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.

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.

Bids in general are best guesstimates. With so much uncertainty at least initially, those values may be even greater estimates than usual. The FAAB chart below lets users easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The chart, 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. An "A" grade is reserved for a high-impact prospect stepping into an everyday role.

If you have questions on players, I'm happy to provide my thoughts in the comments.

PLAYERTEAMPOSGRADE12-Team Mixed $15-Team Mixed $NL-Only $
Ian AndersonATLSPB91827
Taylor ClarkeAZSPD015
Joey LucchesiSDSPE015
Tyler MahleCINSPC1122Rostered
Carlos MartinezSTLSPC2711
Johan OviedoSTLSPENoNo3
David PetersonNYMSPC39Rostered
Jose QuintanaCHISPD3914
Sixto SanchezMIASPB1122Rostered
Michael WachaNYMSPE015
Daniel BardCOLRPD1122Rostered
Brad BrachNYMRP

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.

Bids in general are best guesstimates. With so much uncertainty at least initially, those values may be even greater estimates than usual. The FAAB chart below lets users easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The chart, 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. An "A" grade is reserved for a high-impact prospect stepping into an everyday role.

If you have questions on players, I'm happy to provide my thoughts in the comments.

PLAYERTEAMPOSGRADE12-Team Mixed $15-Team Mixed $NL-Only $
Ian AndersonATLSPB91827
Taylor ClarkeAZSPD015
Joey LucchesiSDSPE015
Tyler MahleCINSPC1122Rostered
Carlos MartinezSTLSPC2711
Johan OviedoSTLSPENoNo3
David PetersonNYMSPC39Rostered
Jose QuintanaCHISPD3914
Sixto SanchezMIASPB1122Rostered
Michael WachaNYMSPE015
Daniel BardCOLRPD1122Rostered
Brad BrachNYMRPE014
Kyle CrickPITRPD2711
Richard RodriguezPITRPE159
Nik TurleyPITRPE027
Caleb FergusonLARPE015
Yimi GarciaMIARPD147
Giovanny GallegosSTLRPD816Rostered
Tyler WebbSTLRPE015
Drew PomeranzSDRPD9RosteredRostered
Trevor RosenthalSDRPCRosteredRostered25
Lucas SimsCINRPD159
Devin WilliamsMILRPD159
Jake WoodfordSTLRPENo04
Brian NavarretoMIACENoNo3
Jacob NottinghamMILCENoNo3
Ali SanchezNYMCENoNo3
Omar NarvaezMILCD159
Will CraigPIT1BD159
John NogowskiSTL1BENoNo4
Christian WalkerAZ1BC55RosteredRostered
Gavin LuxLA2BB71422
Mark MathiasMIL2BENoNo5
Andy YoungAZ2BENoNo4
David BoteCHI3BD27Rostered
Jon BertiMIASSD15RosteredRostered
Jose GarciaCINSSD147
Anthony AlfordPITOFENoNo4
Garrett CooperMIAOFD51116
Jake MarisnickNYMOFE027
Nick MarkakisATLOFD1122Rostered
Jason MartinPITOFENoNo4
Cole TuckerPITOFE017

STARTING PITCHER

Ian Anderson, Braves: Anderson, profiled several times earlier this month, finally got the nod to make his major-league debut and what a debut that was. He earned the win in Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Yankees after allowing one run on one hit with six strikeouts and two walks over six innings. Not surprisingly, Anderson will remain in the Atlanta rotation. He was promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett last season after a solid run with Double-A Mississippi, but amassed a 6.57 ERA and 1.69 WHIP over five starts with the Triple-A club. Anderson did rebound with a solid spring with improved control and improvement of his changeup the two major weaknesses in his arsenal. Great first start, but keep in mind that five-start span last year at Gwinnett and expect some hiccups and growing pains. 12-team Mixed: $9, 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: $27

Taylor Clarke, Diamondbacks: When Mike Leake opted not to participate in the season due to COVID concerns, Clarke moved up a spot on the depth chart. Merrill Kelly filled Leake's rotation slot, but now is also done for the season due to a blood clot. Clarke made a spot start in place of Kelly on Monday, giving up two runs - one earned - on four hits and two walks with a pair of strikeouts over four innings in a no-decision versus the Rockies. He's posted a 2.33 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with 18 strikeouts in 19.1 innings in seven appearances, six of which have been in relief. Clarke will start Sunday with Madison Bumgarner (back) tossing a sim game Saturday and not yet ready to come off the injured list to take that turn in the rotation. Once Mad Bum is back, Clarke still should offer value as a long-reliever, especially since Robbie Ray is struggling with walks and has failed to go more than five innings in any of his starts this season. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7

Joey Lucchesi, Padres: Lucchesi is on the Padres' taxi squad for the current road trip. He began the season as the team's fifth starter, but was removed from the active roster Aug. 6 after struggling in his first two outings. Dinelson Lamet and Garrett Richards each started half of Thursday's doubleheader while Adrian Morejon's was to get the ball Saturday but was replaced by Michel Baez. Unless Zach Davies - who started Friday - is replaced, Lucchesi might remain on the taxi squad unless the need for a fill-in for Morejon/Baez or spot starter arises, which may be the case Sunday. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Tyler Mahle, Reds: Mahle was brilliant Friday after allowing two runs – each coming on solo home runs – while striking out 11 in 6.2 innings. The right-hander has bounced between the rotation and bullpen early on, but it's difficult to see him moving back to relief anytime soon with the way he's pitching (3.91 ERA, 32:10 K:BB), especially considering the Reds face a couple doubleheaders in the next week and Wade Miley landing on the IL. Mahle should be the Reds' third starter behind Sonny Gray and Trevor Bauer, with his improvement aided by an uptick in his fastball velocity and more bite on his splitter. 12-team Mixed: $11, 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: Rostered 

Carlos Martinez, Cardinals: Martinez made one start Jul. 28 surrendering six runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out over 3.2 innings before landing on the IL with COVID-19. He recently resumed baseball activities, tossing a "low-intensity" live batting practice session Monday and repeated that Thursday with a higher pitch count. Martinez will return as to the active roster as a starter, so he may need at least one more session beyond Thursday's to have his arm built up sufficiently. Keep in mind, he was a reliever last year, meaning he may be limited to 5-6 innings max once he returns. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early spec return bid, to be upped as he gets closer)

Johan Oviedo, Cardinals: Oviedo is joining the St. Louis rotation, replacing Daniel Ponce de Leon. He made two starts for the Cardinals to begin the season, allowing four runs on six hits and four walks while striking out five over 10 innings. Oviedo, who wasn't impressive at Double-A last season, should take the mound on the road Wednesday against the Reds. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Cody Ponce, Pirates: Ponce, making his first start in the big leagues, allowed five hits and two walks while striking out two on 77 pitches across 5.2 scoreless innings to earn the win Thursday in the second game of the Pirates' doubleheader against the Cardinals. The 26-year-old, who came to Pittsburgh from Milwaukee last July for Jordan Lyles, had previously made two relief appearances for the big club and tossed 48 pitches across three innings in his most recent outing on Aug. 6. The club sent Ponce back to their alternate site Friday, but he may be called upon to make a spot start again on Sep. 4 when the team is scheduled for another doubleheader. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

David Peterson, Mets: Peterson, sidelined for two weeks with shoulder inflammation, returned to action Friday and allowed three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out three over four innings. All three runs were scored in the third, when his control failed him. Peterson, selected in the first round of 2017, is projected as a mid-rotation starter in the future. He is also poised to be a part of the 2021 rotation, with Noah Syndergaard (Tommy John surgery) expected to miss the first couple months and Marcus Stroman, Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha set to be free agents after this season. Peterson boasts good command of a quality three-pitch mix and is excellent at generating groundballs while his fastball has ticked up a notch or two. He should remain in the rotation the balance of the season. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered (mixed league bids are in case he was waived in your leagues) 

Jose Quintana, Cubs: Quintana, who underwent thumb surgery at the start of July, was activated Tuesday after completing several simulated games. He is working in a long-relief role until fully stretched out, at which point he'll move into the Cubs' rotation. Alec Mills likely will be the odd man out, though Tyler Chatwood could be the one who moves to the bullpen to make room for Quintana, who posted a 4.68 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 152:46 K:BB in 171 innings. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (upped bid on expectation he starts)

Sixto Sanchez, Marlins: I am re-running what I wrote last week on Sanchez but with the news he was to remain in the team's rotation, though Thursday's postponement might change that and the proposed bid for him - in case he has yet to be acquired - was upped...Get your prospects here, get your prospects here. Miami added Sixto and Jesus Sanchez - no relation - on the same day to their active roster. Sixto, who turned 22 on Jul. 29, was acquired from the Phillies before the 2019 season as part of the J.T. Realmuto trade. He has been dominating at the team's alternate site, reportedly touching 100 MPH with his fastball, Sanchez registered a 0.95 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 39:7 K:BB over his final eight starts (47.1 innings) at Double-A last year. He has a pair of 70-grade pitches in his fastball and upper-80s changeup. A slider is coming along as a solid third pitch and what makes him further stand out is his fine command. Sanchez notched the win in his debut allowing three runs on six hits while striking out four in five innings and should remain in the Marlins' rotation the balance of the season. 12-team Mixed: $11, 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: Rostered (based on 58% figure as of Thursday on CBS Sports)

Michael Wacha, Mets: Wacha, sidelined since Aug. 9 with shoulder inflammation, rejoined the Mets' rotation Friday after emerging from a pair of bullpens earlier in the week with no issues. Prior to landing on the shelf, the right-hander compiled a 6.43 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 18:5 K:BB across three outings (14 innings). Wacha, signed last December to a one-year, $3 million contract $5.35 million in additional incentives, allowed one run in five innings in his first start of the season but was hit hard his next two before landing on the IL. His struggles continued against the Yankees, as he allowed four runs on six hits and a walk but did strike out seven in three innings of work. It's unclear if Wacha will remain in the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

RELIEF PITCHER

Daniel Bard, Rockies: Good news: I have Bard in my home auction league. Bad news: I picked up Carlos Estevez in the Rotowire Staff League after thinking he would be the closer when Bard struggled. Then manager Bud Black turned to Bard for back-to-back saves, noting he feels Bard may be the best option in the ninth inning for the Rockies. Your guess right now is as good as mine as to who sees the next save chance, as Bard has now allowed runs in four of his last six appearances and struggling with a 7.20 ERA in five innings across that stretch while Estevez has allowed no runs in his last five appearances prior to Saturday night's implosion. My guess is still Bard, prompting this bid, but who the heck knows. 12-team Mixed: $11, 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: Rostered

Brad Brach, Mets: Brach was called upon to close after Edwin Diaz left Wednesday's game with leg cramps. Seth Lugo has shifted back to starting, leaving Diaz to resume his role as the team's closer. The rollercoaster continued on the day he was sidelined and Brach completed the downward plummet, blowing the lead and Jacob deGrom's win. Brach ended up the winner when the Mets scored in the bottom of the eighth and he tossed a clean ninth. If Diaz is sidelined again, Brach could be in the mix to close along with Jared Hughes, Justin Wilson, Jeurys Familia, Chasen Shreve and Dellin Betances. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Kyle Crick/Richard Rodriguez/Nik Turley, Pirates: Crick, sidelined since the end of July while recovering from a right shoulder strain, was activated Saturday. Keone Kela was placed on the injured list Thursday with forearm tightness so Crick, who was potentially going to close when the season started with Kela was out, could see some save opportunities along with Rodriguez and Turley. Rodriguez, profiled last week, gets another mention with Kela sidelined. The move is retroactive to Aug. 24, so Kela could return as soon as Sep. 4. But given the nature of the injury, it's possible he won't return anytime soon. Pittsburgh cycled through several closers, including Crick, while Kela was out before. I originally thought Rodriguez, who notched 16 holds last season but saw his numbers rise following a brilliant 2018 campaign and allowed a pair of runs Thursday while notching the save, was to be the primary option to close games. But after he blew the save and game Saturday and with Crick now back, that looks unlikely. Turley, who notched the save in the second game of the doubleheader, will also factor in the mix as a lefty out of the bullpen, though he blew the save in the eighth inning Saturday. Turley, who hadn't appeared in affiliated ball since the 2017 season due to a suspension and elbow injuries, stayed healthy this spring and summer to earn a spot in the Pittsburgh bullpen. Crick - 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Rodriguez - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Turley - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7

Caleb Ferguson, Dodgers: Ferguson made a spot start in place of Walker Buehler (blister), tossing a scoreless first inning before being replaced. Prior to the start, Ferguson had been brilliant in middle relief and only allowed one run on six hits and pair of walks while striking out 19 in 12.1 innings. Ferguson regressed last season after a solid 2018 campaign and relieving may be his role for the future due to his reliance solely on his fastball and curveball, unless he develops a third pitch. But he could end up in a setup role down the road. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Yimi Garcia, Marlins: Garcia, out since Aug. 4 due to COVID-19, was activated off the IL on Friday. Craig Mish noted that Garcia is set to be a high-leverage arm for the Marlins over the rest of the season, similar to the role he had before being sidelined having looked great in Jupiter since his return to the field. Brandon Kintzler has done nothing to lose the closer role, but Garcia could vulture wins and saves occasionally. Garcia rebounded from an injury-recovery shortened and poor 2018 to post solid numbers across the board last year, including ranking among the elite in hard-hit rate allowed, xBA and xwOBA as we highlighted in our preseason outlook. Miami signed him to a one-year, $1.1 million contract last December to help lengthen and strengthen their bullpen. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Giovanny Gallegos/Tyler Webb, Cardinals: Gallegos, profiled last week, gets another mention as Andrew Miller landed on the injured list with left shoulder fatigue. Ryan Helsley, the likely favorite down the road to close, threw a side session Monday and was to toss a bullpen session this past weekend but there is no timetable for his return after being sidelined with COVID-19. Gallegos - who missed the beginning part of the season and made his debut on Jul. 29 - pitched 1.1 perfect innings with one strikeout to earn his first save of the season Saturday. He produced closer-like numbers last season, striking out 33.3 percent of opposing batters while walking just 5.7 percent on route to a 2.31 ERA. Webb replaces Miller as the primary lefty in the bullpen and could be used in matchup situations. Gallegos - 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered (bid dependent on how much longer Helsley is out); Webb - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Drew Pomeranz/Trevor Rosenthal, Padres: Pomeranz, closing in place of the injured Kirby Yates, was activated from the 10-day injured list Saturday after being sidelined for the minimum amount of time recovering from a left shoulder strain. Now that he has returned, Pomeranz's role might change following San Diego's acquisition of Rosenthal on Saturday from Kansas City for Edward Olivares. Emilio Pagan was closing for the Padres with Pomeranz sidelined, so manager Jayce Tingler will have many options available at the end of games, although matchups may dictate who gets used on any given day. Pomeranz - 12-team Mixed: $7, 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: Rostered; Rosenthal - 12-team Mixed: Rostered, 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: $25 (up more if think he closes)

Lucas Sims, Reds: Sims has been a weapon out of the bullpen for Cincinnati. He tossed two more scoreless innings Thursday to earn the win and now has a 0.69 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 13 innings. A first-round draft pick in 2012, Sims was dealt from Atlanta to Cincinnati as part of the Adam Duvall trade in 2018. Sims has looked much better since moving full-time to the bullpen, aided by one of the highest spin rates in the game on the heater and the curveball as well and is locked in as one of the main setup men for Raisel Iglesias. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Devin Williams, Brewers: Williams has struck out 20 while giving up an unearned run on two hits and three walks over nine innings in nine August appearances. The key to his success has been a mid-80s changeup, which ranks tops among all pitchers in horizontal movement and fourth in vertical movement as measured by Statcast. Josh Hader is still locked in as the Brewers' closer, but Williams' rise this season could have him next in line despite the solid season by David Phelps with Corey Knebel out with a strained hamstring. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Jake Woodford, Cardinals: Woodford, who has been up-and-down from/to the alternate site this season and the 29th man during doubleheaders, could be in St. Louis to stay. He posted a 4.15 ERA with a 131:75 K:BB over 151.2 innings as a starter at Triple-A Memphis last season but has been used out of the pen this year. Woodford had thrown seven innings in his first three appearances and gave up two runs on five hits while striking out three over 3.1 relief innings Friday in place of starter Daniel Ponce de Leon. He could stick as a multi-inning relief asset as a bridge between the starters and back end of the bullpen. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4 

CATCHER 

Brian Navarreto/Jacob Nottingham/Ali Sanchez: The Marlins, Brewers and Mets promoted backup catchers this week to provide depth behind the plate. Navarreto fills the 40-man roster spot of Ryan Lavarnway - who was designated for assignment - and the 28-man active roster spot of Francisco Cervelli (concussion), who was placed on the 7-day injured list. Manny Pina landed on the IL with a torn meniscus, which will probably spell the end of his regular season. That leaves Nottingham, who homered Friday, to serve as the Brewers' backup catcher behind Omar Narvaez going forward. Sanchez, called up for the second time this year, took the place of Tomas Nido, who is sidelined with COVID-19. Patrick Mazeika, who was also called up for Tuesday's DH, was sent down Wednesday, leaving Sanchez to back up Wilson Ramos. Both - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Omar Narvaez, Brewers: Manny Pina landed on the IL with a torn meniscus, which will probably spell the end of his regular season, making Narvaez the Brewers' starting catcher. Jacob Nottingham, called up Friday, will back up Narvaez and likely playing versus lefties. Maybe consistent playing time will be the elixir for his ailing bat. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

FIRST BASE 

Will Craig, Pirates: The 22nd pick of the 2016 draft was promoted Thursday to make his major-league debut, replacing Colin Moran (concussion) who landed in the injured list. He offers some pop from the right side but plenty of swing and miss in his game and is best suited as a designated hitter, but the same can be said of Josh Bell. Craig will see time both at first base and at DH, playing close to daily for the Bucs. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

John Nogowski, Cardinals: Nogowski lasted just three days in his call-up earlier this month, but gets a second chance with his promotion Saturday. He should serve in a depth role after Max Schrock was optioned to alternate camp. Nogowski slugged a total of 27 home runs across the 200 minor-league games he logged over the last two seasons in Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis while posting no lower than a .378 OBA each of the past three seasons. Paul Goldschmidt is locked in to first base and the Cardinals hold many options at DH, but Nogowski could remain with the major-league team the rest of the way if he keeps hitting. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

Christian Walker, Diamondbacks: Walker has very quietly gotten warm at the plate. The power numbers are still down, but the Arizona first baseman homered in back-to-back games this week and drove in six runs over a three-game span while adding another tater Saturday to firmly move his OPS above the .800 mark. Walker should start nearly every day and bat in the middle of the D-Backs lineup, proving last year's breakout was not an aberration but him taking advantage of the opportunity provided by the trade of Paul Goldschmidt. 12-team Mixed: $55; 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: Rostered

SECOND BASE 

Gavin Lux, Dodgers: Gavin Lux, earlier this week we hardly knew you. But now, he is back again. Called up from the LA taxi squad as the 29th man Thursday, Lux was sent back down after the doubleheader. A poor showing in summer camp prompted Los Angeles to leave him off its Opening Day roster and send him to the alternate training site for further development. Lux had been dominating at that location lately and appears to have finally convinced Dodgers' brass he deserves a full-time spot on the active roster, as he was promoted again Saturday. Now up in the majors, he should unseat Chris Taylor as the starter at the keystone spot. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22

Mark Mathias, Brewers: Mathias, acquired this offseason by Milwaukee from Cleveland, was promoted just over three weeks ago by the Brewers but was sent back down after eight days on the roster. He hit a respectable .269/.335/.442 with 12 homers and 13 steals for Triple-A Columbus last season to earn a spring invite. Mathias was called back up on Aug. 20 and is seeing consistent playing time versus southpaws, manning a corner outfield spot each of the last three times the Brewers faced a left-handed starter. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5 

Andy Young, Diamondbacks: Young, who had a cup of coffee earlier this month, was called back up Thursday to replace Kevin Cron on Arizona's active roster. Acquired in the Paul Goldschmidt trade last year, Young posted a .903 OPS with 29 home runs and 81 RBI at Triple-A Reno. Young will play a depth role at second base, third base, shortstop and at DH as he continues to develop in the majors. During his prior stint in the majors, he appeared in seven games and went 4-for-14 with a home run and three RBI. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

THIRD BASE

David Bote, Cubs: Kris Bryant's wrist/thumb injury has sidelined the Cubs' usual third baseman since Aug. 17. Bote has somewhat ably filled that spot, but will return to his utility role whenever Bryant is ready to go. Nico Hoerner could also see some time at the hot corner, though most of his action is coming at second base. This means Bote, who qualifies at second and third, will occupy third most days until Bryant is activated. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team-NL: Rostered

SHORTSTOP

Jon Berti, Marlins: Berti, profiled earlier in the month, gets another mention as he has been a running fool on the bases. His three steals Tuesday - including his theft of home - gave him eight stolen bases, 15 runs scored, six RBI and a homer in 20 games this season. The defensively versatile 30-year-old who likely qualifies at second, short, third and outfield should continue to earn playing time with a spot at the top of the batting order. In 73 games last season, he slashed .273/.348/.406 with six home runs, 17 steals and 52 runs scored while seeing playing time at third, short, left, center and right field. Speed has always been Berti's primary weapon with 270 steals over his nine-year, minor-league career and he is using that asset again this season. 12-team Mixed: $15, 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: Rostered 

Jose Garcia, Reds: Garcia, one of the Reds' better prospects, was promoted and made his debut Thursday. The 22-year-old shortstop has never even played at Double-A and thatobviously means he didn't see Triple-A as well, so temper your expectations. Freddy Galvis will lose some time to Garcia, whose bat-to-ball skills and speed should play well in the future but will go through growing pains this year and could open 2021 in the minors. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team-NL: $7

OUTFIELD

Anthony Alford, Pirates: Alford, once a top prospect, was claimed by the Pirates on Thursday after being designated for assignment last Thursday by the Blue Jays. He failed to take advantage of the opportunities he was given in Toronto, hitting .155 with a 40 percent strikeout rate across parts of four seasons over 46 games. If Alford ever gets a chance at more consistent playing time with his new team, the athletic outfielder could prove to be a fantasy asset. For now, he will back up all three outfield spots. But with Jarrod Dyson traded to the White Sox, Alford could receive an opportunity to see additional action. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

Garrett Cooper, Marlins: Cooper, profiled last week, gets another mention as he was activated off the injured list Friday after being sidelined with COVID-19. He was slated to split time in right field with Matt Joyce when the plug was pulled on spring training. Injuries bookended Cooper's season last year, but he posted solid numbers when healthy. Cooper started in the Marlins' first two games of the season and went 2-for-7 with an RBI before he was shut down Jul. 26 when he became one of the first known players on the roster to have tested positive. Now activated, he's expected to rotate with Jesus Aguilar between first base and designated hitter while also potentially seeing time in the outfield. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (same as prior, now that he was activated)

Jake Marisnick, Mets: Marisnick, acquired from the Astros this past offseason, battled a left hamstring issue during spring camp that landed him on the injured list the first week of the season. Activated Friday, Marisnick should see playing time versus southpaws while serving as a late-inning defensive replacement in center field. Look for a modicum of power with a low batting average when he plays, as happened on Friday. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7

Nick Markakis, Braves: Markakis opted out in early-July but changed his mind later that month and was reinstated from the restricted list the first week of August. After two weeks of playing time, Markakis was placed on the IL after informing the team that he may have been in contact with someone who was exposed to the coronavirus, but the veteran is never believed to have tested positive for COVID-19. Markakis, who was off to a strong start before being sidelined, was activated Wednesday and should be in the lineup almost daily in either right or left field or as the team's DH, but he might sit versus certain southpaws. Across 116 games last season Markakis hit .285/.356/.420 with nine home runs. 12-team Mixed: $11, 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: Rostered

Jason Martin/Cole Tucker, Pirates: Tucker, who earned a spot on the Pirates' 30-man roster out of summer camp, should start almost daily in center field with Jarrod Dyson dealt to the White Sox on Friday. Dyson was not in Pittsburgh's future plans while Tucker was batting .323 in 31 at-bats since Aug. 14. While Tucker has looked better at the plate recently, he still has only produced three extra-base hits and one stolen base in 63 total plate appearances. Martin and Anthony Alford, who was claimed off waivers this week, should also see the occasional start as evidenced in Martin playing center field Friday. Martin - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4; Tucker - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7

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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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