FAAB Factor - NL: Mike Olt!

National League - FAAB - 7/28/13

Starting Pitching:

Jake Arrieta, Cubs - Arrieta could be called up to start for the Cubs on July 30. With the Cubs playing a doubleheader against the Brewers and Matt Garza no longer in the rotation, they'll be scrambling for a starting pitcher. Arrieta is 0-2 with a 4.03 in five starts with Triple-A Iowa since his trade along with Pedro Strop for Scott Feldman from Baltimore on July 2. While his K rate rose nicely with Triple-A Norfolk this year, it was offset by a corresponding jump in his BB/9 ratio, something he will need to correct to stick and succeed with the Cubs. He has done a better job of limiting walks for Triple-A Iowa, and even if he is not called up Tuesday, expect the Cubs to give him a chance at the big league level before season's end. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Brandon Beachy, Braves - Beachy, working his way back from Tommy John surgery and profiled the past three weeks gets another mention, as he may be on the verge of coming back to the majors. After allowing two runs over six innings in his fourth rehab start Wednesday with Triple-A Gwinnett, Beachy is likely to be promoted on Monday to take the spot of Tim Hudson, who is out for the year due to his fractured ankle. Despite coming up primarily as a reliever in the minors, Beachy has only started for Atlanta since being called up. He has made 44 career starts with a 3.07 ERA and 3.25 FIP. It's unlikely he will post a 2.00 ERA, as he did last year when he returns, but he should still be an above-average starter with the possibility of much more. Alex Wood has slotted in for Paul Maholm, who is out with a wrist injury, while Kris Medlen for now is remaining the rotation, so the Braves have some sorting out to do, but Beachy should end up in the rotation moving forward. Mixed: $6; NL: $17 (upped bid again, as he could return to the Atlanta rotation Monday).

Trevor Cahill, Diamondbacks - Cahill, who's been on the DL since July 1 with a hip contusion, allowed just one hit and struck out nine in five innings for the team's rookie-level affiliate in Arizona on Thursday. Since he was so dominant, Cahill's assuming he'll be moving all the way up to Reno for his next outing, though the Diamondbacks have yet to confirm. In six appearances in June, he sported a record of 0-5 with an ERA of 9.85, though that could have been impacted by the injury. Cahill made two starts after taking a line drive off his hip in a June 16 start, but after watching him give up 12 earned runs in just 9.1 innings, the Diamondbacks ultimately decided to place him on the disabled list to give him ample time to recover. He likely is about two weeks away from returning to the Arizona rotation. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (injury return spec bid, in case he was dropped after his nightmarish June).

Tyler Chatwood, Rockies - Chatwood's magical season continued Friday, as he held the Brewers to two runs on six hits over seven innings Friday to improve to 7-3. He struck out a career-high 11 over his 106 pitches while refusing to walk any of the 27 batters he saw. In July, Chatwood has only allowed six runs over his last four starts (27.2 innings), and he has gone at least six innings in each of those starts. Those outings have lowered his ERA on the year to 2.48 and WHIP to 1.30. Friday notwithstanding, Chatwood doesn't strike out a lot of batters but he has found a way to be successful, mainly by having a 2.79 GB:FB ratio, which is critical while pitching at Coors Field. Mixed: $11; NL: owned.

Marco Estrada, Brewers - Estrada, who has been sidelined with hamstring/back woes since June 5 and had several bullpen sessions scrapped, finally appears set to begin a Minor League rehab assignment. He threw a live bullpen session Friday and will make the first of three rehab starts Monday, throwing two innings for Rookie-level Arizona. Estrada emerged as one of Milwaukee's best starters in 2012. In 23 starts - after having never made more than seven in a season - Estrada posted a 3.64 ERA and stellar 143:29 K:BB ratio over 138.1 innings. This year has been a different story, as he posted a 5.32 ERA in 12 starts before being sidelined by the injury. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (early injury return bid).

Stephen Fife, Dodgers - Fife made a rehab start for Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday, giving up two runs on four hits with six strikeouts in 63 pitches over four innings. Shoulder bursitis pushed Fife to the DL back on July 9, but he now has returned to game action. Chris Capuano stepped back into the rotation when Fife went down, but Fife figures to reclaim his spot once healthy. Last year, Fife's minor league numbers (4.66 ERA, 1.49 WHIP) were far from impressive, but when needed for spot duty in Los Angeles, he delivered a 2.70 ERA in five starts. The 26-year-old averages just 89 mph with his fastball and his minor league walk rates are decent, but far from spectacular. This year, he posted a 4.61 ERA and 1.74 WHIP at Triple-A, but he excelled after the promotion until his final start before being sidelined, so he should slot back into LA's rotation, especially with Ted Lilly DFA'd. Mixed: $0; NL: $3 (early injury return bid).

Roy Halladay, Phillies - Halladay threw a bullpen session last Sunday, his first since landing on the DL and ultimately undergoing shoulder surgery to repair his labrum and rotator cuff in mid-May. It's just the first in what will probably be several bullpens, but things seem to be going rather smoothly thus far during Halladay's lengthy recovery period. Though a rehab assignment isn't particularly forthcoming yet, a late-August return to the rotation looks very possible for Halladay, who struggled mightily before getting shut down. It will be interesting to see if the operation helps Halladay regain some of the velocity he lost the past two seasons. Mixed: $6; NL: $17 (very early possible stretch run spec bid).

Tyler Lyons/Michael Wacha, Cardinals - Lyons will be recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday to start a game of a doubleheader against the Pirates. Lyons was sent down to Memphis on June 22, following six starts with the Cardinals. He started out strong in his first two major league starts, but then posted a 0-3 record and 8.68 ERA over his last four starts. He has pitched well since his demotion going 3-0 and only allowing six earned runs in five starts to get back in the starter equation. It will be a one-shot deal, since he likely will be sent back down after the outing. Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Brandon McCarthy, Diamondbacks - McCarthy, profiled last week and sidelined since May 31, gets another mention, as he has made two rehab starts this past week with Triple-A Reno. After struggling in the first start, McCarthy struck out three and walked one while giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits over six innings Friday. It looks like it will be McCarthy's final rehab start, as he fared well while getting deep into his second start with the Aces while Tyler Skaggs was sent down after his start Saturday, freeing up a spot, McCarthy had seemed to turn it around, after a slow start, notching four straight quality starts prior to his poor start right before he was sidelined. He has landed on the DL each of the past five years, so you know what you get when you own him. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (early spec bid)

Jenrry Mejia, Mets - Mejia, who at one point was a big prospect for the Mets, saw that status fade after he had Tommy John surgery. He has suffered from various arm injuries this year, but was solid in two starts for Double-A Binghamton and was promoted to start Friday against the Nationals. Mejia made the most of that start, with sevens being wild as he allowed seven hits while striking seven in seven scoreless innings. Mejia's stellar start will keep him in the Mets' rotation, as New York will use a six-man rotation to help limit Matt Havey's and Zack Wheeler's innings. He will need surgery after the season to remove bone chips from his elbow, which were discovered in May, when Mejia starting having discomfort, and surgery was recommended. Mejia decided he wanted to finish the season and then have the surgery, so he has been on anti-inflammatories to control the swelling and discomfort. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Jon Niese, Mets - Niese, sidelined with a partially torn rotator cuff, resumed throwing two weeks ago and began a rehab assignment Saturday with the Gulf Coast League Mets. Having not faced hitters in a competitive environment since June 20, Niese will probably need a lengthy rehab assignment. Even if he incurs no setbacks in his road to recovery, he likely wouldn't return to the Mets until early-to-mid-August at the earliest. In a perfect world, Niese would slide between Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler as the main lefty starter in the team's rotation, but that will depend on how his shoulder feels once he starts making rehab starts. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early injury return spec bid)

Wandy Rodriguez, Pirates - Rodriguez, sidelined since June 5 with a forearm injury and who had a PRP injection on July 1, resumed throwing on Wednesday, making roughly 60 throws from 80 feet away on flat ground. He stepped that activity, moving his long-toss throwing distance to 80-to-90 feet Friday. Although manager Clint Hurdle described it as one of Wandy's best days, it appears the lefty still has a long way to go. He expects to return to the Pirates this season, but at this point a date is far from certain. Look for Rodriguez to begin throwing from a mound soon if these throwing sessions continue to go well, and then to start a rehab assignment from there. He makes a nice stash candidate in case he is able to make it back for the last month of the season. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec bid).

Chris Rusin, Cubs - Rusin was called up to replace Matt Garza and turned in a solid 78-pitch performance in his second spot start of the year Monday. He gave up two runs over five innings to pick up his first win of the season against the Diamondbacks. Rusin is not a highly touted prospect, but he has had a quality season with Triple-A Iowa, posting a 3.27 ERA and 63:22 K:BB ratio in 17 games, including 16 starts. It's unclear if he will stay in the fifth starter role, but Rusin had another start, facing the Giants in San Francisco on Saturday, in which he allowed no runs on three hits with two walks and three strikeouts over seven innings. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Ryan Vogelsong, Giants - Vogelsong, profiled last, gets another mention as he allowed one hit, a two-run home run, and struck out three over 2.2 innings in a rehab start for High-A San Jose on Friday, his second outing since fracturing his right pinkie while batting on May 20. That first start came Tuesday, when he tossed 34-pitches for rookie-level Arizona. He still has a ways to go in building up his pitch count, but as long as he continues to progress without a setback, a return on August 9 or 10 seems like a realistic possibility. Prior to getting inured, Vogelsong was suffering through a nightmare season, posting a 7.19 ERA, 1.727 WHIP and 40:18 K:BB in 46.1 innings. Chad Gaudin and Mike Kickham have stepped in for Vogelsong, who should get his rotation spot back as soon as he ready to return even though Gaudin has been solid in his stead. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (slightly upped early spec bid).

Relief Pitchers
 
Steven Ames/Vic Black/Alfredo Figaro/Jeff Francis/Ryan Mattheus/Marc Rzepczynski/Eduardo Sanchez/Raul Valdes/Rob Wooten - This week's middle reliever call ups/acquisitions were in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Washington, St. Louis, Chicago, Philadelphia and Milwaukee. None have major fantasy value except for Black and Wooten. Black, who has a fastball that hits 100 mph, owned a 2.31 ERA and an impressive 13.11 K/9 mark through 35 innings with Indianapolis this season. He is being used in low-leveraged situations initially, but could get late-inning work later on, especially if Jason Grilli is sidelined long-term, Wooten has never pitched in the majors and will likely make his debut within the next few days. His 7.79 K/9 mark at Triple-A Nashville is less than ideal, but he still owns a 2.94 ERA to go with 20 saves, plus he's walked just 12 batters in 52 innings. Look for Wooten to be used in a middle relief role with the Brewers, although he could climb the ladder if things go well. All except Wooten -Mixed: No; NL: $0; Black/Wooten - Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

John Axford/Jim Henderson, Brewers - With Francisco Rodriguez traded to Baltimore, Axford and Henderson should see nearly all the save opportunities, with Henderson to get the lion's share of those chances. On May 1, Axford, who opened the year as the closer and lost his job, allowed three earned runs and owned an ERA of 10.32, but since that outing he has been exceptional, allowing just three earned runs over 31.1 innings and dropping his season ERA to 3.38. Henderson, who has closer stuff, notched 10 saves for the Brewers earlier in the season but was relieved of closing duties after hitting the DL with a hamstring injury in late May. When he returned in early June, Rodriguez had taken over as the primary closer, relegating Henderson to set-up duties. A return to the role he flourished in earlier this season could provide a boost for Henderson, who had logged just six innings in July before K-Rod was dealt and notched a save Thursday. For the season, he's 3-3 with a 2.15 ERA along with a 10.0 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 in 37.2 innings. Axford - Mixed: $1; NL: $4; Henderson - Mixed: $5; NL: $14 (spike in value in case he was waived when he lost closer role).

Ronald Belisario, Dodgers - Belisario has not allowed a run in his last 13 appearances, earning back eighth inning duties in the process. Last year, Belisario tossed 71 innings of 2.54 ERA ball while winning eight games and posting an excellent 69:29 K:BB. His hard-sinking mid-90s fastball appeared to be just as good as it was in his breakout season of 2009. He got of to a slow start this season, but has turned around the past month and should be good for holds and solid pitching numbers, other than saves. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Jonathan Broxton, Reds - Broxton, sidelined since mid-June with a strained right elbow joint, had another encouraging bullpen session Wednesday, with Reds trainer Paul Lessard calling his performance "outstanding." After making it through three bullpen sessions without difficulty, Broxton threw a simulated game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. He could head out on a rehab assignment shortly thereafter. When Broxton does return, he likely will slide back into his role of Aroldis Chapman's primary set-up man. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (early injury return spec bid).

Tyler Clippard, Nationals - With Rafael Soriano struggling lately - six runs allowed in his last six appearances, and decline in strikeouts are this month - it's possible Washington could make a change in the bullpen pecking order. If that does occur, Clippard, who closed for Washington last year and has given up just one run in his last 21 appearances, would seem to be next in line. Clippard wore down late last year but has picked up from he was early in 2012, posting a 1.81 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 48:18 K:BB  ratio in 44.2 innings. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (spike in value if he closes).

Mark Melancon/Tony Watson -Jason Grilli went down with a forearm strain, opening the closer door in Pittsburgh. Manager Clint Hurdle said after Monday's win that Melancon would serve as the team's stopper, but Wilson would likely slot into Melancon's eighth-inning role. There's also a chance he could close games out against tough left-handed hitters. Melancon owns a 0.93 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and 48:6 K:BB ratio over 47.1 innings this season. He also has 26 holds, three saves after notching one Wednesday, and just one blown save on the year, rebounding from his poor campaign in Boston last season. Vin Mazzaro and Tony Watson could see the occasional save chance, but Melancon should be the main man in the pen. Melancon - Mixed: $11; NL: $35 (spike in value but likely owned in all formats); Watson - Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Brad Ziegler, Diamondbacks - I covered the Arizona bullpen situation two weeks ago and at the time predicted that Ziegler was likely to be the one to get the closer job and run with it. Fortunately, it turns out I was correct, as Ziegler has run with the job and is not giving it up. As a result, he was officially named the closer on Wednesday by manager Kirk Gibson. Since unofficially taking over the role on July 4, he has not allowed an earned run and has five saves in as many opportunities. Mixed: $9; NL: $28 (upped bid, though likely already owned in most formats).

Catchers:
 
John Buck, Mets  - Buck got off to a hot start and then fell back to earth and possibly towards the inner core with a dreadful May and June. July has been much better to him. Since July 6, he's gone 15-for-45 with a homer and 13 RBI to give him 14 home runs and 53 RBI on the season. Travis d'Arnaud just began a rehab assignment, so Buck should have the Mets' catcher job for at least several more weeks. Mixed: $9; NL: $25 (likely owned but in case he was waived during his rough patch).

Travis d'Arnaud, Mets - D'Arnaud, gets a mention for the second week in a row as the Mets' team doctors cleared him Monday to begin game activity, which he started this week. He kicked off play with the Gulf Coast Mets but should progress to seeing action for Triple-A Las Vegas shortly. D'Arnaud will likely play at least three weeks for the 51s, before joining the Mets slightly before or on the September 1 roster expansion date. John Buck has done a solid job for the Mets, but he is not the future behind the plate there, so look for d'Arnaud to see tons of playing time whenever he is called up, unless the team has made a surprising playoff run. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (upped early spec bid as he received clearance to play, up in keeper league).

Devin Mesoraco, Reds - Even though Ryan Hanigan is close to returning from his wrist injury, Mesoraco may have grabbed the Reds catcher job with his recent play. Mesoraco always had offensive potential, but he had struggled at the plate, before turning it around recently. If he can remain hot even when Hanigan returns, look for manager Dusty Baker to keep turning to Mesoraco behind the plate. Mixed: $2; NL: likely owned, but if not, $7.

Hector Sanchez, Giants - Sanchez, out since July 9 with a strained shoulder, moved his rehab assignment to Triple-A Fresno on Wednesday. He could be available for the Giants at some point this weekend, likely taking Guillermo Quiroz's spot on the active roster when he does backing up Buster Posey. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

First Basemen:

Justin Turner, Mets - Turner, who was on the disabled list since June 18 with a strained intercostal muscle on his left side, was activated Monday. Prior to being sidelined, he had a .266/.307/.330 slash line in 44 games for the Mets. Turner is once again filling the role of utility infielder, likely seeing time at least three and maybe all four-infield positions. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Second Base:
 
Steve Lombardozzi, Nationals - Lombardozzi has been seeing and could be in line for a further spike of playing time while Anthony Rendon is in the midst of a slump. Lombardozzi is 6-for-his-last-15, seeing time at second base, which could continue to see more playing time in the short term, while Rendon tries to find his stroke. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Michael Martinez, Phillies - The Phillies recalled Martinez from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday. Martinez will replace catcher Humberto Quintero on the Phillies' roster. He can play any of the infield positions left of first base, but the Phillies rarely sit their regular infielders, so expect his playing time to be minimal. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Donovan Solano, Marlins - Solano, who lost his job as the Marlins' second baseman when Derek Dietrich was promoted, has made four straight starts at second base following the demotion of Dietrich. Solano has responded well to the increased playing time, so look for Miami to keep running him out there, though Ed Lucas could see some action at the position. He doesn't offer much power or speed, but Solano has shown the ability to put the ball in play and provide a decent batting average. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Injury activation - Neil Walker, Pirates (oblique) Came off the disabled list Tuesday. He may sit against tough lefties for Jordy Mercer due to his struggles against southpaws - .193/.242/.193 in 57 at-bats. Just an FYI as should be owned in all leagues.

Shortstops:
 
Covered last week - Junior Lake, Cubs Has gotten off to a huge start for Chicago since his call up. With Alfonso Soriano traded, he is in little danger of losing playing time even though David DeJesus is back. He may still qualify at shortstop in some leagues, as that's where he played in the minors. Mixed: $4; NL: $11, upped bid from last week.

Third Basemen:

Kevin Frandsen, Phillies - Frandsen is making his third straight start Sunday after getting most of his work pinch-hitting this month following the return of Chase Utley from the DL. He could continue to get regular at-bats if the Phillies move an infielder or two, as Michael Young has been prominently mentioned in trade rumors, prior to the trade deadline. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Elian Herrera, Dodgers - The Dodgers called up Herrera for the third time this year Thursday. Herrera owns a solid. 290/.375/.384 batting line through 361 plate appearances for Triple-A Albuquerque this season. He made a splash with the Dodgers last year and should be solid in a utility role. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Mike Olt, Cubs - Olt was dealt to the Cubs on Monday with pitcher Justin Grimm, Low-A pitcher C.J. Edwards, and a player to be named later for Matt Garza. Olt, who was the Rangers' No. 2 prospect behind the ballyhooed Jurickson Profar, has put up disappointing numbers for a player of his standing. In 230 at-bats at Triple-A Round Rock in 2013, Olt has slashed .213/.317/.422 with 11 home runs, 32 RBI, and 37 runs scored in 230 at-bats. Vision problems sidelined him for a month and also adversely impacted his numbers earlier in the year, but he had been hot recently, prompting some calls to bring him up Texas. Olt figures to spend a bit of time in the minors, but should be up in Chicago before too long, where he will bring power with a low batting average and lots of strikeouts. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec bid, up substantially in keeper leagues).

Injury activation - Joaquin Arias, Giants (appendectomy) Activated on Friday. will return to his role as utility infielder, likely seeing time at all four infield spots. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Outfielders:

Andrew Brown, Mets - Eric Young Jr's right knee injury sidelined him only till Saturday, but if he has any future setbacks, Brown could be the recipient of more playing time in left field, especially with Kirk Nieuwenhuis getting sent down. If Nieuwenhuis is called back up, the split would likely be a direct platoon with Brown playing against lefties and Nieuwenhuis against righties, putting Nieuwenhuis at the top of the platoon. But there is a possibility only Brown will be up with the big club, giving him the leg up on the role.Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Khris Davis/Caleb Gindl/Logan Schafer, Brewers - The Biogenesis nightmare finally had a tangible result; the suspension of Ryan Braun, leaving a gaping hole in left field for Milwaukee. Davis, who was promoted to take Braun's roster spot, got off to a slow start in Triple-A, but had come on prior to the call up. He has made just two starts for the Brewers this year, the most recent of which came April 6, and he doesn't figure to play all that much upon his recall. Davis could see some action against left-handers and will be a pinch-hitter off the bench. Gindl was up earlier this year, seeing minimal action while Braun was sidelined due to his thumb injury, and was called back up on July 11. He slugged 10 homers and 21 doubles with an .849 OPS down at Triple-A Nashville this season and is seeing time in both corner outfield spots. Schafer looked to be primed to seeing most of the playing time in left field now that Braun is done for the season, but it's Gindl who started his third game in the past four days, and fifth in the past seven days Saturday. With both being lefties, the situation may be fluid, so pay attention to who is seeing most of the time there moving forward and act upon it. Davis - Mixed: No; NL: $2; Gindl - Mixed: $2; NL: $7; Schafer - Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (though likely already owned).

Corey Dickerson, Rockies - Dickerson was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs on Friday. The Rockies just wanted some outfield insurance while Carlos Gonzalez remains day-to-day with a finger injury, so expect Dickerson's stay to be relatively brief. He wasn't especially impressive in his first stint with the big club earlier this season, batting .212 over 33 at-bats. Mixed - No; NL: $0

Lucas Duda, Mets - Duda, on the disabled list since June 22 with an intercostal muscle strain on his left side, resumed baseball activities two weeks ago and started a rehab assignment this past week with the Gulf Coast Mets. That assignment can last up to 20 days before he is either promoted or optioned down. The question is where Duda will play if he returns, as Josh Satin and Ike Davis are splitting first base while Eric Young Jr. and Marlon Byrd are entrenched in left and right field. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early injury return spec bid).

Jeff Francoeur, Giants - Francoeur is handling left field duties on an everyday basis for the Giants. Frenchy, who was waived by the Royals and then signed to a minor-league deal in early-July by SF, was originally supposed to split time with Kensuke Tanaka but manager Bruce Bochy believes he is the answer at the position. Although Francoeur hasn't been an effective hitter in the big leagues since 2011 and was miserable with the Royals this season (.208/.249/.322), the Giants are desperate for a shot in the arm offensively and hope that the free-swinging Francoeur can offer some salvation. Mixed: $1; NL: $4

Juan Lagares, Mets - Lagares may soon play everyday in the Mets' outfield. Manager Terry Collins relayed the news after Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader, when Lagares belted two doubles in a 3-for-4 performance, with one RBI and three runs scored. Since the All-Star break, Lagares has been honed in at the plate, batting .500 (11-for-22) with one homer, seven RBI, and six runs across eight outings. With the performance, he appears poised to become the Mets' regular center fielder. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (spike in value).

Jake Marisnick, Marlins - Marisnick, the top player acquired from the Blue Jays in the blockbuster trade between the two teams during the offseason, was called up from Double-A Jacksonville and made his big league debut Tuesday night. Not only can Marisnick hit, and hit for power, as seen by his 12 home runs, but he has some speed as well, as evidenced by his 11 steals in 67 games with Jacksonville. Prior to this season, over two minor league levels, Marisnick was unable to translate his five-tools into production, batting hit .249 with eight home runs and 24 stolen bases. His defense is legit, which will keep him in the lineup, but he needs to do a better job of showing plate discipline, as seen in his 68:17 K:BB ratio in 298AB this season. Marisnick is playing in center field with fellow rookie Christian Yelich manning left. Mixed: $4; NL: $11.

Shane Robinson, Cardinals - Robinson is seeing additional time in the absence of Matt Holiday and making the most of it. Robinson has just 74 at-bats for the season, but he's served as a valuable bench guy for the Cardinals' outfield, hitting .270/.387/.392. He is currently seeing time mainly in left and right, and will go back to a bench role with Holiday returning Saturday. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Steve Susdorf, Phillies - Susdorf's contract was purchased from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday. The 27-year-old earned his first call to the majors after batting .335 with an .849 OPS and eight stolen bases for Lehigh Valley. He has hit a combined .304 with an .802 OPS in six Minor League seasons with the Phillies. Susdorf will likely be on hand in a reserve role with the Phillies short-handed in the outfield following Domonic Brown's (concussion) placement on the 7-day DL with Laynce Nix likely seeing most of time in let field. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

B.J. Upton, Braves - Upton, out since July 12 with a strained right adductor muscle, played catch and took batting practice this past week and then progressed to running on the field Friday. Before bringing him back into the fold, the Braves want to see Upton complete a rehab assignment, which could happen early next week if he continues to progress through the weekend. That would put Upton on track to return next weekend, at which point Jason Heyward would be able to slide over to his normal duties in right field. Prior to being sidelined, Upton was hitting just .166/.266/.300 with eight home runs and 20 RBI in 317 at-bats. Maybe the time off will help Upton find his stroke at the plate, but I am not overly confident. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (in case the combination of poor performance and injury landed him on the waiver wire).

Christian Yelich, Marlins - Yelich, who was profiled last week when it was reported it was "highly likely" he would be called up by the Marlins in either late July or early August, received that promotion Tuesday. He started the year on the disabled list with a sore foot and then an abdominal strain cost Yelich more than two weeks last month, but he slashed .280/.365/.518 with seven homers down at Double-A Jacksonville. In addition, Yelich held up under the bright lights of Citi Field, going 2-for-2 with a double in the Futures Game. Yelich, ranked No. 15 in Baseball America's top prospects list, batted a blistering .330/.404/.519 at High-A Jupiter last season. He blasted 12 home runs with 29 doubles and five triples while driving in 48 runs on the year and went 20-for-26 on the basepaths. He is playing in left field with fellow rookie Jake Marisnick manning center. Mixed: $6; NL: $17.

Injury activation - David DeJesus, Cubs (strained right shoulder) Activated off the DL and should see consistent PT now that Alfonso Soriano has been traded, which also benefits Nate Schierholtz. Keep an eye on DeJesus as he may get dealt as well. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.