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 grid, which is 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)
Erick Fedde WAS SP D 1 4 7
Chris Flexen NYM SP E 0 1 4
Kenta Maeda LAD SP C 8 16 24
Lucas Sims ATL SP D 2 7 11
Brent Suter MIL SP D 8 14 22
Vance Worley MIA SP E No No 0
Travis Wood SD SP E No 1 4
Chad Bettis COL SP D 1 4 7
Anthony DeSclafani CIN 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 grid, which is 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)
Erick Fedde WAS SP D 1 4 7
Chris Flexen NYM SP E 0 1 4
Kenta Maeda LAD SP C 8 16 24
Lucas Sims ATL SP D 2 7 11
Brent Suter MIL SP D 8 14 22
Vance Worley MIA SP E No No 0
Travis Wood SD SP E No 1 4
Chad Bettis COL SP D 1 4 7
Anthony DeSclafani CIN SP D 2 7 11
Robert Gsellman NYM SP D 0 1 4
Carter Capps SD RP C 1 4 7
Brad Hand SD SP B 14 28 40
Phil Maton SD RP D 2 7 11
Kirby Yates SD RP E 0 1 4
Tyler Chatwood COL RP D 1 4 7
Jesen Therrien PHI RP D 1 4 7
Luis Garcia PHI RP D 1 5 9
Mark Melancon SF RP B 3 9 14
Trevor Rosenthal STL RP C 11 22 Owned
Anthony Swarzak MIL RP C 0 1 4
Brad Ziegler MIA RP D 4 9 14
Ryan Hanigan COL C E No 0 4
Cameron Rupp PHI C D 1 5 9
Tomas Telis MIA C E No No 0
Adam Lind WAS 1B D 1 4 7
Tyler Moore MIA 1B E No 1 4
Rhys Hoskins PHI 1B B/C 5 11 18
Dominic Smith NYM 1B C 3 9 14
Adrian Gonzalez LAD 1B C 3 9 14
Ozzie Albies ATL 2B B 1 4 7
Micah Johnson ATL 2B E No No 2
Jose Peraza CIN 2B D 2 7 11
Neil Walker NYM 2B C 5 11 18
Mike Aviles MIA SS E No 0 4
Dusty Coleman SD SS E No No 2
Allen Cordoba SD SS D No 0 4
Amed Rosario NYM SS A/B 5 11 18
Derek Dietrich MIA 3B C 3 9 14
Conor Gillaspie SF 3B E No 0 5
Miguel Gomez SF 3B E No No 2
Jae-Gyun Hwang SF 3B E No No 2
Kelby Tomlinson SF 3B E No No 2
Yangervis Solarte SD 3B C 15 33 Owned
Harrison Bader STL OF C 2 7 11
Lewis Brinson MIL OF B 9 18 28
Howie Kendrick WAS OF D 2 7 11
Jordan Luplow PIT OF D 1 4 7
Gerardo Parra COL OF C 18 30 40
Tommy Pham STL OF C 25 Owned Owned
Sean Rodriguez ATL OF D No 0 4
Danny Santana ATL OF E No 0 4
Aaron Altherr PHI OF C 22 Owned Owned

STARTING PITCHING

Erick Fedde, Nationals – Fedde was called up to make what will likely be a spot start Sunday in place of Stephen Strasburg (forearm). Washington's 2014 first-round pick, Fedde is now the organization's top pitching prospect. He began the season in Double-A Harrisburg's starting rotation, then was moved to the bullpen, promoted to Triple-A Syracuse and subsequently, very recently shifted back to starting. Fedde appeared just four times at Triple-A, with a 5.57 ERA that is inflated by a brutal first start in which he allowed six runs before recording an out. He posted 3.04 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 56.1 innings (10 appearances, seven starts) at Harrisburg. Fedde pitched 121 innings last year and is at 87.1 this season, but Washington might want to limit his innings, as he works his way back from 2014 Tommy John surgery. Fedde uses a mid-90s fastball with excellent life, solid slider and developing changeup to retire hitters; the latter pitch to determine if he remains a starter or shifts full-time to the bullpen. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (more in keeper leagues)

Chris Flexen, Mets – Flexen was promoted this week from Double-A Binghamton, replacing the injured Zack Wheeler in the Mets' rotation. He allowed four runs – three earned – on five hits and four walks with two walks in just three innings, benefitting from two runners getting tossed out at the plate in the first inning. After missing most of 2015 recovering from Tommy John surgery, Flexen had a solid 2016 at High-A St. Lucie. He began 2017 at that level after knee surgery this spring but quickly was promoted to Binghamton. Flexen, who throws a mid-90s fastball, curve and changeup, posted a sterling 1.66 ERA and a 0.73 WHIP over 48.2 innings at Binghamton prior to being promoted. He likely will get at least one more turn in the rotation and could stick for the rest of the season. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Kenta Maeda, Dodgers – Maeda has gone more than five innings once in his last two month of outings, but he has righted the ship lately. Over his last seven appearances and 35.2 innings, Maeda has a 2.52 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP and a 31:7 K:BB. Los Angeles has rotated through several starters due to injuries, opening the door for Maeda to make several starts despite originally getting moved top the bullpen. The Dodgers may acquire a starter or two before the July 31 non-waiver deadline, but for now, Maeda's starting spot appears safe. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: $24.

Lucas Sims, Braves – Sims has turned around his career and could fill the rotation spot vacated due to Jaime Garcia's trade to the Twins. Once one of the Braves' top pitching prospects, Sims has seen his stock tumble the last two years, but he has had a solid campaign at Triple-A Gwinnett this season, posting a 3.75 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 124:33 K:BB in 110.1 innings. Sims flashes two potential plus pitches (fastball and curveball) and mixes in a changeup but the big difference has been his improved control, as he has substantially reduced his walk rate. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Brent Suter, Brewers – Suter continued his surprising run since his promotion, allowing no earned runs on four hits and a walk with five strikeouts in seven innings Friday against the Cubs. After posting a 4.42 ERA in the minors, through six starts, Suter has a 2.40 ERA and a 2.93 FIP but a 4.07 SIERA. Suter has a 2.20 BB/9 but just a 7.40 K/9 due to a below-average 86 mph fastball, so a regression might be forthcoming. But for now, roll with him while he is hot, possibly even after Chase Anderson returns from his injury. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22

Vance Worley, Marlins – Worley started Friday for the first time since June 9 but he hadn't pitched more than five innings in any of his four starts this year while posting a 7.71 ERA in those games. He started in place of the recently optioned Tom Koehler, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three over four innings. Worley has been used out of the bullpen in July in long relief, pitching just three times, and has a 5.11 ERA in his last seven appearances (12.1 innings). He tossed 71 pitches Friday and will get at least one more start, Wednesday against the Nationals. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0.

Travis Wood, Padres – Wood, who came to San Diego as part of the six-player deal between the two teams, started for the Padres on Friday. After a pair of solid seasons for the Cubs, including last year when he spent the whole campaign in the bullpen, Wood scuffled in K.C. Wood spent most of the season in the bullpen, shifting to the rotation for three subpar outings before he was dealt. Wood tossed six innings of two-run ball while striking out seven in his first start with the Padres on Friday. His fly-ball tendencies may not hurt him at Petco Park, as we saw Friday, but he may not be so fortunate at other venues. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Injury activation/updates:

Chad Bettis, Rockies – Bettis, who fortunately appears to have won his battle with testicular cancer, made his third rehab start last Sunday. He threw 62 pitches (38 strikes) for Triple-A Albuquerque, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four in 2.2 innings. Bettis made another start Friday and may just be one start away from rejoining the Rockies. He led the Rockies in innings pitched last year with 186, going 14-8 with a 4.79 ERA. In the second half of the season, Bettis went 7-2 with a 3.17 ERA over 14 starts. Colorado continues to shuffle the back-end of its rotation, which should allow Bettis to rejoin the rotation upon his return. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (slightly upped spec return bid)

Anthony DeSclafani, Reds – DeSclafani, sidelined since spring training after experiencing tenderness in his elbow that was later diagnosed as a UCL sprain, made his first rehab start last Sunday. He threw 47 pitches, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits and one walk with three strikeouts in 2.1 innings. DeSclafani started Saturday for High-A Dayton and will toss 15-20 more pitches in each of his subsequent rehab starts until he reaches 85-100 pitches, at which point he will be activated. He was one of the Reds' top starters last year, posting a 3.28 ERA and 105:30 K:BB over 123.1 innings and should remain in the team's rotation the last 6-7 weeks of the season. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early spec return bid)

Robert Gsellman, Mets – Gsellman, on the disabled list June 28 with a strained left hamstring, made a rehab start for Double-A Binghamton on Thursday. He lasted just six batters, allowing four to reach base while throwing 26 pitches. Gsellman likely will need to make several more rehab starts before he is ready to rejoin the Mets. He was 5-5 with a 6.16 ERA prior to his injury and could slot into either the rotation or the bullpen upon his return. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec return bid)

RELIEF PITCHING
 
Pedro Beato/Silvino Bracho/Hunter Cervenka/Tyler Chatwood/Rubby De La Rosa/Odrisamer Despaigne/Paolo Espino/Carlos Estevez/Jason Hursh/Kyle McGrath/Edward Paredes/Josh Ravin/Kevin Shackelford/Drew Steckenrider/Jesen Therrien/Jake Thompson -
This week's key middle reliever callups/activations, as well as expected callups, were/will be in Philadelphia, Arizona, Miami, Colorado, Arizona, Miami, Milwaukee, Colorado, Atlanta, San Diego, Los Angeles (2x), Cincinnati, Miami, Philadelphia and Arizona. None, save for Chatwood, Therrien and Ziegler, have substantial value. Chatwood is pitching out of the bullpen but could shift back to the starting rotation, where he made his first 19 appearances of the season. Therrien impressed at both Double-A Reading and Lehigh Valley this year, combining for a 1.88 ERA, 65 strikeouts, nine walks and nine saves in 57.1 innings. He could see high-leveraged usage for the Phils down the stretch. All, save for Chatwood and Ziegler - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0; Chatwood and Therrien - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Carter Capps/Brad Hand/Phil Maton/Kirby Yates, Padres – San Diego dealt Brandon Maurer to Kansas City as part of a six-player deal. With Maurer gone, Hand, who has been San Diego's best reliever this year, is getting the first crack at the closer job. He has put a 18.1-inning scoreless stretch together over his last 18 appearances, including saves Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Overall, Hand has a 2.00 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP and 70:14 K:BB ratio in 55 innings, but there is a possibly he will be dealt by Monday's trade deadline. If that happens, next in line at the major-league level are Maton (3.15 ERA, 22:2 K:BB ratio over 20 innings) and Yates (1.83 ERA ERA, 52:9 K:BB ratio in 34.1 innings with San Diego). In addition, Carter Capps, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and has had a few blips along the way, will also be in the mix. Until allowing three runs, two earned, Wednesday, he had allowed just one run with a 14:4 K:BB ratio in 16 innings from the beginning of June, though his full pre-surgery velocity has yet to return. Capps - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Hand - 12-team Mixed: $14; 15-team Mixed: $28; 12-team NL: $40 (up bid if you think he isn't traded); Maton - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Yates - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Luis Garcia, Phillies – Garcia has pitched five years for the Phillies and appears to have an affinity for odd-numbered seasons. He has struggled in 2014 and 2016 but pitched well in 2013 and 2015 but especially this season. Garcia has posted a 2.09 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with a 31:13 K:BB ratio in 43 innings. He has benefitted from a 2.49 BABIP but his 3.27 FIP is still solid and with Pat Neshek traded, Garcia should see most late-inning work. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9.

Mark Melancon, Giants – Melancon, placed on the disabled list June 28 with a right pronator (elbow) strain before receiving a PRP injection shortly thereafter, will head for a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday. He started a throwing program after the All-Star break and tossed a bullpen session last Sunday, throwing 25-30 pitches, following that with one Tuesday then faced live hitters this weekend. There is no specific timetable for Melancon, who will need a rehab stint before rejoining the Giants, but he could be back in 2-3 weeks. However, with San Francisco playing out the string and Sam Dyson ably filling in for Melancon, who signed a four-year, $62 million deal with SF this offseason, the team can be cautious with his return. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (early spec return, more as he gets closer)

Trevor Rosenthal, St. Louis – The revolving door at closer for the Cardinals appears to have swung back to Rosenthal. He picked up his fifth save of the season Friday, his first since June 28, pitching two perfect innings and notching four strikeouts. He has been brilliant in July, posting a 1.59 ERA and 17:1 K:BB ratio in 10 appearances this month to probably wrest the closer role away from Seung Hwan Oh. But, as we have seen, manager Mike Matheny has vacillated between the two, so don't put Rosenthal's down as closer in ink on your Cardinals' depth chart. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: owned

Anthony Swarzak, Brewers – Swarzak posted a 2.23 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 52:13 K:BB ratio over 48.1 innings this season for the White Sox. The trade of David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle to the Yankees seemed to pave the way for Swarzak to close, especially after he earned his first career save on Monday. But the next day, Chicago continued its rebuild, dealing Swarzak to Milwaukee, where he will set up Corey Knebel, for Ryan Cordell. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Brad Ziegler, Marlins - Ziegler struggled before being sidelined a bit more than a month ago with a lower-back strain. But with David Phelps dealt last week and Kyle Barraclough out with a right shoulder impingement, Ziegler, who kicked off a rehab stint Tuesday and was activated Saturday, was named closer with A.J. Ramos dealt to the Mets on Friday. Drew Steckenrider could also figure into the mix while Barraclough and Nick Wittgren might also be options when they are healthy 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

CATCHER
 
Ryan Hanigan, Rockies –
Hanigan has killed southpaws to the tune of a .417/.464/.708 slash line through Thursday's games since being called up. If he can increase his success against right-handed pitching, he could see significantly more playing time over a slumping Tony Wolters. But keep in mind, Tom Murphy has started to heat up at Triple-A and could be back up in the majors soon. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4.

Cameron Rupp, Phillies – Rupp has found his power stroke, homering five times in the last six games he has played. Those six starts have come in a seven-game stretch, including five starts in a row. Andrew Knapp is still in the mix, but he failed to take advantage of his chance and Rupp might get an opportunity to run with the job. However, with Philly looking to the future, that is not set in stone. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9.

Tomas Telis, Marlins – Telis will back up Tyler Moore at first base with Justin Bour out while also seeing the occasional start behind the plate. Don't expect much production from Telis when he does play. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0.

FIRST BASE
 
Adam Lind, Nationals –
Lind is behind the resurgent Ryan Zimmerman on the Nationals' depth chart at first base, but manager Dusty Baker has found ways to get Lind in the lineup, especially against right-handed pitching. He has just 13 AB vs. LHP, but in a little more than 130 at-bats against righties, Lind has eight home runs and an OPS near 1.000. Baker will spot Lind in at first base as well as in left field, making him worth a look especially in DFS and NL-only leagues. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Tyler Moore, Marlins – Moore gets another chance at consistent playing time with Justin Bour landing on the DL after straining his right oblique Monday; an injury that likely will sideline him at least three weeks. This is Moore's second stint as a starter, as he took advantage of Bour's stint on the disabled list in June. Since then, most of Moore's action has been as a pinch hitter and he has struggled lately with inconsistent playing time. Moore has power, evidenced by his 30 homers in just over 750 plate appearances in his five-year major-league career, but his BA and OBA leave much to be desired. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Rhys Hoskins, Phillies – Hoskins, profiled two weeks ago, gets another mention, as he may be promoted to platoon with Tommy Joseph at first base. Joseph picked up his game after a very slow start and his overall production is fairly close to his breakthrough 2016 season. But with Philly looking to the future and to move one of the two first basemen, Hoksins could get the call this week to showcase him. Hoskins had a monster year at Double-A Reading where he hit .281/.377/.566 with 38 home runs in 498 at-bats. He took advantage of a hitter-friendly park in Reading where he slashed .292/.396/.636 with 25 of his 38 home runs. Hoskins has shown that production is no fluke, batting .285/.385/.570 with 24 home runs in 358 at-bats for Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season, through Thursday's games. He has rebounded lately from a brief slump, showing his ability to adjust and adapt. Most impressive may be his 66:56 K:BB there, continuing his solid eye at the plate that is coupled with a simple but effective swing, which should allow him continued success as he advances. Hoskins has shown in the minors that he can hit lefties and righties, though there are questions regarding whether he will hit enough when he gets to the majors and has to face better off-speed stuff. But so far, he has answered every challenge in the minors. The Phillies will need to move Joseph or Hoskins this offseason, as each aren't suited to play another position. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (increased early spec bid to be increased again once he is promoted; go higher if he is the full-time starter)

Dominic Smith, Mets – The trade of Lucas Duda, whose contract was up at the end of the year, opens the door for Smith, the Mets' first baseman of the future. Smith is a wizard defensively, whose bat finally has caught up to his glove. There are still questions as to the power and Smith will need to watch his weight, but his .337/.390/.524 line with 15 homers, 68 RBI and 72 runs scored across 449 plate appearances this year is impressive even by PCK standards. Seven of those home runs have been hit in July after he blasted 14 and drove in 91 runs at Double-A Binghamton last season. Smith may stay in the minors until after Monday's non-waiver trade deadline and could remain there beyond until either Jay Bruce (who is playing first in the interim) or Curtis Granderson are dealt, but the Smith era is close to beginning, alongside Amed Rosario. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14.

Injury activation/updates:

Adrian Gonzalez, Dodgers – Gonzalez, sidelined since June 13 due to a herniated disk in his back, will participate in a simulated game Monday and then be sent out on a rehab assignment. He recently begun taking swings and running curves, progressing to batting practice last Sunday and now the sim games and rehab assignment. Cody Bellinger has replaced Gonzalez at first base, but L.A. could move Bellinger back to left field and shift Chris Taylor to second base when A-Gone is ready. Gonzalez has homered only once in 165 at-bats, and has a career-low .339 slugging percentage, but when he is back, which may be by mid-August, look for him to be in the starting lineup almost daily. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (increased early spec bid to be increased again as he gets closer to the major leagues)

SECOND BASE
 
Ozzie Albies, Braves –
Albies struggled until early June, but has been on fire since coming off the 7-day disabled list. Since June 12, Albies is 55-for-174 with six home runs, 23 RBI and six stolen bases with a 35:11 K:BB ratio in 174 at-bats through Thursday's games. At just 20-years old, Albies profiles at the Braves' second baseman of the future, but that time may not be now. It's possible he is promoted earlier, but he should be a September callup. He needs work on his plate discipline and his contact rate has dropped slightly this year, but the future is bright for Albies. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec callup bid)

Micah Johnson, Braves – Johnson was called up Friday to take the place of the recently demoted Dansby Swanson. Acquired from the Dodgers this off-season, Johnson underwent wrist surgery in March and landed on the 60-day DL. Johnson was recently activated and hit .378/.452/568 in 11 games at Triple-A and will serve as a utility infielder for the Braves. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Jose Peraza, Reds – Peraza, who lost his second base job to Scooter Gennett, received starts at shortstop this week with Zack Cozart out with a quad injury. When Peraza began to receive those starts, he was batting just .161 since the All-Star break, resulting in him losing the job to Gennett. Peraza, through Thursday, was batting .249/.275/.322 with four homers, 26 RBI and 15 steals in 96 games, but no steals his last 30 games, after hitting .324/.352/.411 with three homers in 72 games as a rookie last season. With Cozart landing on the DL, Peraza should see consistent playing time, but will go back to a bench a role once Cozart is healthy. Arismendy Alcantara will back up Peraza while Cozart is out. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Injury activation/updates:

Neil Walker, Mets – Walker, out since June 15 with a partially torn hamstring, was activated Friday after a short rehab stint. He played second base and also saw a game at third to expand his versatility. Walker, a free agent after the season, had a PRP injection after the injury to stimulate healing, which clearly worked. With the Mets fading from contention, He will either play second or third base and takes the place of T.J. Rivera (elbow), who landed on the DL. Walker could be moved at the non-waiver trade deadline on July 31 or during the waiver trade deadline in August, though the Mets may still try to sign him to a long-term deal. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18.

SHORTSTOP

Mike Aviles, Marlins – J.T. Riddle was placed on the 10-day DL with biceps tendinitis Monday and as a corresponding move, Aviles' contract was purchased from Triple-A New Orleans, Aviles started at shortstop and hit eighth that evening in Texas. With backup Miguel Rojas nursing a shoulder injury, look for Aviles, who was hitting .292/.326/.376 with one home run in 196 plate appearances at Triple-A, to see most of the playing time at shortstop. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

Dusty Coleman/Allen Cordoba, Padres – Erick Aybar's fractured foot will sideline him until at least mid-September. Stepping in to fill the breach at shortstop are Coleman, a glove-first option who was called up from Triple-A El Paso, and Cordoba, a Rule 5 pick who also has struggled at the plate and was profiled last week. A minor league signee before the year, the 30-year-old Coleman was hitting .209/.280/.438 with 14 homers, 46 RBI and 11 steals in 88 games at El Paso. Cordoba is hitting .222/.278/.322 with three homers and 13 RBI in 78 games in the majors after playing rookie ball last year. Coleman - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2; Cordoba - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4.

Amed Rosario, Mets – Rosario is on a roll at Triple-A Las Vegas, putting his mild June slump behind him, and may be just days away from a promotion. He extended his hitting streak to 17 games Thursday, and as of that date, Rosario was hitting .335/.371/.474 with seven home runs and 18 steals in 412 plate appearances at Las Vegas. The Mets wanted Rosario to work on his plate discipline in the minors, as he has to a 3:1 K:BB ratio. But he is striking out just 15.3 percent of the time and has an 84 percent contact rate, which bodes well for success at the next level. At a minimum, the Mets could use his plus-plus defense at shortstop with Asdrubal Cabrera's fielding having really fallen off and his bat struggling, New York will promote Rosario to give the team a boost at shortstop. Look for him in New York sometime after Aug. 1. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11, 12-team NL: $18 (increased early spec bid to be upped again once he is promoted)

THIRD BASE

Derek Dietrich, Marlins – Martin Prado, sidelined for the third time this year since July 17, underwent a knee scope clean up and could return after 3-5 weeks of recovery. The potential exists that Prado may miss the rest of the season. Stepping into the breach again at third base is Dietrich backed up by Miguel Rojas. Dietrich struggled the first half of the season, failing to take advantage of the additional playing time received. With few options in Miami, Dietrich gets another chance to show his 2016 breakthrough was no fluke and his owners an additional opportunity to take advantage of his multi-position eligibility. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14.

Conor Gillaspie/Jae-Gyun Hwang/Miguel Gomez/Kelby Tomlinson, Giants – With Eduardo Nunez dealt to Boston on Tuesday, it appears that Gillaspie will take over starting duties at the hot corner against righties, with some combination of Gomez and Tomlinson seeing action against southpaws and Hwang a backup. San Francisco is playing out the string, so Ryder Jones, when healthy, and Christian Arroyo, after his broken left hand is 100 percent healthy, likely by September, should get a chance at third base. But for now, Gillaspie, who has been invisible at the plate, should see most of the action at the hot corner. Gillaspie - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5; Gomez/Hwang/Tomlinson - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Yangervis Solarte, Padres – Solarte, who had not played in a game since suffering a left oblique strain June 20, began a rehab assignment Thursday with Triple-A El Paso and will be activated Sunday. With Carlos Asuaje impressing, Solarte may play some innings at shortstop, as he did during his rehab stint. Solarte had 31 appearances at short before his major league debut in 2014 and during that season, he played eight games at the position but none since. Solarte, who is signed to a reasonable contract for next year with two options years, is rumored to be available, as San Diego undergoes another rebuild. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $33; 12-team NL: owned

OUTFIELD

Lane Adams/Hyun Soo Kim/Carlos MoncriefKirk Nieuwenhuis/Brandon Nimmo/Andrew Stevenson/Raimel Tapia - 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 Atlanta, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Milwaukee, New York, Washington and Colorado. Adams was promoted with Matt Kemp landing on the disabled list. He figures to provide a little depth for the team moving forward and could see some starts while Kemp is out, though Sean Rodriguez and Danny Santana likely will be the primary beneficiaries of Kemp's absence. Kim was traded to the Phillies, along with minor-leaguer Garrett Cleavinger and international signing bonus slots, for Jeremy Hellickson and cash considerations Friday. With Nick Williams, Odubel Herrera and Aaron Altherr already in Philly and the team looking to see what they have in their young outfield, Kim will be a bench player. Formerly a pitcher in the Indians organization, Moncrief reinvented himself as an outfielder and posted a .781 OPS at Double-A Richmond last season and .770 OPS in 71 games at Triple-A this year. He will back up all three outfield spots. Nieuwenhuis will be Milwaukee's fifth outfielder as the starting outfielder of Ryan Braun, Lewis Brinson and Domingo Santana is set with Hernan Perez the top reserve. Nimmo, sidelined since July 8 with a partially collapsed lung, was activated Friday following a four-game rehab assignment. He likely will remain relegated to a bench role the rest of the way unless the Mets move both Curtis Granderson and Jay Bruce. Stephenson provides depth to a Washington outfield now missing Chris Heisey and Ryan Raburn in addition to Adam Eaton, Michael Taylor and Jayson Werth. Tapia provides the most upside, but with Gerardo Parra, Charlie Blackmon and Carlos Gonzalez all healthy and starting, he likely will be just a fourth outfielder. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3.

Harrison Bader, Cardinals – Bader, the 100th overall pick in the 2015 draft out of the University of Florida, made his big-league debut Tuesday, hitting seventh and patrolling center field against the Rockies due to Dexter Fowler (wrist strain) landing on the DL. After a brilliant 2015 season and solid first part of 2016, Bader struggled after moving up to Triple-A Memphis. Bader righted the ship this year at that level, posting a .297/.354/.517 slash line with 19 home runs and nine steals (on 15 attempts) in 381 plate appearances. He does the bulk of his damage against lefties, against whom he has a 1.358 OPS, versus a .744 mark against righties, which is why most of his action with Fowler out should come against southpaws. When Stephen Piscotty (groin) completes his rehab and rejoins the Cardinals, Tommy Pham could move to CF with Piscotty playing RF and Bader on the bench, at least against righties. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Lewis Brinson, Brewers – Brinson, Milwaukee's top hitting prospect, was called up for the second time this season during this past week. He hit 097/.200/.161 in his first 14 games in the majors before getting demoted back to the minors. Brinson continued to rake at Triple-A Colorado Springs, batting .345/.417/.567 with 10 home runs, 43 RBI and 11 stolen bases, finishing with a 17-game hitting streak prior to this recent callup. Acquired in the trade involving Jonathan Lucroy last year, Brinson has been dominating the highest level of the minors since coming over to the Brewers' organization after struggling at Double-A for Texas prior to the trade. The biggest question concerning his abilities is his strikeout rate, and with 58 this year through 68 games, it will be something to look at during his time with the big-league club. But he did lower his K rate and increase his BB rate in the minors, which are two major steps forward. Brinson can cover tons of ground in the outfield and profiles as a middle of the order bat and with Keon Broxton and Brett Phillips both in the minors, Brinson could stick the rest of the way with Milwaukee. 12-team Mixed: $9; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: $28.

Howie Kendrick, Nationals – Kendrick was traded to the Nationals for minor-league pitcher McKenzie Mills and international bonus money Friday. After missing 17 games with a hamstring strain and playing just 39 games overall due to hamstring and oblique injuries, Kendrick returned to active duty last week. He was hit by a pitch Wednesday, but is reportedly healthy and able to play. Kendrick, who was hitting 340/.397/.454, most likely assumes the role as the everyday left fielder for the Nationals, especially considering the unknown return date for Jayson Werth (toe). 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Jordan Luplow, Pirates – Luplow, drafted 100th overall in 2014, was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday. He blazed past Double-A after just 73 games there, posting a .903 OPS with 16 HR and 37 runs batted in. In 21 games at Triple-A, Luplow had five home runs and .975 OPS. Luplow started in right field Friday with Gregory Polanco (hamstring) sidelined and could remain in the lineup for as long as Polanco is out. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Gerardo Parra, Rockies – Parra was profiled last week, but gets another mention with Ian Desmond landing on the disabled list. That injury has all but secured a starting spot for Parra in the Colorado outfield. Notwithstanding that injury, Parra likely deserved a spot anyway, as he is now 26-for-53 with a pair of home runs and 16 RBI since coming off the disabled list July 6. Raimel Tapia was called up and will get some starts and David Dahl is working his way back in the minors, but Parra is locked and loaded in the middle of the Colorado offense. 12-team Mixed: $18; 15-team Mixed: $30, 12-team NL: $40.

Tommy Pham, Cardinals – Pham just continues to rake and turn in a surprising season at the plate. He has a .447 OBA in July and is at an even .400 figure for the season. Pham has driven in 19 of his 44 RBI in July, during which he is batting .363/.447/.650. Pham is starting daily in left and center field, and even when St. Louis gets fully healthy, look for him to remain in the lineup, usually in the No. 2 hole. 12-team Mixed: $25; 15-team Mixed: owned, 12-team NL: owned

Sean Rodriguez/Danny Santana, Braves – Rodriguez and Santana should be the primary beneficiaries of Matt Kemp's hamstring injury, as the two should see most of the time in left field. Neither one has been special at the plate in limited at-bats, but Rodriguez has more of a pedigree. However, he is working his way back into form after missing most of the season with an injury. Lane Adams will also factor in the left field mix. Both - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4.

Injury activation/updates:

Aaron Altherr, Phillies – Altherr missed the minimum 10 days with his strained right hamstring and was activated Friday. He punctuated his return to active duty with a pair of home runs that night. After hitting just .202 over 57 games last season, he was slashing .288/.359/.539 this year with 14 home runs and 44 RBI before he was sidelined. Nick Williams and Odubel Herrera likely will join Altherr in the Phillies' outfield, though Hyun Soo Kim, acquired for Jeremy Hellickson, will factor into the mix as well. 12-team Mixed: $28; 15-team Mixed: owned, 12-team NL: owned

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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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