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.

This week's column is not an exhaustive list of who was promoted. Instead, I have profiled players who will either fill a substantive role on their team down the stretch or project in the future to have a key role or bright future with their team. If I missed anyone or there is someone you would like profiled, please ask in the comments section. In addition, several players were profiled the last few weeks, and if you want a full list of callups, see the MLB transactions page with updates provided on their RotoWire player pages.

Alec Asher, Phillies - Asher, who went 0-for-6 with a 9.31 ERA as a rookie last season for the Phillies, was brilliant in his 2016 debut for the team. He tossed six scoreless innings in which he allowed just two hits and a walk without a strikeout Thursday to defeat the Nationals. Asher started the season well at Triple-A but then suffered a calf injury and while out, was suspended 80 games due to a failed drug test. He completed a short rehab stint and was promoted this week to the parent. Asher is replacing Vince Velasquez in the team's rotation and should remain in that role the rest of the way. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Jose De Leon, Dodgers - De Leon, profiled several times over the previous weeks, gets another mention, as he finally received a promotion and started last Sunday against the Padres. He allowed four runs while striking out nine without a walk in six innings to earn the win. With Scott Kazmir sidelined likely the rest of the way with thoracic spine inflammation; De Leon will start Monday against the Yankees and likely remains in the LA rotation. De Leon posted a 2.61 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 111 strikeouts in 86.1 innings at Triple-A this year and has been even more dominant that those numbers recently. He attacks hitters with his low-90s fastball and judicious use of plus-plus changeup and slider. De Leon is the second-best pitching prospect for L.A., right behind Julio Urias. He tossed 114.1 innings last season, striking out 163, and by missing the first month of the year and only tossing 86.1 minor-league innings, he is probably in no danger of being shut down. 12-team Mixed: $22; 15-team Mixed: $32; 12-team NL: $45

Lucas Giolito, Nationals - Giolito rejoined the Nationals this week. His minor-league numbers have been stellar, but he has struggled in the majors, posting a 5.63 ERA, 1.81 WHIP and 7:11 K:BB ratio. Giolito took over after Stephen Strasburg left his start with his flexor mass strain and allowed two runs on five hits in 3.1 innings. He may slide into Stras' rotation spot, though it's also possible that he works out of the pen the rest of the way. Giolito's velocity has been down in the 91-92 mph range, though there is no report of an injury, but it is a situation worth watching. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up a lot in keeper leagues)

Drew Hutchison, Pirates - Hutchison, acquired from Toronto in the Francisco Liriano deal, made his Pittsburgh debut Saturday, standing in for Chad Kuhl. That spot start didn't go particularly well, as he allowed four runs on eight hits while striking out three in four innings against the Reds. Hutchison pitched well at Triple-A Buffalo, posting a 3.26 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with 110 strikeouts in 102 innings. He did not have that same level of success at Indianapolis, notching a 4.50 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in seven appearances (six starts). Hutchison may not get another start so watch the news closely. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

German Marquez, Rockies - Marquez, who came to Colorado in the Jake McGee deal and is one of the Rockies' top pitching prospects, received a well-deserved promotion this week to the majors. He posted a 3.13 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 155:39 K:BB in 166.2 innings across Double-A and Triple-A this year, though with much better numbers at Double-A. Marquez is already 27.2 innings over his total from 2015, so look for him to work out of the pen the rest of the way. He likely will begin 2017 at Triple-A but be up in the majors during the season, as his power arm should play well at Coors Field. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 (up in keeper leagues)

Justin Nicolino, Marlins - Nicolino was called back up from the minors this week. He could get a start or two down the stretch, but his so-so minor-league numbers coupled with a 5.48 ERA and 3.8 K/9 ratio for the Marlins doesn't portend great success. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Ivan Nova, Pirates - I profiled Nova when Pittsburgh acquired him from the Yankees to fill the fifth spot in their rotation. This is what I wrote then: "He basically is a cheap fill-in until Tyler Glasnow (shoulder) returns. When that happens, Nova could move back to the bullpen or replace Ryan Vogelsong in the rotation. Nova may get a slight bump in value moving from the AL to NL and Yankee Stadium to PNC Park, but don't overrate." Well, as I wrote two weeks ago when I profiled him again, how wrong I was, as he continues to excel thanks to the tutelage of pitching coach Ray Searage. Since joining the Pirates at the beginning of June, Nova is 5-0 with a stellar 2.53 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in seven starts (46.1 innings) with a ridiculous 32:2 K:BB. If you have Nova, keep rolling with him until the wheels fall off. 12-team Mixed: $18; 15-team Mixed: $35; 12-team NL: owned.

Clayton Richard, Padres - Richard's surprising recent success continued Thursday, as he tossed seven shutout innings with eight strikeouts against the Rockies. He now has given up only three earned runs in his last 31 innings (0.87 ERA), albeit with a weak 25:12 K:BB. The wheels may well fall off, but Richard benefits from pitching at Petco Park, so take a flier on him while he is hot. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Brock Stewart, Dodgers - Stewart had his second straight solid start for the Dodgers on Wednesday, allowing a run on five hits and two walks with one strikeout over five innings to defeat Arizona for his first MLB win. After surrendering runs over nine frames in his first two MLB appearances, Stewart has rebounded to allow just two runs in his last 13 innings. Stewart was dominant in the minors, posting a 2.01 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 129:19 K:BB, prompting his call up to the majors. He hasn't replicated that success at this level, seen by his numbers above 19:11 K:BB, but it's possible he sticks for several more turns in the rotation even with Clayton Kershaw back due to Bud Norris' poor performances and injured L.A. starters. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Jake Thompson, Phillies - Thompson posted a 2.50 ERA at Triple-A Lehigh Valley to earn his promotion. That ERA was offset by just 87 strikeouts in 129.2 innings, but his full arsenal of pitches and mound sense seemed to indicate future success. Thompson, who came over in the Cole Hamels trade, made a mechanical adjustment after a poor start on May 31, aligning his upper and lower half in his delivery, and credits that for his turnaround, as he now is consistently throwing strikes. His fastball usually sits in the low-90s, topping out at 94 mph, and he mixes in a nasty slider and an improving curveball and changeup. After debuting with four poor outings, where he had a 9.78 ERA, he has given up just five runs in 19.1 innings over his last three starts. The improvement has coincided with him simplifying his delivery with pitching coach Bob McClure, which has made a worth of difference, similar to the tweak he made earlier in the season. Thompson is 35 innings up over last year's total, so he may make just 1-2 more starts before he is shut down. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: owned.

Injury activation/updates:

Rubby De La Rosa, Diamondbacks - De La Rosa, out since May 25 with elbow inflammation, was activated off the disabled list to start Friday against the Giants. Because of the long absence, he was to be limited to just three innings, but lasted two, allowing one run on one hit and two walks with three strikeouts in 43 pitches. De La Rosa, who posted a  4.15 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in eight starts before being sidelined, is slated to remain in the rotation and throw all his pitches (fastball, slider and changeup) without pain. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Tyler Glasnow, Pirates - Glasnow, out with shoulder discomfort since his July 23 start, was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday. He struggled in his two starts for the Pirates earlier this year before he was sidelined and is slated to pitch in relief for the team down the stretch. Glasnow's minor-league numbers – 1.87 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 133K in 110.2 IP – speak to his pedigree, but he needs to cut down his walks, as he had 62 this year. Glasnow could possibly get a start once Pittsburgh is eliminated from the pennant race and should be in the rotation next year. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (up in keeper leagues)

Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers - Kershaw, out since his back pain flared up after a simulated game on July 16, was activated off the 60-day disabled list and started Friday against the Marlins. It wasn't the most successful return, as he tossed three innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out five in 66 pitches. Kershaw had made one rehab start at High-A Rancho Cucamonga, which was last Saturday, pitching three scoreless innings, striking out five and giving up one hit while throwing 34 pitches. Per Jon Heyman, Kershaw may still be banged up, but he wanted to return to active duty and get stretched out leading up to the playoffs. 12-team Mixed: $45; 15-team Mixed: $55; 12-team NL: $65 (in case he was waived)

Joe Ross, Nationals - Ross, out since July 3 with a shoulder inflammation, threw a 60-pitch simulated game Saturday. That sim game comes on the heels of a 60-pitch effort in his last rehab start. With Stephen Strasburg sidelined with a flexor mass strain, Ross could potentially slide into his open spot in the Washington rotation. But it's also possible he may shadow another starter before he is deemed ready to rejoin the rotation. Ross is 7-4 with a 3.49 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 79 strikeouts in 95.1 innings over 16 starts. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (if waived)

RELIEF PITCHING

Grant Dayton, Dodgers - Dayton has been impressive since his promotion from Triple-A Oklahoma City in early August, posting a 1.83 ERA over 19.2 innings. That continues the lefty's fine performance at Double- and Triple-A, where he limited batters to a .163 average, while notching an 91:11 K:BB and posting a 2.44 ERA over 52 total innings. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2.

Derek Law/Javier Lopez/Joe Nathan/Sergio Romo/Will Smith/Hunter Strickland, Giants - IBM presents, "you name the closer." While not exactly true, manager Bruce Bochy pretty much named his entire bullpen as possible options to close now for SF, as Santiago Casilla has been removed from the role, at least temporarily. If there is a favorite, it's likely Law, who has probably been the Giants' best reliever this season, posting a 1.94 ERA and 0.96 WHIP over 51 innings before landing on the disabled list with a right elbow strain Aug. 28. Law is expected back Tuesday or Wednesday this week and may just move from the eighth to ninth inning. Nathan and Romo each have experience as full-time closers, while Strickland, who may have the biggest power arm of the group, has closed in the minors, and Smith has been a successful set-up man. Lopez could be used to retire lefties in a key closing spots. Bochy likes using veterans and may mix-and-match in the ninth inning, but Law and Strickland have the most upside. Law - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $22; Lopez - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4; Nathan - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Romo - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Smith - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4; Strickland - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Jordan Lyles, Rockies - Lyles, despite subpar overall numbers, has earned the right to pitch in high-leverage situations thanks to his recent performance. He has a 5.00 ERA and 1.52 WHIP, but since being called up June 20, Lyles has posted a solid 2.91 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 34 innings as a reliever. Lyles could notch some holds, adding to his value in leagues that count that stat. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

A.J. Ramos, Marlins - Ramos relieved an ineffective Fernando Rodney on Friday and was able to shut down the Dodgers to notch his first save in a month. Rodney had taken over as the closer when Ramos was sidelined with a finger injury in early August. But, now, Miami could turn back to Ramos following his save Friday. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: owned

Tyler Thornburg, Brewers - Thornburg has been nearly unhittable since the All-Star break, posting a 0.39 ERA and 0.73 WHIP in the second half of the season. He has adapted well to closing, notching nine saves, including ones in his last four appearances. Thornburg is fairly ensconced as the Milwaukee closer and is raking up strikeouts, with 76 in just 58.2 innings. He should continue as the team's ninth-inning man to start next season, though he does need to cut down on the fly balls allowed. 12-team Mixed: $14; 15-team Mixed: $28; 12-team NL: owned

CATCHER
 
Andrew Susac, Brewers - Susac, who came to the Brewers in the Will Smith trade, was called up the past week, as he is now over the oblique strain that sidelined him in late August. He made the first of what should be many starts for Milwaukee on Saturday, as he projects to be the starting catcher for the team in the future. Susac spent most of the season with Triple-A Sacramento, where he posted a .273/.343/.455 line with 36 RBI over 58 game and got in just 11 games for Triple-A Colorado Springs. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

FIRST BASE

Chris Carter, Brewers - Carter is closing strong for the second time in three years. He still has just a .227 batting average, but he has hit .265 with eight home runs and 19 runs batted in his last 30 games. Carter is up to 33 HR and 79 RBI, in range of the career highs of 37 and 88 he hit in 2014. 12-team Mixed: $25; 15-team Mixed: owned; 15-team NL: owned

Injury activation/updates:

Justin Bour, Marlins - Bour, out since early July with right high-ankle sprain that he suffered during a game against the Braves on July 2, was finally activated off the disabled list Tuesday. It was a slower than expected return to action for Bour, who may split time at first base with Xavier Scruggs, with Scruggs playing against southpaws and Bour righties. Prior to being sidelined, Bour slashed .268/.347/.526 line with 15 home runs and 46 RBI over 213 at-bats. 12-team Mixed: $11 (if not still owned); 15-team Mixed: $18 (if waived), 15-team NL: likely still owned

Lucas Duda, Mets - Duda, out since May with a stress fracture in his lower back, took live batting practice Saturday for the first time since the injury. If Duda does not suffer a setback, which is no guarantee as he had one in July when he looked to be inching closer to returning, he could return before the end of the season. James Loney got off to strong start before reverting to prior form, so Duda's return would give New York a solid power bat in the middle of the order. Before his injury, Duda was hitting .231 with seven homers over 130 at-bats. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (upped early spec return bid)

SECOND BASE

Gavin Cecchini, Mets - Cecchini, a first-round pick of the Mets in 2012, received his first taste of the majors last week, as he was one of several players recalled Tuesday. He has morphed from a good-field, little-hit shortstop when he was drafted to one who is more known for his offense, posting a .349/.390/.448 line with eight homers and 55 runs batted in over 446 at-bats for Triple-A Las Vegas. Cecchini likely won't see much action, but he can back up both middle-infield spots after seeing time at second base recently for the 51s. If Neil Walker isn't re-signed, Cecchini could get a shot at the starting second base job next season. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3 (up in keeper leagues)

SHORTSTOP

Orlando Arcia, Brewers - Arcia went 0-for-4 Saturday but is 15-for-50 with three home runs and eight runs batted in over his last 15 games as he adjusts to the major leagues. He showed his pedigree, tearing through Double-A last season, posting a .307/.343/.453 slash line with eight home runs and 25 steals as a 20-year-old. Arcia didn't look out of place in major-league camp this spring and was sent down to get Triple-A seasoning. He hit .267/.320/.403 with eight homers and 15 stolen bases in 100 games with Triple-A Colorado Springs this season, against competition that was (on average) more than five years older than him. Jean Segura was traded in January and Jonathan Villar, who came over this off-season from Houston, ably handled shortstop, but he has been moved to third base, making room for Arcia and shifting Hernan Perez to a super-utility role. 12-team Mixed: $28 (in case not owned); 15-team Mixed: owned, 12-team NL: owned

Injury activation/updates:

Aledmys Diaz, Cardinals - Diaz continues to make progress in his return from the hairline fracture in his thumb, which sidelined him since Aug. 1, starting a rehab assignment this week. A scan taken of Diaz's right thumb last week revealed enough healing for him to begin swinging a bat and he has regained enough strength to throw, which was the last hurdle to tackle. When Diaz returns, he should see ample playing time at shortstop the last few weeks of the season. 12-team Mixed: $15 (in case not owned); 15-team Mixed: owned, 15-team NL: owned

Jung Ho Kang, Pirates - Kang, on the 15-day DL since Aug. 19 because of a left shoulder injury he suffered when sliding into second base, was activated Monday following a short rehab stint at Triple-A Indianapolis. He is splitting time at third with David Freese but has been red-hot since his return, affording him additional playing time, moving Freese to first base or the bench. 12-team Mixed: $25; 15-team Mixed: $35; 12-team NL: $45 (upped bid from prior).

THIRD BASE

Cody Asche, Phillies - Asche, sent down to the minors in early August, was called back up Saturday. He posted a .279/.350/.514 line in 29 games, but has just a .241/.298/.388 slash line in the majors. As long a Maikel Franco's thumb injury isn't severe, Asche will be limited to pinch hitting and spot starts. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

OUTFIELD

Albert Almora, Cubs - Almora, who was up with the Cubs from the beginning of June to the third week of July, rejoined Chicago this week from Triple-A Iowa. He held his own in the majors, hitting .265/.291/.422 with two home runs and nine RBI in 83 at-bats, before he was sent back down. Almora missed some time with a thumb injury in August, but finished the year with a .303/.317/.416 line. Almora will just be a backup for Chicago in September but projects to be the starting center fielder in the future, possibly as early as next season. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $3

Curtis Granderson, Mets - Curtis has been some sort of Granderson, and the Grandy man certainly can and has lately at the plate. The overall numbers, .227 batting average and 48 runs batted in are ugly, but he does have 26 home runs and 70 runs overall. In addition, and perhaps more important, he has six home runs, 14 RBI and .700-plus slugging percentage his last 15 games, helping key the Mets' pennant push. 12-team Mixed: $25 (if waived); 15-team Mixed: owned, 15-team NL: owned

Brandon Nimmo, Mets - Nimmo was one of several callups by the Mets on Tuesday. He bounced up and down between the majors and Triple-A Las Vegas the past several months and almost was dealt to Cincinnati for Jay Bruce. With Yoenis Cespedes, Michael Conforto, Curtis Granderson and Jay Bruce all healthy, Nimmo – who hit .354/.424/.585 with 11 homers and 61 RBI for the 51s – Nimmo is having a hard time finding playing time since the promotion. New York may have that logjam next year as well; which could result in Nimmo getting dealt to fill other holes. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $3.

Injury activation/updates:

Andre Ethier, Dodgers - Ethier, out with a right tibia fracture since mid-March that required surgery and was to sideline him 10-to-14 weeks, was activated Saturday. He went 9-for-31 with four doubles and three runs batted in during in nine rehab games at High-A Rancho Cucamonga. It's been a slow road back for Ethier, who took a while to go from batting practice to game action. Ethier will fill the role of part-time starting outfielder and pinch hitter. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7.

Matt Holliday, Cardinals - Holliday, out since mid-August due to a fractured thumb that required surgery, was cleared Wednesday to ramp up his baseball activities and could return before the end of the regular season. He has started taking batting practice and doing fielding drills and could be back with the Cardinals before the end of the season. Once healthy, he could be the team's starting left fielder once again. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (up as he gets closer to returning)

Jon Jay, Padres - Jay, out since June 19 with a forearm injury, was activated and started in right field Wednesday. Prior to being sidelined, Jay had posted a .752 OPS and been especially good right before the injury. But Travis Jankowski has filled in more than nicely for him, so Jay's action may be limited down the stretch. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins - Stanton tweaked his groin during an at-bat Aug. 14, which was expected to sideline him to the last week of the season. That timeframe was predicated on his rehab going perfectly. Stanton made a surprising return Tuesday, but for now, is limited to pinch-hit duty. If all continues to go well and he remains healthy, he could be ready to rejoin the starting lineup by the end of the month. However, it's also possible that if Miami fully falls out of the wild-card race, the Marlins may elect to just shut Stanton down. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: $35 (all if waived and cognizant he may only be a pinch-hitter).