NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

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.

This year, we're incorporating 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. Carlos Correa 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.

Joel De La Cruz, Braves – De La Cruz was promoted this week to try and fill the revolving door at the back end of the Braves' rotation. He posted a 4.68 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 44:24 K:BB in 57.2 innings with Triple-A Gwinnett this season, receiving the nod in place of Aaron Blair. De La Cruz allowed three runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out one over six innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Indians and will receive a second start Monday against the Phillies. Don't expect that much from him. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Jose De Leon, Dodgers – De Leon burst on the scene late in 2014 and then broke the door down in 2015. He now is the second-best pitching prospect for LA, right behind Julio Urias, but only one still in the minors. De Leon, who possesses a low-90s fastball, changeup and slider, missed all of April with an ankle injury and has been limited to 23.1 innings this year. But he went five strong innings Thursday for Triple-A Oklahoma City, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out six. DeLeon tossed 114.1 innings last season, striking out 163, and by missing the first month of the year and only tossing 23.1 innings to date, he likely should be able to pitch the entire rest of the 2016 campaign without needing to be shut down. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL - $9 (early spec bid)

Lucas Giolito, Nationals – Giolito, the No. 1 pitching prospect in the game, got a mildly surprising call up to face the Mets this week. Despite his improvement recently, the expectation was that he was to make a few more starts in the minors before receiving a promotion. Giolito, after struggling initially, posted a owns a 3.17 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 72:34 K:BB over 71 innings (14 starts) for Double-A Harrisburg this year. His MLB debut ended after just four innings due to a long rain delay as he allowed just one hit and two walks with one strikeout against the Mets. Giolito has a mid-90s fastball, 12-to-6 nasty curveball and solid changeup. When he is on, he can be unhittable, though at times, his fastball can be straight. Bid and bid hard for him. 12-team mixed: $25; 15-team Mixed: $40; 12-team NL: $55.

Zack Godley/Braden Shipley, Diamondbacks – Zack Greinke's mild oblique strain may land him on the disabled list, and at a minimum, cost him a start. Archie Bradley gets the nod Monday but Arizona will likely need to call up a starter. Godley and Shipley are the likely candidates for that nod and it looks like Godley will get the nod. Godley had a cup of coffee last month making one start and a few outings out of the bullpen. Shipley looked ready for a promotion a month ago but has struggled since then while seeing his K rate drop dramatically. Even though Godley is getting the nod with Greinke missing a start, Shipley may have more long-term upside. Godley - 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2; Shipley - 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (if keeper league)

Lucas Harrell, Braves – Harrell, who hadn't pitched in the majors since making three starts for Houston in 2014, was called up and started Saturday for the Braves. He allowed one run on three hits while striking out five in six innings of work to beat the Marlins and will get at least one more turn in the rotation. Harrell earned the call-up by allowing one run or less in three of his last five starts, notching 20 strikeouts in 25 innings over that span and overall, had a 2.81 ERA with 27 strikeouts and 19 walks over 32 innings at Triple-A Gwinnett this season. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Jeff Hoffman, Rockies – Hoffman, who came over to Colorado from Toronto last year in the Troy Tulowitzki deal, was profiled last week but he gets another mention since he is "close to getting promoted," according to Rockies manager Walt Weiss. He has posted a 3.46 ERA and 94:31 K:BB in 93.2 innings for Triple-A Albuquerque this season. Hoffman, selected ninth overall in 2014, has steadily moved up the ladder using his mid-to-high 90s fastball, plus curveball and changeup along with his excellent command to retire hitters. That three-pitch arsenal and command should help him pitching at Coors Field. Tyler Chatwood may come off the DL to replace Eddie Butler on Monday, so when Hoffman inevitably gets the call, he will likely replace Jorge De La Rosa. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (upped early spec call up bid)

Tyrell Jenkins, Braves – Jenkins, who came over from St. Louis to Atlanta before last season in the Jason Heyward deal, was called up two weeks ago to pitch out of the bullpen. Atlanta just dealt Bud Norris and has had several injuries and poor performances in the major-league rotation, which may open the door for Jenkins to get a few starts in the majors. Jenkins was a starter until this year, and while he lacks the upside of others in the system, his 92-94 mph fastball, curveball and changeup give him a shot to stick for a while in that role this year in the majors. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Chad Kuhl, Pirates – Kuhl made his major-league debut with the Pirates last Sunday, outdueling Clayton Kershaw. He earned the promotion after posting a 2.58 ERA and 1.19 WHIP at Triple-A, but his 3.88 FIP and 6.3K/9 suggests that he might struggle after getting bumped up to the majors. Kuhl allowed three runs with five strikeouts and four walks in five innings against LA and gets a second start with Gerrit Cole (triceps) still unavailable, Once Cole is ready to return, Kuhl likely heads back to the minors. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2.

Justin Nicolino, Marlins – Nicolino was called up for his second go-around this year to start Friday against the Braves. His first stint didn't go well, as he posted a 5.17 ERA, including a 6.44 ERA while failing to make it beyond 5.2 innings in his last seven starts with the Marlins. Nicolino was better Friday, as he allowed four runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out one over five innings, but received no decision against the Braves and is winless in nine starts. His minor-league numbers obviously were much more impressive but his lack of a true out pitch gives him little room for error at this level. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3.

Bud Norris, Dodgers – Norris goes from the outhouse to relative penthouse this week, getting traded from the Braves to the Dodgers. He went 3-7 with a 4.22 ERA in 22 games (10 starts) for the Braves, but that is only half the story. Norris posted a 2.15 ERA in five starts with 29 strikeouts and eight walks in 29.1 innings since returning to the rotation in June after losing his starting spot at the end of April. It's a short-term option for LA, as Norris is in the midst of the one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Braves last winter. Atlanta took advantage of his hot streak to get assets back and LA hopes he continues pitching well, at least until their injured starters return. He did so in his first start Friday, allowing no earned runs on two hits and a walk with eight strikeouts in six innings. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (mainly because he gets to pitch in Chavez Ravine)

Brock Stewart, Dodgers – Clayton Kershaw's back injury has created a crater size in the LA rotation, especially with five other starters also out. Into the breach stepped Stewart, who went 8-3 with a 1.47 ERA and 89K in 75 IP between High-A, Double-A and Triple-A this season. His first outing wasn't a mixed bag, as he allowed five runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out seven in a 7-0 loss to the Brewers. Stewart should get two more starts before the All-Star break and his status after that will depend on the possible return of the injured LA starters, especially now that Bud Norris is in town. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Adam Warren, Cubs – Warren, acquired from the Yankees this off-season for Starlin Castro, bounced between starting and relieving last season for NY, posting a 3.66 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP in 17 starts. He was brought in by Chicago to be a long man but also possibly fill the role of a spot starter. So far this year, he has only pitched in relief, but was sent down to be stretched out and will be called up to start Wednesday after making two starts for Triple-A Iowa. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7.

Injury activation/updates:

Andrew Cashner, Padres – Cashner will once again come off the disabled list, this time on Sunday to face the Yankees. His prior return lasted just two-plus starts, as he was sidelined just six pitches into his third outing. Cashner tossed three scoreless innings in a rehab start for High-A Lake Elsinore on Tuesday, throwing just 38 pitches and 12 in the bullpen, so don't expect a long outing Sunday. In addition, his injury history, despite his good stuff, makes it hard to rely on him the rest of the season. 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (go higher if a believer)

Mike Foltynewicz, Braves – Foltynewicz, out since May 30 with bone spurs in his pitching elbow, was activated Thursday, allowing three runs, two of which were earned, on two hits and two walks while striking out two over three innings against the Marlins. He originally was to make a few more starts in the minors but tossed five one-hit shutout innings while striking out five in his last rehab start Saturday paving the way for an earlier call up. Prior to being sidelined, Foltynewicz was 2-2 with 3.51 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 28:8 K:BB ratio in 28.2 innings. He will still be pitching with the bone spurs in his elbow, though that should not sideline him unless the situation worsens. 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Brandon McCarthy, Dodgers – McCarthy, working his way his way from Tommy John surgery last April, allowed four runs (three earned) over five innings in a rehab start for High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Monday, tossing 72 pitches. This outing was the third in his rehab stint and it looked like he would need one maybe two more starts, depending if he can hit 90 starts in his next outing, before rejoining LA. The Dodgers opted to active McCarthy, whose fastball is at 89 mph, and start him Sunday. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (same as prior weeks).

Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers– Ryu, whose rehab start Tuesday for Triple-A Oklahoma City was just 1.2 innings due to rain, started for High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Friday. He allowed two runs and five hits over six solid innings in notching the win. Ryu has now made five starts in the past couple weeks between Oklahoma City and Rancho Cucamonga, allowing 12 earned runs – many in one start – but with a 21:1 K:BB ratio in 18.2 innings. Ryu is eligible to return Monday and make one start before the All-Star Game with LA, though the team might opt to keep him out through the break. As long as Ryu returns to active duty in July, it would put his total rehab time at about 14 months after undergoing surgery last May to repair a torn labrum in his pitching shoulder. 12-team mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (same bid as last week)

Relief Pitchers:

Ryan Buchter/Brandon Maurer/Kevin Quackenbush, Padres – Fernando Rodeny's trade to Miami creates a hole at the back-end of the San Diego pen that will be filled by either or a combination of the left-handed Buchter (2.91 ERA) and right-handed Maurer (5.73 ERA) and Quackenbush (3.55). Buchter, even after allowing five runs in one-third of an inning earlier this week, has been the most impressive Padres reliever besides Rodney, posting a 2.91 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 50:18 K:BB ratio in 34 innings. The one concerning note is that BB/9, which had been much better earlier in the year and has regressed lately. Maurer has the stuff to be better than he has been; yet he always seems to have some sort of issue. He has a rough campaign but has been better lately, posting seven straight scoreless outings and notching the save Friday despite allowing a run. Quackenbush got off to a poor start, but has pitched much better of late, posting a 1.54 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 7:4 K:BB ratio in 11.2 innings the past month Thursday. He was very good in 2014 but regressed in 2015 and started off 2016 poorly, with a 4.64 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 21.1 innings, earning a demotion, but has picked it up since returning to the majors. To me the pecking order is, Maurer, Buchter, Quackenbush, unless San Diego decides to trust a lefty to close. Buchter - 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Maurer - 12-team mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18; Quackenbush - 12- team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Mauricio Cabrera, Braves – Cabrera and his 100+ mph fastball was promoted this week to the Braves and notched his first save Thursday in place of an ineffective Arodys Vizcaino on Thursday. Vizcaino has struggled with his contract lately, possibly opening the door for Cabrera to save more save opportunities. In addition, Vizcaino might get dealt at the deadline, paving the way for Cabrera to take over. Cabrera has had a solid season out of the bullpen for Double-A Mississippi, going 3-3 with a 3.21 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 9.49 K/9 while recording four saves to earn the promotion. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.
 
Injury activation/updates:

Jake McGee, Rockies – McGee, sidelined with left knee inflammation since June 11, was activated Saturday. He's 15-for-18 in saves and should regain his closing job from Carlos Estevez, though no definitive word has been given if that will be the case. Just an FYI as he should still be owned in all leagues.

Sergio Romo, Giants – Romo, out since April 10 with a strained elbow flexor tendon in his pitching arm, has an 18:1 K:BB over 10.1 innings between High-A San Jose and Triple-A Sacramento during his rehab appearances. He has also pitched in back-to-back days with Sacramento without any setbacks, so should rejoin the Giants in the near term. Once he returns to the majors, Romo will slot back in as one of Santiago Casilla's setup men. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL - $2

Catchers:
 
Brayan Pena, Cardinals – Pena, out all season with a knee injury, completed an extended rehab assignment at Double and Triple-A and was promoted this week to replace Eric Fryer as the Cardinals' backup catcher. He hit.273/.334/.324 in 108 games with the Reds last season and should be a nice complement to Yadier Molina in St. Louis. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Francisco Cervelli, Pirates – Cervelli broke the hamate bone in his left hand June 11, requiring surgery to repair the injury. Following the operation, he wasn't expected to return to "full baseball activities" for 4-6 weeks but he has started to do some plate work and take right handed swings while also having the stitches removed. Look for Cervelli, who was batting a disappointing.257/.373/.293 with zero home runs and 21 RBI, to ramp up his activity in the next few weeks, have a short rehab stint and possibly be back possibly the third week of July. 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 15-team NL: $11 (early spec return bid).

First Basemen:
 
Jake Elmore, Brewers – Elmore's trip around the majors has reached five teams in five years, as he was promoted this week by Milwaukee. He replaces Alex Presley, who was designated for assignment. Elmore posted a .320 batting average and .428 OBP through 57 games at Triple-A but is just a career .215 hitter in the majors. He will back up Chris Carter and see the occasional game around the infield. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Lucas Duda, Mets – Duda, sidelined since late-May with a stress fracture in his lower back, is a little more than a week away from resuming baseball activity. He was to be sidelined 4-6 weeks, but now could miss about two months, as he could possibly return by the end of this month. James Loney has been more than solid replacing Duda, so the Mets may give him as much times as he needs, though the team does miss Duda's potential power in the lineup. 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $, 15-team NL: $11 (early spec return bid)

Second Base:

Grant Green, Giants – Green was promoted Thursday with Joe Panik (concussion) on the disabled list and Ramiro Pena (ankle) going down after colliding with Mac Williamson on a popup to shallow right field during Wednesday night's game. His major league numbers leave a lot to be desired, including last year, when he hit 190/.227/.262 in 21 games but he battled .294/.321/.437 with six homers and 33 RBI in 250 plate appearances at Triple-A Sacramento this season. Green was drafted by the A's in 2009 and has played multiple positions in the infield throughout his career, though has yet to stick in the majors. He should see solid time at second with Panik and Pena out, though SF has called up Ruben Tejada from the minors and Kelby Tomlinson should be back shortly. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Shortstops:

J.P. Crawford, Phillies – Crawford, the Phillies' best hitting prospect, was promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley in mid-May after hitting .265/.398/.390 with three home runs, eight doubles, and 13 RBI over 36 games with Double-A Reading to earn the move up to the next level. The slash line was fairly close to what he hit in 86 games last year at Reading, with a slight in the SLG but major rise in OBA thanks to a 30:21 K:BB ratio. Crawford got off to a slow start following his promotion but has picked up lately. Over his last 10 games through Friday, he hit .342 with two steals, four walks and two strikeouts. Crawford should be a September call up and could open 2017 as the team's starting shortstop in the majors. 12-team mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $10; 12-team NL: $16 (early spec bid for keeper leagues).

Danny Espinosa, Nationals –Espinosa's three-run bomb Thursday was his ninth in June, a career-high for one month. He finished the month with a .309 average (25-for-81), nine homers, 21 RBI and 21 runs in 26 games, solidifying his hold on the shortstop job over Trea Turner. Those nine home runs gave Espinosa 15 for the year, and he added his 16th Saturday exceeding his numbers from the past three years and putting him just five home runs behind his career-high. Espinosa likely will slow down but still be a solid shortstop option. 12-team mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: owned

Trea Turner, Nationals – Turner gets mentioned here even with Espinosa's hot streak, as he is getting a chance in center field down at Triple-A Syracuse. With Ben Revere and Michael Taylor struggling to get on-base, Washington could use a jolt at the top of the order. Espinosa looks to be setlled in at short, at least for now, and Daniel Murphy is locked in at second, so center field could be a quicker path to the majors and set playing time. Turner has the athleticism to handle the change but it will take him a while to get used to the position, so he might not be up for several weeks. 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early spec bid if keeps shortstop eligibility)

Injury activation/updates:

Third Basemen:

Ruben Tejada, Giants – Tejada was called up from Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday to give SF additional depth. The Giants picked up Tejada after the Cardinals released him at the beginning of June with him hitting .176/.225/.235 in 23 games. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0

Injury activation/updates:

Gordon Beckham, Braves – Beckham, on the disabled list for the second time this year with a strained hamstring, may return to the Braves on Monday. When activated, Beckham, who had a .284/.382/.442 line in 31 games, will likely start at third base against lefties with Adonis Garcia finally hot at the plate. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Tommy LaStella, Cubs – LaStella, out for three weeks with a strained hamstring, is on the verge of completing a short rehab assignment and about to rejoin the Cubs. Prior to getting injured, he hit .291/.378/.494 with two home runs and seven RBI in 38 games. Once he is activated, LaStella will see some time at third and second. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Outfielders:

Peter Bourjos, Phillies – With Odubel Herrera struggling defensively in center field, the Phillies have turned to Bourjos to fill that spot. Bourjos has responded by hitting in nine straight games through Thursday continuing a hot streak that began a week earlier. Bourjos has contributed four steals in the last nine games and seven in the past three weeks, and if he remains in the lineup, he should be a decent source of cheap speed. 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Alex Dickerson, Padres – Dickerson was promoted for the second time this year to give San Diego outfield depth with Jon Jay (forearm) landing on the disabled list Tuesday. He posted a .382/.425/.622 slash line with 10 homers, 51 RBI and 50 runs scored in 217 at-bats over 61 games with El Paso to earn the call up. Dickerson lacks power, but makes great contact and has a good eye, each of which could him some playing time. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3.

Manuel Margot, Padres – Margot was one of the jewels acquired by the Padres for Craig Kimbrel. He projects in the future to be the team's leadoff hitter, providing speed and defense with a modicum of power from the top of the order. Margot has found his strides lately at Triple-A El Paso, batting .356 with one home run, four RBI and five steals over his last 10 games. He already has contributed 22 steals and there is a decent likelihood he is up in the majors after the All-Star break. 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early spec call up bid)

Trayce Thompson, Dodgers – Thompson's slump and return of Yasiel Puig was costing the young outfielder playing time. But Joc Pederson's bruised AC joint has sidelined him, opening the door for Thompson to get back in the lineup. Thompson hit just.195 in 87 June at-bats, dropping his average nearly 30 points from where it sat at the end of May, but he had four hits his last three games. Maybe the reprieve kick starts his bat, especially with Pederson landing on the DL on Friday, but be prepared to jump if his continues continue or Pederson returns quickly. 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up if think he gets hot) .

Will Venable, Dodgers – Venable exercised the opt-out clause he had with the Phillies to sign with the Dodgers three weeks ago. He was only hitting .205/.304/.307 with two home runs in 127 at-bats for Triple-A Lehigh Valley when he decided to head West, so it's not as if he was setting the word on fire. Venable lasted less than two weeks before he was DFA's and sent to the minors. But he is back now with Joc Pederson landing on the DL and could see some time at all three outfield spots, especially against right-handers. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $3

Injury activation/updates:

Juan Lagares, Mets – With the Mets desperate for offense, its Lagares hopefully to the rescue. Curtis Granderson has a calf issue while Brandon Nimmo was promoted to provide a jolt. Lagares gives the Mets a true center fielder and one who should play against lefties, allowing Grandy or Nimmo to sit. Lagares, out since mid-June with a thumb injury, was activated Saturday following a short stint at Double-A Binghamton. Prior to going on the disabled list, Lagares hit .289/.326/.433 with two home runs and six RBI in 90 at-bats. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5, 12-team NL: $9