley Jansen (irregular heartbeat) returns. Jansen, who missed nearly a month with the condition last season, will be examined by a heart specialist Tuesday, at which point a decision on his ability to return this season will be made. If Jansen can stop using the blood-thinning medication he is on, he could be back by Sept. 7. If not, he will need a month to recover and be sidelined the balance of the regular season. Belisario has been stellar this season; posting a 2.65 ERA, 1.030 WHIP and 49:22 K:BB ratio in 54.1 innings. League has struggled overall this year, but after a rough patch when he first came from Seattle to LA, he has righted the ship, making seven straight scoreless appearances. League has closed in the past, but Belisario looks to be the better option to close for the Dodgers. That said, League notched the save Saturday, so it may be an even split. Belisario - Mixed: $4; NL: $11; League - Mixed: $3; NL: $9.

Jeff Beliveau/Justin de Fratus/Jake Diekman/John Ely/Sam Freeman/Javy Guerra/Matt Guerrier/Chris Leroux/Matt Lindstrom/Shane Loux/Jean Machi/ Kyle McPherson/Guillermo Moscoco/Guillermo Mota/Peter Moylan/Logan Ondrusek/Blake Parker/Brad Penny/Trevor Rosenthal/Takashi Saito/Joe Thatcher/Shawn Tolleson/Jose Valdez/John Wall/Justin Wilson- This week's batch of middle relief promotions/activations/trade acquisitions took place in Chicago, Philadelphia (2x), Los Angeles, St. Louis, Los Angeles (2x) Pittsburgh, Arizona, San Francisco (2x), Pittsburgh, Colorado, San Francisco, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Chicago, San Francisco, St. Louis, Arizona, San Diego, Los Angeles, Houston, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. All of them will pitch in middle relief for their respective teams. The only ones who could have some value are McPherson and Wilson, who might see a start of two if Jeff Karstens' hip forces him to miss more than one turn in the rotation and who could start for Pittsburgh in 2013. All except McPherson and Wilson-Mixed: No; NL: $0. McPherson/Wilson - Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Josh Collmenter - Collmenter, sidelined since August 10 with ulcers, rejoined the D-Backs as rosters expanded Saturday After tossing four more innings in a rehab appearance Tuesday, Collmenter is ready for duty -- likely in long relief -- for Arizona. He could have some value due to the possibility of accumulating counting stats with extended relief appearances. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Luke Gregerson - Gregerson picked up another save Friday is now 3-for-3 in save chances since taking over the closer's role recently with Huston Street injured and Dale Thayer having gone on paternity leave. It would appear that he's in line for more of the same as Street had a recent setback, and it doesn't look as though Thayer is going to be given back the job. Mixed: $5; NL: $14.

Fernando Salas - Salas earned his sixth hold of the season this week. Although Salas got off to a rough start in 2012, he's righted the ship in the second half of the season. He's working on a streak of 14 consecutive scoreless outings, and since the All-Star break his ERA is 1.77 and his WHIP is 0.88. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Huston Street - Street, sidelined since August 11 with a strained calf, was slated to be activated from the DL on Sunday but he felt some soreness in his calf while running Friday and will not be re-evaluated on Monday. If he comes back, Street will take a 20.1-inning scoreless streak off the DL with him. He has not allowed a run since June 17 and is a perfect 21-for-21 in save chances with 45K in just 36IP this season. He has used his slider more, compensating for a one mile-per-hour drop in fastball velocity, which has resulted in more groundballs. If Street is able to return, Luke Gregerson, Dale Thayer and Tom Layne shift back to set up roles. Mixed: $8; NL: $22 (in case he is healthy, activated and was waived when sidelined three weeks ago)

Catchers:

Bryan Anderson/J.C. Bosacn/Erik Fryer/Devin Mesoraco/Sandy Leon/Mike Nickeas/Konrad Schmidt/Eli Whiteside - The parade of back-up catcher call-ups began this week in St. Louis, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Washington, New York, Arizona, and San Francisco. None of them, save for Mesoraco, will see extended time and will be used to give the starters a break and be used as a pinch-hitter. Mesoraco could see more time than the others and still projects to possibly be the Reds' #1 catcher of the future. All except Mesoraco - Mixed: No; NL: $0; Mesoraco - Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Tim Fedorowicz - Federowicz was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday. Federowicz batted .294 with 11 home runs and 76 runs batted in for Albuquerque. He'll see spot duty in relief of A.J. Ellis and Matt Treanor. For 2013, Fedorowicz could get a shot at unseating Ellis as LA's starting catcher. Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Carlos Ruiz - Ruiz, sidelined with plantar fasciitis in his left foot since August 4, is now able to run but there is no timeframe for his return. It looked as if Ruiz would start a rehab stint this week, but it sounds as if the Phillies are worried that Ruiz could tear the fascia. Ruiz, who was enjoying a career-season, propelled by a high BABIP, line drive and HR/FB ratios, was expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks with the injury, but that may now be optimistic. Mixed: $5; NL: $14.

Kelly Shoppach - Shoppach was profiled when he came over to the Mets from Boston, but his solid play warrants another mention. In just nine games with New York, Shoppach is 9-for-26 with two home runs and seven RBI. Shoppach was supposed to be a righty complement to Josh Thole, but he has shown that he deserves more time than that and could be playing his way into a spot with the team for 2013. Mixed: $5; NL: $14.

Erik Kratz - Kratz gets an upgrade, as he will now be the Phillies' everyday catcher with Brian Schneider (hamstring) on the disabled list. Kratz and Schneider were platooning behind the plate, but Kratz was seeing the majority of the starts. The Phillies don't expect Carlos Ruiz (foot) back until mid-September, so Kratz, who has displayed surprising power, has an opportunity to accumulate a lot of at-bats over the next couple of weeks. Mixed: $3; NL: $9.

First Basemen:

Jeff Baker - The Braves acquired Baker, who was designated for assignment by the Tigers on Friday. Baker gives Atlanta a solid bat against lefties, something the team desperately needed, as seen by his .851 career OPS against southpaws. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Lance Berkman - Berkman, who was profiled the last two weeks, gets another mention, as he was activated Saturday after finishing a six-game rehab stint. Berkman has been sidelined with soreness in his right knee, which also knee was operated on earlier this year, costing him two months of playing time. Berkman lasted three weeks after coming off the DL before soreness in the knee landed him right back on the DL on August 3. Maybe the rest this time helped, but given the amount of time he has missed as well as issues and setbacks he has had with it, consider me skeptical. In addition, keep in mind that he may retire after the season. Mixed: $8; NL: $22 (early spec bid presuming he is healthy)

Jason Giambi - Giambi, who landed on the disabled list July 21 with a viral syndrome, played through the illness for three weeks prior to the DL move. He began a rehab stint on August 22 and should be activated now that the rosters have expanded. Giambi will see the occasional start at first base, but will mainly be used a lefty pinch-hitter off the bench. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Aubrey Huff - Huff (knee) was activated from the disabled list Saturday. Huff's third DL stint of the year will come to an end as roster expanded Saturday. The 35-year-old has recorded just nine hits in 61 attempts (.148 average) this season, but he's expected to see some action as a pinch-hitter. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Lyle Overbay - Overbay gives Atlanta another lefty bat off the bench. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Brett Pill - The Giants called up Pill on September 1. This comes as no surprise, since Pill was up with the big-league squad for an extended period earlier this season. He has a .285/.336/.500 triple-slash line with 11 home runs and 45 RBI over 246 at-bats with Triple-A Fresno this season, but has struggled (.647 OPS) with the Giants. He provides depth as a decent right-handed bat off the bench for San Francisco. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Darin Ruf - Ruf leads all players in the minor leagues with 38 home runs this season. He's been on a tear in August with 20 home runs in 29 games. Ruf is not on the 40-man roster, but the Phillies could reward for his big season by adding him and giving him a September call-up. The Phillies have been playing Ruf in left field of late since Ryan Howard blocks him at first base in the majors. He will play winter ball in Venezuela to get more work in the outfield this offseason. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Joey Votto - Votto, out since mid-July following surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee, will be activated from the DL on Monday. He's been dealing with some pain and swelling during his assignment, so it will be mildly surprising if he's actually activated. No matter when Votto returns, though, he is not likely to be at full strength the remainder of the year. (if you believe he is fully healthy, and maybe even not, use your remaining FAAB).

Second Base:

Adrian Cardenas - The Cubs called up Cardenas with the rosters expanding Saturday. Cardenas held a .381 OBP in the minors this year, but doesn't offer much in the way of power or steals. He is likely to see a fair amount of playing time with the Cubs out of playoff contention. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Matt Downs - Downs was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday. Downs was sent down to the minors on August 10 to work on his consistency. In 24 contests with Oklahoma City this year, he batted .267/.343/.389 with three homers and 15 RBI in 90 at-bats. Expect him to work as a utilityman the remainder of the season. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Jedd Gyorko - Gyorko, the Padres' best hitting prospect now that Yasmani Grandal is in the majors, has torn up Triple-A this season following his promotion from Double-A. Gyorko has .328/.377/.590 line with 24 HR and 83 RBI in 366 at-bats. The only true question with him is not if, but when he will be promoted. The other, and one that also has a fantasy impact, is where does he play when he gets promoted? With Chase Headley having a big year at the hot corner for the Padres, Gyorko has seen time and could be the future second baseman for SD if Headley is not moved. Playing there would enhance his fantasy value, which is already very high. Gyorko would have to be added to the 40-man roster before he is promoted, but that looks like a mere formality at this point as he is deserving of a September promotion. Mixed: $4; NL: $11.

Jimmy Paredes - The Astros recalled Paredes from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday and will play him daily in right field. Paredes, who will play outfield in the Dominican this winter, was batting .318 with 13 home runs, 59 RBI, 37 stolen bases and .826 OPS in 124 games for the RedHawks this year, ranking first in the Pacific Coast League in steals, second in hits (161) and total bases (242) and third in runs scored (92). After this season, Paredes will be shifted to center, where Houston feels he will have the most success down the road. For this season, he may qualify as a 2B, which adds to his value. Mixed: $5; NL: $14.

Skip Schumaker - Schumaker has started the last eight games at second base and seems to have gained the confidence of manager Mike Matheny. Daniel Descalso, who has a better glove, was thought to be the regular second baseman, but the Cardinals seems to be going back and forth, though it has been easier to determine the favorite since Tyler Greene headed to Houston. Schumaker has been in a mild slump, so it's possible that Matheny turns back to Descalso, and even if Schumaker plays, don't expect big numbers from him. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Shortstops:

Joaquin Arias - Arias smacked his fourth home run of the year Thursday against the Astros. After the game, manager Bruce Bochy indicated that he would find ways to get the super-sub's hot bat into the lineup more frequently. Arias has seen his playing time reduced significantly since Pablo Sandoval returned from the DL. Still, the Giants can't ignore a guy who has put up a .359/.388/.576 slash line since the All-Star break. Expect him to get starts at shortstop, second base, third base and even in the outfield on a semi-regular basis moving forward. Mixed: $4; NL: $13.

Willie Bloomquist - Bloomquist, who has been out since August 11 with a small cartilage tear in his back, was activated off the DL on Saturday. Bloomquist is not 100 percent but he will play through the injury. With Stephen Drew in Oakland, Bloomquist should see time at shortstop as well as at third base. Bloomquist - Mixed: $2; NL: $7

Dee Gordon - Gordon, who had thumb surgery in early-July, was transferred to the 60-day DL on Thursday. The move doesn't delay a potential return for Gordon, as the team just needed a spot on the 40-man roster to bring back reliever Matt Guerrier from the 60-day DL. Gordon should serve mostly as a pinch-runner off the bench when he returns, likely at some point during September with Hanley Ramirez playing shortstop and Luis Cruz manning third base. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (possible steals and value for next year)

Didi Gregorious - The Reds recalled Gregorius from Triple-A Louisville as part of their first wave of September call-ups. Gregorius' glove is major league ready, but his bat probably is not. He hit for a little more power upon reaching Louisville, but at the expense of his batting eye. In addition, he is blocked by Billy Hamilton at short by and at second by Brandon Phillips. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Brock Holt - The Pirates recalled Holt from Triple-A Indy on Saturday. The 24-year-old shortstop hit .322 in 382 Double-A at-bats before really lighting things up with a .432 batting mark in 95 at-bats with Triple-A Indy. In his last eight games, Holt has five three-hit performances and one two-hit game. He isn't thought to be anything more than a decent prospect but if he can continue his hot-hitting ways then he could see work his way into the mix for 2013, especially with no clear-cut favorite at shortstop in Pittsburgh. Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Pete Kozma - Kozma was promoted from Triple-A Louisville and started at shortstop for the Cardinals on Friday. With Rafael Furcal out for the rest of the year due to the torn UCL in his right elbow, Kozma could be in line for regular playing time. However, his.232/.292/.355 line at Louisville should tell you all you need to know about his offensive ability. In addition, Daniel Descalso will likely see much of the playing time at short. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Jed Lowrie - Lowrie is currently seven weeks into his recovery from multiple injuries to his knee, ankle, and nerve damage suffered during a game on July 14. He believes that if everything goes well, he'll "get at least two or three weeks in assuming everything goes well." Prior to getting hurt, Lowrie was second NL shortstops in HR with 14 and had a solid .343 OBA. Mixed: $7; NL: $17.

Henry Rodriguez - Rodriguez was among the Reds' September callups on Saturday. Since his promotion to Triple-A Louisville, Rodriguez hit just .244/.264/.333 in 213 at-bats, with six walks and 35 strikeouts. He's not quite ready for prime-time. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Andrelton Simmons - Simmons, out since July 9 with a fractured metacarpal on his right hand, is expected to play a few rehab games in the first week of September. In what seems like a bit of a reverse pattern, the plan is to have Simmons play in simulated game conditions and then progress to live batting practice after the rehab games. He was expected to miss six weeks when he was injured, but it will be more than two months when he finally rejoins with the team. He's projected to return to the Braves in the final weeks of the regular season, where he would provide an upgrade over the duo of Paul Janish and Tyler Pastornicky at shortstop for the Braves' playoff push. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (early speculative bid)

Third Basemen:

Pedro Alvarez - Alvarez has reached safely in 14 of his past 15 games, upping his average from .229 on August 15 to .252 after Saturday's game. He blasted another home run Saturday, giving him 27 on the season to go with 71 RBI for the season. The 27 HR are the most among NL third baseman, which somewhat offsets the 146K in 412 AB. (upgrade him across the board).

Mark DeRosa - DeRosa (groin) was activated from the DL on Saturday. DeRosa, who has endured two extended stays on the disabled list in 2012, holds very little fantasy value. In 66 at-bats with Washington this season, he's batting .152 with 10 runs, six RBI, and one steal. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Matt Dominguez - With Triple-A Oklahoma City not making the PCL playoffs, the Astros opted to bring up Dominguez before the rosters expanded September 1 with the hopes of getting a substantial look at him to assess his long-term abilities. In the three games since his recall, he is 4-for-11 with two runs scored, a home run and one RBI and has looked good in his limited work at the hot corner. Dominguez, who came over to Houston on July 4 in the Carlos Lee deal, saw just four games with the Astros in his first stint in the majors before getting sent down. He made the most of his time in the minors, batting .298 with two home runs and 23 RBI in 161 AB for the Red Hawks. Dominguez, selected 12^th overall by Miami in 2007, has historically struggled at the plate but is best known for being a top-tier defender. With Houston in rebuild mode, they get about a month to evaluate Dominguez and see if he can the team's starter at the hot corner heading into 2013. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Kevin Frandsen - Manager Charlie Manuel said this week that Frandsen will get the majority of the playing time at third base for the remainder of the season. Frandsen has already been playing regularly, so this makes it official. Placido Polanco will be relegated to a bench role for the rest of the year. Frandsen has hit in six of his last seven, upping his average to .353, but he has just one home run and eight RBI in 116 at-bats. If he continues to hit, Frandsen could get a shot at being the team's third baseman next season. Mixed: $3; NL: $11

Brandon Laird - The Astros claimed Laird off waivers from the Yankees. A bench bat at best. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Zach Lutz - The Mets called up Lutz from Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday. Lutz hit .299 with 10 homers and 34 RBI in just 72 games this season, as a broken left hamate bone sidelined him for 49 games. Lutz's best position is third base, but he is blocked there by David Wright and at first by Ike Davis. Lutz will likely be used as a pinch-hitter and a pinch-runner. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Cody Ransom - Ransom heads back to the desert, as the Diamondbacks claimed him off waivers from Milwaukee. Ransom hit just .196/.293/.345 in 64 games for Milwaukee this season, but he hit a respectable .269/.345/.577 in 17 games for Arizona before leaving the club. He gives Arizona another option at shortstop and third base. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Luis Valbuena - Manager Dale Sveum said Thursday that he is "shifting gears" and Valbuena, not Josh Vitters, will get the majority of the starts at third base the rest of the way. Vitters is just 5-for-59 with a woeful 1:20 BB:K ratio in 17 games with the Cubs this month, so apparently Sveum has seen enough. The Cubs wanted to give Vitters a chance to make his mark at the top level, but with him being replaced by a journeyman utility infielder, Vitters appears to be a long shot to open 2013 with the Cubs. Valbuena doesn't offer much in terms of power or speed, but the extra at-bats will give him a minor value boost in NL-only leagues. Mixed: No; NL: $3

Outfielders:

Tony Campana - Campana was one of the few Cubs' minor-leaguers called up with the rosters expanding Saturday. Campana had 18 stolen bags in just 37 games for Triple-A Iowa, so if your fantasy squad is strapped for speed down the stretch he could be a savvy acquisition. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (steal potential)

Jose Constanza - The Braves called up Constanza on Saturday. Constanza will likely be nothing better than a fifth outfielder with Atlanta in the season's remaining month, as he figures to be behind Reed Johnson on the depth chart. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Adam Eaton - Eaton was named the Pacific Coast League Rookie of the Year. For the second consecutive year, the award goes to the Reno Aces' center fielder and leadoff hitter. Eaton began the season in Double-A but was quickly promoted in April where he posted a slash line of .379/.452/.536 with 117 runs scored, seven home runs, 45 RBI and 37 stolen bases. Equally impressive was his 9.3-percent walk rate and 12.4-percent strikeout rate. Strong defense, a high average and on-base percentage, great speed and efficiency on the base paths are Eaton's biggest strengths. Even if Reno makes the PCL playoffs, you should expect to see Eaton, a 19^th round pick in 2010 up with the Diamondbacks sometime in September and possibly contend for a roster spot next spring. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (spec bid if Arizona adds him to 40-man roster)

Tyler Graham - The D-Backs called up Graham on Saturday. Graham will provide Arizona with extra outfield depth, a role that Gerardo Parra has essentially taken on himself this season. In 26 tilts at Reno since he was let go by the Giants, Graham hit just .115/.239/.230 with seven runs scored, one homer, six RBI, and one steal in 61 at-bats. However, after stealing 60 bases for San Francisco's Triple-A affiliate in 2011, he could be a decent pinch-running threat the rest of the season. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (steals threat).

Xavier Nady -Nady was called up Saturday and could end up assuming everyday duties in left field with Gregor Blanco striking out in 19 of his last 41 at-bats. Nady had been hot at the plate at Triple-A Fresno prior to the joining the Giants, batting .364 with four home runs in his last 11 games, and if he can carry that over to the majors on a regular basis, he'd certainly be in line for more playing time. Nady could provide a late-season jolt and fill some of the offensive void left by Melky Cabrera's suspension with SF striking out in bringing in outside help. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Eury Perez - The Nationals called up Perez from Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday. In 40 games at Syracuse, he batted .299/.325/.342 with 21 runs scored, 10 RBI, and 20 stolen bases in 25 attempts. Perez, who will serve as a reserve outfielder for the Nats, should be a better than average pinch-running threat throughout the season's final month. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (steals threat)

Denis Phipps - The Reds called up Phipps on Saturday. In 92 tilts at Louisville this season, Phipps batted a meager .219/.290/.398 with 48 runs scored, 15 home runs, and 45 RBI in 357 at-bats. He'll serve as a deep reserve in Cincinnati's outfield. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Alex Presley - Presley, who was recalled from Triple-A on Friday, lead off and played center field against the Brewers. The team was in need of healthy outfielders and Presley fit the bill with his solid defense. He won't see steady time in September, instead pinch-hitting and serving as a defensive replacement. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Dave Sappelt - Sappelt was called up from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday. As he adjusted his batting stance multiple times throughout the season, Sappelt experienced steady improvement in his batting average by the month - from .218 in April, to .237 in May, .260 in June, .317 in July, and finally .287 in August. With seven homers, 54 RBI, and 15 stolen bases to go with a .264 average overall, he'll serve as a deep reserve in the Cubs' outfield. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Jordan Schafer - Schafer, who initially landed on the disabled list on August 7 with an AC separation in his left shoulder, was actvated Saturday. In his rehab assignment, he batted .200 (3-for-15) with two runs scored and two stolen bases across two minor league levels. If totally healthy, he should return to the starting lineup before long. Schafer provides great stolen base potebtial, albeit with a low batting average. Mixed: $3; NL: $9.

Nate Schierholtz - Schierholtz, sidelined with a broken right big toe and profiled last week, was activated off the disabled list Saturday. Schierholtz does not expect his injury to fully heal until after the season, but thinks he can play through it. With the Phillies out of contention this year and looking towards the future, if the injury lingers or flares up in September, look for Schierholtz to be shut down. When he does returns, Schierholtz should see consistent playing time but may not be a regular with Pierre/Mayberry/Brown in the outfield. Mixed: $3; NL: $9.