NL FAAB Factor: Utley Returns

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 free-agent budget you should bid on them.

One size does not fit all, and we could never hope to encompass all league structures, so bids are based on:

• 12-team league (either NL or Mixed, we'll specify)
• 5x5 categories
• $100 FAAB budget

Starting Pitcher

Aaron Blair, Diamondbacks – Blair could be called up soon and at a minimum should be a September promotion. He appears to have snapped out of a midseason funk, as he has 14 strikeouts and four walks while allowing eight hits over 12 shutout frames in his last two starts for Triple-A Reno. Blair posted a 2.70 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 64 strikeouts in 83.1 innings in the Southern League in the first two months of the season to earn a call up to Triple-A. With those two shutout starts, he now has a 3.38 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. Blair profiles as a No. 3 starter because he doesn't miss many bats, though he does have 44 strikeouts in 48 innings at Reno. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec call up bid).

Raisel Iglesias, Reds – Iglesias, profiled when he was called up in July, has pitched better recently, reeling off three straight quality starts, including an eight-strikeout performance in his last start Wednesday against San Diego. Iglesias missed about a month with a strained left oblique, but he's making up for lost time and has a 61:17 K:BB in 59.1 innings. With Cincy going nowhere, Iglesias should remain in the team's rotation the remainder the year. Mixed: $4; NL: $11.

John Lamb, Reds – Lamb, profiled when he came over to the Reds in the Johnny Cueto deal, gets another mention as he was promoted to start Friday. He allowed five runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out seven over six innings against the Dodgers in his major league debut. Lamb was previously considered a Top 20 prospect going into 2011, but Tommy John surgery derailed that. He turned back the clock this year, posting a 9-1 record with a 2.67 ERA and 1.158 WHIP in 94.1 innings for Triple-A Omaha before the trade to the Reds. Lamb continued that success after the trade, allowing five runs with a 21:7 K:BB in 17 innings over three starts. Mixed: $3; NL: $9.

Justin Nicolino, Marlins – Nicolino, who was profiled last week, was called up to start Tuesday with Jose Fernandez landing on the disabled list due to his biceps injury. He allowed four runs on nine hits and a walk over 5.2 innings in a no-decision against Boston. Nicolino made two starts for Miami in June before he was sent back down to the minors. He had a 3.52 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 115 innings over 20 starts, albeit with a 63:29 K:BB. That low strikeout rate is the major red flag against Nicolino, but he has had success at every level and may be able to carry that over to the majors. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Injury activation/updates:

Jarred Cosart, Marlins – Cosart, who has been dealing with vertigo due to a nerve issue for more than two months, threw a bullpen session Thursday and is nearing a minor league rehab assignment. Miami is optimistic that he could make that start sometime this week. Cosart, on medication to treat the nerve problem, likely will make 2-3 starts and then rejoin the team when rosters expand in September. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (early spec return bid).

David Hale, Rockies – Hale, out for over a month with a groin injury, is expected to rejoin the Rockies' rotation Tuesday against Washington. He will fill the rotation spot of Eddie Butler, who was recently demoted. Hale, who has a 5.69 ERA in 49 innings for the Rockies this season, made it through three rehab outings unscathed, so he looks ready to rejoin the parent club. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Tim Hudson, Giants – Hudson, who was placed on the 15-day DL with shoulder woes when Mike Leake was acquired in July, made his first rehab appearance with High-A San Jose on Friday, tossing 2.2 innings of shutout ball. He will likely make another rehab start or two, as there isn't an immediate spot open in the Giants' rotation. Matt Cain struggled again Friday, and if he continues to falter, Hudson could theoretically take his spot in the rotation. If not, Hudson will pitch out of the bullpen. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (early spec return bid).

Mike Leake, Giants – Leake, who made one start with the Giants before being sidelined with a hamstring injury, will be activated to start Tuesday's game against the Cardinals. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Steven Matz, Mets – Matz, sidelined with a slightly torn lat muscle since his second start on July 5, made his first rehab start since the injury Saturday. He allowed three hits and one run in one inning for High-A St. Lucie, throwing 18 of his 23 pitches for strikes while striking out two. Matz will need to reach 90 pitches before he is promoted, so look for him to make 3-4 rehab starts before returning to the Mets' rotation, probably on September 5. At that point, New York will use a six-man rotation to limit the innings of Matt Harvey and Noah Syndergaard. Mixed: $4 NL: $11 (slightly upped spec return bid, to continue to rise as he gets closer to returning).

Relief Pitcher

Randall Delgado, Yimi Garcia, Gonzalez Germen, David Goforth, Chris Hatcher, Bud Norris, and Ken Roberts - This week's key middle reliever call-ups/activations, as well as expected call-ups, do not have any substantial value, save for Delgado, who could set up Brad Ziegler or possibly see a few save chances down the stretch, and Norris, who could succeed as a reliever and possibly move into a setup role. Delgado – Mixed: $1; NL: $4; Norris – Mixed: No; NL: $2. All others: Mixed: No; NL: $0;

Catcher

Anthony Recker, Mets – Recker was promoted to back up Travis d'Arnaud. Kevin Plawecki had been backing up TdA, but with d'Arnaud to see more time now that he is fully healthy, the Mets decided it would be better for Plawecki to see consistent at-bats in the minors. Recker will see spot starts when TdA needs a day off. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Injury activation/update:

Andrew Susac, Giants – Susac, out since July 18 with a sprained right thumb, began a rehab stint at High-A San Jose on Tuesday. He should rejoin the Giants shortly to serve as Buster Posey's backup. Susac's return will allow Posey to play first base, enabling the red-hot Brandon Belt to play left while Nori Aoki (concussion) is out. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

First Base

Matt McBride, Rockies – McBride was called up this week for his third stint with the Rockies. His .328/.380/549 batting line with 12 home runs and 49 RBI for Triple-A Albuquerque has earned him another shot at the big leagues. McBride will see the occasional start at first base backing up Ben Paulsen and Kyle Parker. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Matt Adams, Cardinals – Adams, out since late May with a torn right quadriceps that required surgery to repair, might be able to go on a rehab assignment before the minor league season ends. He started to swing a bat last week, and if Adams does go on that assignment, he could be back by mid-September. Adams, the team's starting first baseman and cleanup hitter, may come back as a pinch hitter, though it wouldn't be shocking to see him see consistent action down the stretch to see if he is ready for a bigger role in the playoffs. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (upped very early spec return bid).

Freddie Freeman, Braves – Freeman, sidelined since August 3 with a strained right oblique, kicked off a rehab stint last week. He moved his rehab to Triple-A Gwinnett over the weekend and will likely come off DL when eligible Aug 19. Freeman, who was shut down in June with a wrist injury, returned on July 25 only to be sidelined again about a week later. He has played only 76 games this year and Atlanta can clearly use his offense. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Justin Morneau, Rockies – Morneau, out since suffering a concussion and neck sprain while diving for a groundball in a May 13 game, took batting practice Friday. He has slowly increased his baseball activity the past few weeks and still believes he can make it back before the end of the season. Morneau was off to a decent start – .290/.317/.450 with three home runs and nine RBI over 100 at-bats in 27 games – before he was sidelined. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (very early spec return bid).

Second Base

Jose Peraza, Dodgers – Peraza got a two-game cup off coffee in LA before getting sent back down to make room for Justin Turner's activation off the disabled list. He hit a combined .302/.327/.398 with 41 RBI and 27 steals in 106 Triple-A games between the Braves and Dodgers organizations to earn the promotion. However, his splits were very skewed, as he posted a .333/.337/.455 batting line at Triple-A against southpaws and a .281/.312/.353 line against right-handers. Peraza should be back when the lineups expand in September and likely will be a spot starter and pinch runner the rest of the season. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (if you can bid on minor leaguers; go much higher in keeper leagues).

Injury activation/updates:

Hector Olivera, Braves – Olivera, traded to the Braves as part of a three-team deal in July and sidelined with a hamstring injury, began a rehab assignment with the Gulf Coast League Braves on Thursday. He'll move up to Low-A Rome on Sunday and there is some speculation he could be in Atlanta this week. Olivera, who has a .348/.392/.493 line with two home runs in 74 at-bats, should play every day at third base when he is activated, replacing Adonis Garcia. Atlanta is investing $6.5 mil for each of the next five years, which gives them ample incentive to see what Olivera can do. (Note: his forthcoming promotion is why Garcia is not profiled). Mixed: $5; NL: $14 (upped early spec call-up bid).

Joe Panik, Giants – Panik, out since the beginning of the month with inflammation in his lower back, will not be activated off when first eligible. Ehire Adrianza should remain a regular part of the Giants' lineup for at least the next couple weeks, as Panik has yet to begin baseball activities. His absence is one reason why San Francisco is pursuing Chase Utley. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Cory Spangenberg, Padres – Spangenberg, sidelined since late June with a left knee contusion that cost him 38 games, was activated Friday after completing a rehab stint at Double-A and Triple-A. Spangenberg will see time at second or third, displacing either Jedd Gyorko or Yangervis Solarte when he is in the lineup. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Chase Utley, Phillies – Utley, out since June 23 with inflammation in his right ankle, completed his rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and rejoined the Phillies. He's expected to see time at first base as well as second base now that he's back. Utley hit .179/.257/.275 with four home runs and 25 RBI in 249 plate appearances before he landed on the disabled list, but 13-for-26 at the plate since his return. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (up the bid if you think the injury were the cause of his struggles and the time off helped him heal).

Shortstop

Enrique Hernandez, Dodgers – Howie Kendrick's hamstring injury has opened the door for Hernandez to see consistent playing time at second base. Jose Peraza played in a couple of games, but was sent back down to make room for Justin Turner's activation off the disabled list, giving Hernandez the starting job at second base in Kendrick's absence. He has shown a bit of power and has been good against southpaws. Mixed: $5; NL: $14 (go higher if you think Kendrick is not back on the Sept. 1 projected return date).

Jimmy Rollins, Dodgers – Rollins has struggled most of the season, but he has regained his old form lately. Over the last 10 games through Saturday, Rollins has 13 hits and seven runs scored to up his average to just .227 on the season. That hot streak has coincided with Rollins recently being moved up to the leadoff spot. Maybe that's the elixir he needed to jumpstart his season. Mixed: $8; NL: owned.

Injury activation/update:

Jordy Mercer, Pirates – Mercer, out since July 19 with a lower-leg contusion and MCL sprain, began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday. He figures to require several rehab games as he works back to full strength, so the thought was he could be back around August 17, beating the six-week timeframe originally estimated. However, there is speculation that Mercer could remain in the minors until September call-ups so the organization doesn't have to take players off the 40-man roster. Though, injuries could force an earlier activation. Mercer had a breakthrough campaign last season but regressed this year before the injury. When he does come back, Mercer could end up slitting time with Jung-Ho Kang, who has filled in more than nicely while he was sidelined. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (same early spec return bid).

Third Base

Pedro Alvarez, Pirates – Alvarez, despite the acquisition of Mike Morse, continues to see regular time at first base, sitting mainly against lefties. His hot play has earned him that right, as Alvarez has hit seven homers and driven in 24 runs in his last 30 starts since July 1. Alvarez's eligibility at third base will end after this season, but the 1b/3b eligibility coupled with his hot bat makes him worth a look in mixed leagues. Mixed: $8; NL: owned.

Injury activation/updates:

Josh Harrison, Pirates – Harrison, out since early July with a torn ligament in his left thumb, began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday as expected. He'll likely need a fairly extensive rehab stint, ranging from 10 days to three weeks, and he could remain in the minors until September call-ups, though he could be activated earlier if he's needed. Harrison had a breakthrough campaign last season, but has failed to repeat that success this year. Despite that, he likely will slide back in to his role as the starting third baseman, but will be spelled by Jung-Ho Kang and Aramis Ramirez, who also will back up Pedro Alvarez at first. Mixed: $5; NL: $14 (though likely owned in all leagues).

Justin Turner, Dodgers – Turner, on the disabled list with an infection in his leg, was activated on August 13. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

David Wright, Mets – Wright, out since mid-April, first with a hamstring injury and then with spinal stenosis, kicked off a minor league rehab assignment Monday. Assuming he has no setbacks, Wright will likely join the team either in Colorado this weekend or when the Mets kick off a series in Philly on August 24. Once back, Wright, who has slightly altered his batting stance to take pressure off his back, will start at third base almost daily, but will be rested periodically for Juan Uribe. Mixed: $5; NL: $14 (slightly upped early spec return bid).

Outfield

Gregor Blanco, Giants – Blanco is back to an everyday role with Angel Pagan (knee) and Nori Aoki (concussion) landing on the disabled list Tuesday. He will man center for the Giants and his ability to get on base (.375 on-base percentage) and steal bases gives him solid value for as long as he remains in the lineup. Mixed: $7; NL: $18 (upped value in NL-only leagues).

Ryan Lollis, Justin Maxwell and Juan Perez, Giants – Right patella tendinitis pushed Angel Pagan to the DL while Nori Aoki landed there - though on the 7-day version - as well due to a concussion. Lollis, batting .333/.387/.473, and Perez, hitting .265/.306/.424, were called up from Triple-A Sacramento to serve as outfield depth. If there is an immediate beneficiary of Aoki's absence, it's Maxwell, who should start daily in left field as Gregor Blanco is manning center with Pagan out. Though, Brandon Belt could move to left with Buster Posey manning first Andrew Susac is activated off the DL. Lolis/Perez - Mixed: No; NL: $0; Maxwell - Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Shane Peterson, Brewers – Peterson has taken over the center field job for the Brewers after the Carlos Gomez and Geraldo Parra trades. Since then, he has posted a .291/.354/.373 line, which is somewhat in line with his Triple-A numbers the last two seasons. Peterson has moderate power and speed, the latter of which he may get a chance to use as he is currently leading off for Milwaukee. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Marcel Ozuna, Marlins – Ozuna was promoted Saturday, as Christian Yelich's knee contusion forced him to the DL. A .249/.301/.337 slash line with 74 strikeouts in 297 at-bats led to Ozuna's demotion from the Marlins to Triple-A New Orleans in early July. That move seems to have been the right one, as Ozuna posted a .317/.379/.558 line with 12 doubles and five home runs over 120 at-bats with New Orleans. Mixed: $7; NL: $18 (high spec bid in case he can carry his success back up to the majors).

Gregory Polanco, Pirates – Polanco extended his hitting streak to nine games Saturday. After a rough May and June, Polanco hit .274 in July and is 20-for-51 so far in August while also doing a much better job of drawing walks and limiting his strikeouts. Polanco has 20 stolen bases and could notch double-digit home runs. His overall numbers won't be spectacular, but if he can continue the strides he has made lately, it bodes well for success in 2016. Mixed: $15; NL: owned.

Injury activation/updates:

Wil Myers, Padres – Myers, out for nearly all of the last three months with wrist injuries, was cleared to resume baseball activities in mid-July but was shot down again a few days later. He is now pain-free and took 40 swings with a light bat and 20 swings with his regular bat Friday, progressing from just swinging a light bat last Sunday. He will need to go from swinging a bat to hitting off a tee to batting practice and then rehab games. Look for Myers, assuming no more setbacks, to rejoin the Padres somewhere around the end of the month or early September. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (same early spec return bid in case he was waived).

Denard Span, Nationals – Span, out since July 7 with a bad back, has resumed light baseball activities after having a mild setback last week. He has begun swinging a bat, running, and throwing as part of his return to baseball activities. However, since Washington is planning on proceeding with caution with Span, there is no guarantee he will progress to the point where he can rejoin the team this season. Injuries have limited Span to 59 games, during which he has posted a .304/.367/.430 line with 11 stolen bases. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec possible return bid).

Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins – Stanton, out since June 27 with a left wrist fracture that required surgery, has progressed to hitting in a cage, but is not yet cleared to face live pitching. Prior to being sidelined, Stanton was off to a tremendous start, batting .265 with 27 homers and 67 RBI over 74 games. Once his hand is back to full strength, Stanton will progress to batting practice and a rehab stint before returning to the club. That may not be until the end of the month, and with Miami out of it, there is no reason to rush him back. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.