NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

This article is part of our NL FAAB Factor series.

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 $100 starting free-agent budget you should bid on them.

This year, we are again using 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. Dansby Swanson 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.

PLAYER TEAM POS GRADE $ (12-Team Mixed) $ (15-Team Mixed) $ (NL-Only)
Luis Castillo CIN SP C 3 9 14
R.A. Dickey ATL SP D 2 7 11
Tom Koehler MIA SP E No No 2
Mike Montgomery CIN SP D 0 1 5
Kenta Maeda LA SP C 2 7 11
Rafael Montero NYM SP E 1 4 7
Jackson Stephens CIN SP E No 1 4
Trevor Cahill SD SP D 2 7 11
Jon Gray COL SP
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 $100 starting free-agent budget you should bid on them.

This year, we are again using 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. Dansby Swanson 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.

PLAYER TEAM POS GRADE $ (12-Team Mixed) $ (15-Team Mixed) $ (NL-Only)
Luis Castillo CIN SP C 3 9 14
R.A. Dickey ATL SP D 2 7 11
Tom Koehler MIA SP E No No 2
Mike Montgomery CIN SP D 0 1 5
Kenta Maeda LA SP C 2 7 11
Rafael Montero NYM SP E 1 4 7
Jackson Stephens CIN SP E No 1 4
Trevor Cahill SD SP D 2 7 11
Jon Gray COL SP C 35 45 Owned
Vince Velasquez PHI SP D 1 4 7
Matt Bowman STL RP D 1 4 7
Sam Dyson SF RP D 5 11 18
Hunter Strickland SF RP D 2 7 11
Carl Edwards Jr. CHI RP C 1 4 7
Jeurys Familia NYM RP A 5 11 18
Trevor Rosenthal STL RP C 5 11 18
Austin Barnes LA C E No 2 7
Victor Caratini CHI C D 1 4 7
Francisco Cervelli PIT C C 2 7 11
Ryan Hanigan COL C E No No 2
Stephen Vogt MIL C C 3 9 14
Luke Voit STL 1B E No No 4
Freddie Freeman ATL 1B A 75 85 95/owned
Ildemaro Vargas AZ 2B E No No 2
Kolten Wong STL 2B C 5 11 Owned
Wilmer Difo WAS SS E No No 2
Stephen Drew WAS SS D 1 4 7
Adrian Sanchez WAS SS E No No 2
Ketel Marte AZ SS D 0 1 4
Alex Mejia STL SS E 0 1 4
J.T. Riddle MIA SS D 2 7 11
Jeimer Candelario CHI 3B D 1 4 7
Jae-Gyun Hwang SF 3B D No 1 4
Randal Grichuk STL OF C 11 22 33/Owned
Starling Marte PIT OF A 33 44 55/owned
Curtis Granderson NYM OF C 3 9 14
Brian Goodwin WAS OF D 2 7 11
Starling Marte PIT OF A 33 44 55/owned
Raimel Tapia COL OF D 1 4 7
Nick Williams PHI OF C 2 7 11
David Dahl COL OF C 3 9 14
Manuel Margot SD OF B 11 22 33
A.J. Pollock AZ OF B 55/Owned Owned Owned
Yasmany Tomas AZ OF C 2 7 11

STARTING PITCHER

Luis Castillo, Reds - Castillo, acquired from Miami in the Dan Straily trade, was profiled last week after he was called up from Double-A Pensacola and started Friday against the Nationals. He allowed two runs on five hits and five walks while striking out five across five innings in his debut, following that by striking out nine in 5.2 innings Wednesday against Milwaukee, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks in no decision. Castillo, one of the Reds' top pitching prospects, has been electric for Double-A Pensacola this season, compiling a 2.58 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 81:13 K:BB over 80.1 innings, but definitely needs some more seasoning, especially at the upper level of the minors. He sports an 80-grade fastball with an above-average changeup and two breaking balls that are works in progress, each of which should improve as he matures. Castillo should stick for now, and if he continues to pitch well, will remain in the majors and in the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (increased bid)

R.A. Dickey, Braves - After a rough start to the season, Dickey has turned it around lately. He allowed one run on six hits and three walks while striking out four over six innings Saturday. It was the third time in four starts that he gave up one run or fewer in a start. This recent solid stretch has lowered Dickey's ERA from 5.10 to 4.44, despite allowing eight runs in the one poor start he has had in this run. Dickey signed a one-year contract, also includes a team option for 2018, with the Braves in November 2016, so it will be interesting to see if he is moved at the trade deadline. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Tom Koehler, Marlins - Koehler was called up to start Saturday. He did not go deep into any of his eight starts with the Marlins this year, posting a 7.04 ERA in those outings. Koehler was worse than that Saturday, lasting just 1.2 innings, allowing seven runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out two. He may not get a second start in this go-around. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Mike Montgomery, Cubs - Montgomery has filled in nicely starting in place of Kyle Hendricks (right hand tendinitis). He has pitched at least six innings in each of his last three starts, and Friday was the first time in any of his five starts that he allowed more than three earned runs. Montgomery boasts a 2.80 ERA and 1.27 WHIP while also doing a better job in limiting walks lately. When Hendricks returns after the All-Star break, Montgomery likely will move back to the bullpen. But he could see spot starts, especially with John Lackey and Jake Arrieta scuffling and Eddie Butler up and down. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5.

Kenta Maeda, Dodgers - Maeda was moved to the bullpen after his June 4 start but has made spot starts, his latest coming Tuesday. Maeda started for the injured Brandon McCarthy, scattering four hits while striking out six over seven scoreless innings in a win against the Angels. He will make at least one more start, and if he pitches well again, Maeda could remain in the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Rafael Montero, Mets - Montero made what was to be a spot start last Sunday for the Mets. With Zack Wheeler (biceps) on the shelf and the Mets looking to give each starter the full five days off between outings despite Monday's off day, Montero received the nod. He struck out seven and allowed just one run in 5.2 innings in that start against the Giants, earning the win. With Robert Gsellman (hamstring) landing on the DL, Montero will start Sunday against the Phillies despite the return of Wheeler on Saturday. Montero is using his changeup more often and challenging hitters, two areas of weakness in the past, so maybe he has turned the corner. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Sean Newcomb, Braves - Newcomb, the 15th overall pick of the 2014 draft, was profiled when he was called up about four weeks ago. He headlined the package Atlanta received from the Angels for Andrelton Simmons two offseasons ago. Walks are an issue for Newcomb, and while he showed some improvement the last nine starts he made at Double-A Mississippi, he regressed again this season. Newcomb averaged 5.2 BB/9 for Triple-A Gwinnett but limited the damage by striking out 11.64 per 9IP, posting a 2.97 ERA albeit with a 1.36 WHIP. Nobody doubts the big southpaw's stuff — a mid-90s fastball and hammer curveball stand out in his repertoire, along with a developing changeup - but until he limits the walks, Newcomb could struggle to lock up a rotation spot in Atlanta, which might pave the way for him to shift to the bullpen. So far, so good, though, as Newcomb has allowed eight walks in 24.1 innings with 21 strikeouts for a 1.48 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in his four starts. Atlanta DFA'd Bartolo Colon, which further secures Newcomb's role as a staple in the team's rotation. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: $28.

Jackson Stephens, Reds - Stephens was called up to start for the Reds on Saturday against the Cubs. He didn't pitched particularly well at Triple-A, notching a 4.97 ERA, 1,57 WHIP and a 60:33 K:BB ratio in 76 innings. Stephens allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out eight in five innings during to pick up the win against Cincy. With the Reds rebuilding, Stephens will get at least one more start to show if he can stick, even though he needs more seasoning. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Injury activation/updates:

Trevor Cahill, Padres - Cahill, sidelined since May 14 with a strained right shoulder, made his second rehab appearance Wednesday, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk in 61 pitches, 36 strikes, over three innings for Triple-A El Paso. He is expected to return to the Padres' rotation Tuesday against the Indians. Prior to being sidelined, Cahill made seven starts, posting an 11.1 K/9 and 29.5 strikeout percentage, which offer a sterling complement to his respectable 3.27 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. Cahill has built off the success he had last year in the bullpen with Chicago. But, he has a 0.48 ERA at home and 5.48 ERA on the road, showing he might just be a product of Petco Park. Keep that in mind when using him, especially if he is dealt at the trade deadline. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (increased spec return bid)

Jon Gray, Rockies - Gray suffered a stress fracture in his left foot in mid-April during the best of his three starts to open the season. The bone scan on his foot in early May showed solid healing and Gray has been working his way back. Gray made his last rehab appearance Saturday, allowing one run on five hits and four walks with six strikeouts while throwing 57 of his 94 pitches for strikes over five innings, and rejoined the Rockies, starting Friday against Arizona. He allowed two runs on seven hits and a walk and struck out 10 over six innings to earn the victory. Gray made one start for High-A Lancaster and two for Triple-A Albuquerque, increasing his pitch count each start. Colorado's starting staff was red-hot initially when Gray was sidelined, but has scuffled lately and welcomes its ace back. 12-team Mixed: $35; 15-team Mixed: $45; 12-team NL: owned.

Vince Velasquez, Phillies - Velasquez, who was placed on the disabled list May 31 with a right flexor strain, made a minor-league rehab start for Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday. He slowly progressed from throwing from 90 and 120 feet to bullpen sessions and now a rehab start. Philly is being methodical with Velasquez's return, to make sure he is fully healthy before returning to the majors. Look for him to make several rehab starts to increase his pitch count, and if all goes well, it's possible he is back with the parent club and starting by late July, but that timeframe depends on him having no setbacks. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (increased early spec return bid)

RELIEF PITCHER
 
Antonio Bastardo/Rex Brothers/Josh Fields/Mike Mayers/Ricardo Pinto/Rob Scahill/Sammy Solis/Chris Stratton -
This week's key middle reliever callups/activations, as well as expected callups, were/will be in Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Washington and San Francisco. None have substantial value. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0.

Matt Bowman, Cardinals - Bowman, after a rough end of May, rebounded nicely in June and started July nicely with a save Saturday, rescuing a shaky Trevor Rosenthal. He's generated scoreless appearances in five of his last six trips to the mound, as well as a 2.19 ERA, five holds and a 10:3 K:BB over 12.1 innings during June. Bowman, a Rule 5 pick from the Mets last year, now has 14 holds and has been a solid bridge to Rosenthal and Seung Hwan Oh. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Sam Dyson/Hunter Strickland, Giants - Dyson is closing for San Francisco after Mark Melancon landed on the disabled list with an aggravation of the elbow sprain he suffered earlier this season.  After being acquired by the Giants on June 6, Dyson posted a 4.91 ERA with a 10:3 K:BB in his eight appearances on the mound. Saturday, Dyson, who notched 38 saves last year for Texas but struggled this season, prompting his release, tossed a scoreless inning to pick up the save, his first as a Giant. If Dyson struggles, Strickland, who was viewed as the closer in waiting before SF signed Melancon and notched the save Wednesday, is likely next in line. This situation could be fluid, but Dyson looks to be the favorite for now. Dyson - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18; Strickland - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Carl Edwards Jr., Cubs - Edwards continues to be brilliant out of the bullpen for Chicago. Take out the meltdown he had Thursday against Washington, and Edwards has a 1.72 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 44K in just 31.1 innings this year. Add 10 holds, and it's clear that Edwards is the team's second-best reliever behind Wade Davis and possibly even its best. Edwards should continue to provide his owner with holds, strikeouts and solid ratios. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Jeurys Familia, Mets - Familia, sidelined after mid-May surgery to remove a blood clot in his armpit area, was to head to Florida this past week to begin a light-throwing program. At the time of the surgery, the hope was Familia could resume throwing in about six weeks and return to "competitive pitching in approximately three to four months." Now that he has been cleared to throw, Familia could return before the end of the year, possibly even by sometime in August. The flame-throwing righty's ratios fell back a bit the last two years, but he's still got the skills to be an elite closer. If he does return, Familia will replace Addison Reed as closer, but the team could opt to be cautious with his return if it fully falls out of the race. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (same early spec bid as prior if waived)

Trevor Rosenthal, Cardinals - The back end of the St. Louis bullpen continues to be shaky. Rosenthal is being given a chance to closer, but he has allowed runs in four of his last five appearances. Matt Bowman needed to clean up his mess Saturday. Seung Hwan Oh has lost his hold on the closer job and Mike Matheny has said he will keep his options open as to how he uses his bullpen arms. Rosenthal looks to be the favorite to close, though that could change daily, especially if Rosenthal struggles again. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18.

CATCHER
 
Austin Barnes, Dodgers -
Barnes doubled his home run output and nearly matched his season-long RBI total Friday when he blasted a pair of long balls and drove in seven. On the season, the 27-year-old is now slashing .284/.398/.537 with four home runs and 18 RBI in the backup role to starting catcher Yasmani Grandal. Barnes' main value is in DFS, as Grandal is locked in as the starter behind the plate, but his potential at the plate is worth a look in those formats and in two-catcher, NL-only leagues. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7.

Victor Caratini, Cubs - Caratini, who was slashing .343/.384/.539 with eight home runs and 54 RBI in 68 games this year for Triple-A Iowa, was called up this week after Miguel Montero was designated for assignment following his comments after the Nationals ran wild on him and Jake Arrieta. Like Willson Contreras, Caratini converted from a third baseman to a catcher, beginning his transition in 2014. Caratini has steadily moved up the ladder and his bat is ahead of his defense behind the plate. He should start at catcher when Contreras is in left field or receives a day off. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Francisco Cervelli, Pirates - Cervelli, out since June 19 with concussion-like symptoms, participated in batting practice and infield drills Friday. The catcher likely will take a rehab appearance or two to get some work in without having the stress of playing a full game before rejoining the team. It appeared as though all went well for Cervelli on Friday, which could signal his return for sometime next week. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Ryan Hanigan, Rockies - Hanigan was called back up to the Rockies on Friday, replacing Tom Murphy on the 25-man roster. When he was demoted in mid-June, Hanigan was hitting .256/.304/.395 with two home runs and eight RBI. Hanigan will be the backup to Tony Wolters while Murphy sees playing time in the minors. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Stephen Vogt, Brewers - Vogt was designated for assignment by the Athletics on Thursday but was quickly nabbed up by the Brewers three days later. He was an All-Star in 2015 and 2016 but hit just .217 with four home runs and 20 runs batted in with Oakland. The original view was that Vogt would be a backup for the Brewers, as Manny Pina had been a solid contributor on both sides of the plate for Milwaukee. But Vogt has started three of the last four games, possibly wresting the job from Pina, who might only play against LHP. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14.

FIRST BASE
 
Luke Voit, Cardinals -
Voit has raked at every level of the minors, slowly working his way up the ladder. He was slashing .322/.406/.561 with 12 HR and 48 RBI over 255 at-bats at Triple-A Memphis when he was promoted this week. Voit likely will spell Matt Carpenter at first base. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4.

Injury activation/updates:

Freddie Freeman, Braves - Freeman, off to a monster start before breaking his left wrist on a hit-by-pitch May 17, is moving from first base to third base to keep Matt Adams' bat in the Atlanta lineup. Adams has been a godsend since arriving from St. Louis, more than ably filling in for Freeman. Prior to being sidelined, Freeman batted .341/.461/.748 with a league-leading 14 homers through 37 games (135 at-bats). He kicked off a three-game rehab assignment at Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday. His return date depends on how he's hitting during the rehab assignment. If Freeman feels ready, he could be in the lineup for Friday's matchup against the Nationals; otherwise he may wait until after the All-Star break to return. Freeman will gain third-base eligibility shortly thereafter, depending on league format. 12-team Mixed: $75; 15-team Mixed: $85, 12-team NL: $95, if for some reason he was waived

SECOND BASE
 
Ildemaro Vargas, Diamondbacks -
Vargas was called up from Triple-A Reno on Thursday to provide Arizona additional middle infield depth. He had excelled at Reno this year, posting a .303/.343/.447 line with six home runs and seven stolen bases over 353 plate appearances, building off his solid performance there last season. His numbers at Reno have been aided by a strong BABIP and fact that almost all numbers in the PCL are inflated. Vargas, called up with Nick Ahmed on the 10-day disabled list, is at the bottom of the Arizona middle infield pecking order. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Kolten Wong, Cardinals - Wong, on the disabled list with a right triceps strain since June 15, has taken full-strength swings and make throws during his recovery but is still feeling some pain in his arm. That pain has prevented Wong from starting his rehab assignment, delaying his return until after the All-Star break rather than the week before, as first projected. Wong was first sidelined with left elbow soreness May 27, but returned to action June 9, lasting six games before he suffered the strained triceps. Paul DeJong has done a solid job filling in for Wong, but Wong, who was batting .301/.393/.444 when he was injured again, should regain his starting second base job when he returns. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: owned

SHORTSTOP

Wilmer Difo/Stephen Drew/Adrian Sanchez, Nationals - The Nationals, already missing Adam Eaton and Jayson Werth, lost their leadoff hitter and shortstop this week. Trea Tuner suffered a fractured right wrist on a hit-by-pitch with no timetable for his return. In the interim, Washington will turn to some combination of Difo, Drew and Sanchez. Difo brings some speed to the lineup, which is what Washington lacks with Turner out. He has yet to carry his minor-league success to the majors, but can be deployed in several positions. Drew, who blasted 21 home runs in 2008 in Arizona, was solid as a utility infielder last year in Washington, posting a .524 SLG in 143 at-bats and has gotten off to a solid start this season. Sanchez, batting .259 with a .694 OPS, four home runs and 18 RBI in 67 games for Triple-A Syracuse, gives the team another utility infielder. The likely pecking order is Drew against righties, Difo against lefties and Sanchez as an occasional fill-in. Difo - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2; Drew - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Sanchez - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks - Marte was called up from Triple-A Reno on Wednesday with Nick Ahmed landing on the disabled list with a fractured right hand. Ahmed could be sidelined from six to eight weeks and then will require a minor-league rehab assignment before returning to the Diamondbacks, which might not be until September. Marte, acquired in a trade with the Mariners in the Taijuan Walker deal, was batting .338/.391/.514 line with six home runs, 41 RBI and seven steals across 338 plate appearances, leading all Pacific Coast League batters with 105 hits. In 70 games, he's collected 23 doubles and seven triples with six home runs and 41 RBI. He also has seven stolen bases. With Brandon Drury and Chris Owings locked in as the Diamondbacks' primary middle infielders, Marte likely will get one or two starts per week at shortstop when Owings plays the outfield or has a day off. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Alex Mejia, Cardinals - Mejia, known for his defense, spent the bulk of the 2017 season with Double-A Springfield, with his last 11 games played at Triple-A Memphis. Between the two, he batted .253/.309/.355 with three home runs and 27 RBI this year. With Kolten Wong out, Mejia was promoted to replace Alemdys Diaz, whose struggles landed him in the minors, and is seeing some time at both middle infield positions. Paul DeJong and Greg Garcia will also see time at second base. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

J.T. Riddle, Marlins - Miami dealt Adeiny Hechavarria to Tampa Bay this week, opening the full-time shortstop role for Riddle. After a good start, Riddle is in the throes of a major slump, but he has shown enough at the plate and in the field this season that Miami was comfortable moving on from Hechavarria, a slick defender who's struggled to supply much offense in his career. Riddle doesn't have much power or speed, so the hope is that he hits for average and posts some counting stats. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

THIRD BASE

Jeimer Candelario, Cubs - Candelario, a top-five prospect for Chicago, was called Monday. He batted .274/.366/.520 at Triple-A Iowa this season, earning the promotion to provide some depth on the Chicago infield with Addison Russell dealing with a shoulder injury and Ben Zobrist also out at the time. Candelario was lined up to see playing time at third when Kris Bryant sprained his ankle, but suffered a bruise on his left knee after getting hit by a pitch Thursday. Once healthy, Candelario will see time at several infield spots. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $2, 12-team NL: $7

Jae-Gyun Hwang, Giants - Hwang, brought over from the Korea Baseball Organization in January, was promoted Wednesday. He performed well at Triple-A Sacramento this season, batting .287/.333/.476 with seven home runs and 44 RBI over 68 games. Hwang is receiving a chance to contribute immediately with fellow third basemen Eduardo Nunez (hamstring) and Conor Gillaspie (back) sidelined. Part of the reason for the recall might have been his announcement that he planned to use the opt-out clause in his deal if he wasn't called up to the big leagues by July 1. With Nunez back shortly, Hwang's stay on the roster is likely temporary, though Ryder Jones might get sent down instead. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1, 12-team NL: $4

OUTFIELDER

Randal Grichuk, Cardinals - Grichuk was batting .222 with 54 strikeouts in 46 games when he was sent down to the minors. The goal was for him to work on his plate discipline. So much for that idea, as Grichuk posted a 21:4 K:BB ratio in 71 plate appearances for Triple-A Memphis, but he also belted six home runs with a .917 OPS in 14 games. In addition, those six long balls came during Grichuk's 13 hits in his final 10 games at Memphis before his return callup. That power streak has migrated with him to the majors, as Grichuk went 7-for-22 with three homers, nine RBI and six runs his first five games (through Thursday) after being recalled from the minors. Big power and a lot of strikeouts are what you get from Grichuk. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33/owned.

Starling Marte, Pirates - Marte is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment with High-A Bradenton on Sunday. He is eligible to return from an 80-game suspension July 18 and should be firmly on your radar if he is somehow still available. Marte is coming off of a season in which he hit .311 with 47 steals and has four consecutive seasons of hitting at least .280 and stealing 30-plus bags. Prior to the suspension, Marte had gotten off to a slow start, batting just .241 with a .658 OPS, as he struggled in his transition to center field. With Marte out, Andrew McCutchen shifted back to CF, filling up the stat sheet lately. Marte, whose power numbers dropped last year, likely will play left field when he comes back, which should help in his transition, though he will have to deal with the PED stigma and McCutchen could be moved before the deadline. 12-team Mixed: $33; 15-team Mixed: $44; 12-team NL: $55/owned (increase as he gets closer to activation)

Raimel Tapia, Rockies - Tapia was called up again June 6 when Alexi Amarista was placed on the paternity list. He remained on the 25-man roster when Amarista returned and saw an uptick in playing time with Carlos Gonzalez out of the lineup since June 22. CarGo was finally placed on the disabled list last Monday but looks to be on track for his return once he's eligible to come off the DL on July 3. Until then, Tapia and Amarista should continue to see most of the time in right field with Tapai having most of the upside and future value. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Mike Tauchman/Trayce Thompson, Nationals - This week's fourth and fifth outfielder callups/activations, as well as expected callups, or those potentially to see a slight uptick in playing time, was in Colorado and Los Angeles. Tauchman will see time at all three outfield spots in Colorado with CarGo sidelined. He was batting .313/.377/.529 with 10 homers and 11 steals with Triple-A Albuquerque prior to his promotion. Thompson has shown some power against southpaws, against whom he will see most of his playing time. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3.

Nick Williams, Phillies - With the Phillies looking to the future, they got a jumpstart on that goal by promoting Williams this week with Howie Kendrick (hamstring) landing on the disabled list. Williams, one of the Phillies' top prospects, was tearing it up for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, notching 15 home runs, five stolen bases and a .280/.328/.511 line in 306 plate appearances after regressing somewhat last year. Philly acquired Williams in the Cole Hamels deal and he projects to be their left fielder for 2018 and beyond thanks to his power-speed mix. Kendrick's two-year contract expires after this season, so look for him to be moved by July 31, especially if Williams gets off to a strong start. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up in keeper leagues).

Injury activation/updates:

David Dahl, Rockies - Dahl, sidelined with a stress reaction in his sixth rib, has begun hitting off a tee and is feeling no discomfort after getting shut down again almost a month ago. He will need to progress to batting practice and not suffer a setback before he starts rehab games. Dahl likely will need a few weeks of games to find his batting eye and stroke due to the amount of time he has missed. Even if he returns in the next few weeks, Dahl is not a lock to get more than a handful of starts per week as Ian Desmond is in left, Charlie Blackmon in center and Carlos Gonzalez, when healthy, in right field. In addition, there is also a possibility Dahl could be optioned to the minors, but that seems remote at this time. (Just an FYI as likely still owned in most leagues, but if not, the bids should be $4/$9/$14.)

Manuel Margot, Padres - Margot, sidelined since May 24 with a strained soleus muscle, was activated from the disabled list Tuesday after a week-long rehab assignment in the minors. He steadily progressed in his baseball activities and should not be in any danger of a relapse. Franchy Cordero had ably filled in for Margot in center field, but with Margot back, he was sent to the minors, even though both Travis Jankowski and Alex Dickerson are still sidelined. Margot got off to a hot start but had tailed off in the last month before the injury and was hitting .259/.305/.389 with four home runs and five steals (on 10 attempts). He has hit the ground running since his return, looking like the player who started the season hot. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33 (same bid as prior, in case he was waived)

A.J. Pollock, Diamondbacks - Pollock, out since May 14 with a Grade 1 strain of his right groin, is close to completing his rehab assignment and should rejoin the D-Backs on Tuesday. After a hiccup during the kick off of his rehab assignment, he was able to pick it back up without incident. At one point, the thought was that Pollock, who batted .299/.337/.395 with 11 stolen bases before he was sidelined after playing in just 12 games last year due to elbow and groin injuries, might not need a rehab stint. But as we saw, one clearly was needed and Pollock should return this week, slightly beyond his original projected return date, which was the end of June. 12-team Mixed: $55 (in case he was waived); 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

Yasmany Tomas, Diamondbacks - Tomas, sidelined since June 2 with a strained groin and in the midst of a rehab assignment, is questionable to return before the All-Star break. He probably needs at least a few more rehab games before he's major-league ready. Whenever Tomas is activated, he will face a crowded outfield, as A.J. Pollock will be back from his rehab stint and in center field and David Peralta is locked into right field. Chris Owings could play shortstop daily with Nick Ahmed out, but Chris Herrmann and others will see time in left field, possibly limiting Tomas' at-bats. Tomas, who eight home runs in 180 plate appearances but a .241/.294/.464 line this year, did blast 31 home runs and post a .508 slugging percentage last season. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up slightly as he gets closer and if you think he is the starting left field when he returns)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jan Levine
Levine covers baseball and hockey for RotoWire. He is responsible for the weekly NL FAAB column for baseball and the Barometer for hockey. In addition to his column writing, he is master of the NHL cheat sheets. In his spare time, he roots for the Mets and Rangers.
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