FAAB Factor - NL: The Doc Is In

National League - FAAB - 8/25/13

Starting Pitching:

Tyler Chatwood/Roy Oswalt, Rockies - Chatwood, out with right elbow impingement since August 8, threw a three-inning, 50-pitch simulated game Thursday and will begin a rehab assignment Sunday. Prior to being sidelined, Chatwood had been a surprising rock in the middle of the rotation for the Rockies, going 7-4 with a 3.15 ERA. Chatwood hopes to return to the Rockies next weekend, which indicates that he may only require one rehab outing. The recovery process has been smooth to this point, so such a fast return seems realistic. Oswalt, on the DL since July 8 with a hamstring injury, also completed a three-inning simulated game Thursday and will throw another simulated game before starting a rehab assignment. He had a setback earlier in the month, but all seems right now. Assuming he has no more setbacks, Oswalt could be back by early-to-mid September. Chatwood - Mixed: $3; NL: $9; Oswalt - Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (both early return spec bids).

Freddy Garcia, Braves - The Braves acquired Garcia from the Orioles and assigned him for now to Triple-A Gwinnett. Garcia went 3-5 with a 5.77 ERA in 11 appearances (10 starts) for the Baltimore Orioles this season, before being outrighted to their Triple-A Club, the Norfolk Tides, in late June. He made 13 starts for Norfolk, compiling an 8-3 record with a 2.84 ERA while striking out 61 batters in 82.1 innings. If Paul Maholm falters, Garcia could get a look as Atlanta's fifth starter. Mixed: $0; NL: $3 (early call up spec bid).

Roy Halladay, Phillies - It's time again for your weekly Halladay update. Halladay, sidelined after undergoing shoulder surgery to repair his labrum and rotator cuff in mid-May, was originally slated to join Double-A Reading for his next rehab start Sunday. After tossing six innings of two-run ball for Low-A Lakewood on Tuesday, Halladay's was to take on more advanced competition at Reading his next time out. However, that all changed as the Phillies 18-inning marathon, which forced Tyler Cloyd, Sunday's scheduled starter to throw five innings. It has resulted in Doc getting activated to start Sunday against Arizona. The right-hander's fastball velocity seemed to improve slightly in his most recent outing, as he topped out at 89 mph, and it will be interesting to see if that spikes with him back in the majors. Mixed: $8; NL: $20 (slightly upped bid from last week).

Tyler Lyons, Cardinals - Lyons will move into the Cardinals' rotation starting Monday against the Reds, as it won't be Michael Wacha or Carlos Martinez who takes Jake Westbrook's (back) spot in the rotation, but rather the 25-year-old Lyons. Lyons has put up a 5.09 ERA in eight appearances (seven starts) for St. Louis this season, but he's been better at Triple-A Memphis (3.39 ERA, 1.05 WHIP). However, if he struggles the Cards may consider the other aforementioned options. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Paul Maholm, Braves - Maholm, out since July 20 with a left wrist contusion, took the loss in his first game off the DL, giving up five runs (four earned) in 5.1 innings Thursday in St. Louis. He struck out four, walked three and allowed five hits in seeing his record drop to 9-10. The original thought was this start might be a one-time deal with Brandon Beachy back from the DL and youngster Alex Wood excelling since being recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett. That now has changed as Beachy landed back on the DL with elbow discomfort and will see Dr. James Andrews on Monday, which usually is not a good sign. Maholm, despite his struggles could remain in the Atlanta rotation. However, be aware the Braves just acquired Freddy Garcia from the Orioles, so he could get a look if Maholm doesn't turn it around. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.
 
Daisuke Matsuzaka, Mets - The Mets signed Matsuzaka on Thursday and he joined the big-league team, starting Friday against the Tigers, against whom he allowed five runs in five innings. Matsuzaka asked for and was granted his release by the Indians earlier this week, where he posted a 5.8 record, with a 3.92 ERA and 1.277 WHIP for their Triple-A affiliate. With Jeremy Hefner and Jenrry Mejia sidelined for the year, Dice-K, who last pitched in the majors for the Red Sox in 2012, posting an 8.28 ERA and 1.708 WHIP in 11 starts, fills the open fifth starter spot. The Mets tried to roll the Dice-K in 2006, making a $35 million posting bid, but lost out to Boston, who won him at $51 million, so they get him many years and innings later. Friday, Matsuzaka struggled early but rebounded to retire the last 10 hitters he faced. His fastball only sits at 87-91 mph now, but he relies on a slider and solid changeup to retire hitters. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.
 
Guillermo Moscoco/Yusmeiro Petit/Barry Zito - Moscoso, who was claimed by the Giants in late-July, made one start before moving back to the bullpen and work in long relief, making room for Ryan Vogelsong. The Giants called up Petit on Friday to take the place of the injured Matt Cain, who landed on the DL with a forearm contusion. Petit will take Cain's next turn in the rotation, Tuesday against the Rockies. Zito, who was removed from the rotation in early-August, started Wednesday and was shelled, giving up six runs on seven hits over 3.2 innings. With Chad Gaudin and Cain down, Zito will remain in the rotation for the time being. Moscoco - Mixed: No; NL: $0; Petit and Zito - Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Greg Reynolds, Reds - Reynolds' contract was purchased from Triple-A Louisville on Sunday. Reynolds, who allowed eight hits and five earned runs over five innings in his one major-league start this year July 23 against the Giants, will be called upon to fill Tony Cingrani's spot in the rotation after he was forced to the disabled list with a lower back issue. With a tidy 2.42 ERA and 1.05 WHIP at Triple-A, Reynolds figures to receive at least two turns in the rotation before Cingrani returns. His first test will come against the Brewers at home Sunday. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Relief Pitchers:
 
Brad Boxberger/Brad Brach/Nick Christiani/Mike Kickham/Jean Machi/Chaz Roe/Rob Scahill - This week's middle reliever call ups/acquisitions were in San Diego (2x), Cincinnati, San Francisco (2x), Arizona and Colorado. The only one to have any value is Kickham, as he could end up starting if whomever fills in for Matt Cain, which right now is Yusmeiro Petit, falters. All but Kickham -Mixed: No; NL: $0; Kickham - Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Rex Brothers, Rockies - The return of Rafael Betancourt from the disabled list last Friday bounced Brothers from the closing role and into high-leverage eighth-inning work. Brothers has bounced back into closing, as Betancourt suffered what looked to be a major elbow injury Thursday. Brothers has posted a 1.48 ERA and 1.13 WHIP, going 12-for-13 in saves, including one Friday, along with 12 holds. The one negative is that Brothers has walked 25 batters in 54.2 innings, but he has been able to somewhat work around that with 58 Ks, though he does have a 3.40 FIP partially due to those base-on-balls. Mixed: $11; NL: $35 (major upped value).

Jason Grilli, Pirates - Grilli, who has been sidelined since July 22 with a strained right forearm and hopes to be "game ready" by the end of August, is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Sunday. The Pirates might take things a bit more slowly with their reliever than he wants, just to error on the side of caution. In any event, it looks like Grilli, who threw off the slope of the mound Tuesday and had a bullpen session Friday, will indeed return prior to the end of the regular season. Prior to being sidelined, Grilli had 30 saves, a 2.34 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 66:10 K:BB ratio over 42.1 innings this season. He has been more than ably replaced by Mark Melancon, who could continue to close when Grilli returns, though the expectation is that Grilli will get his job back at some point. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (upped early injury return spec bid, in case he was waived when he was first sidelined. Up substantially if believe he returns within two weeks and closes).

Heath Hembree, Giants - Hembree is all but a lock to be called up when major league rosters expand on September 1. After a tumultuous June (7.84 ERA), Hembree has been dominant in July and August, posting a 1.50 ERA in 19 appearances during that span. He projects to be a closer long-term, but he could provide value as a middle reliever due to his excellent strikeout rate in the minors (10.29 K/9). Mixed: $0; NL: $3 (early call up spec bid).

Sam LeCure, Reds - LeCure picked up his first save of the year Thursday against Arizona, working around a couple hits for a scoreless ninth. With Aroldis Chapman unavailable after pitching two innings Wednesday, J.J. Hoover similarly heavily worked, and Jonathan Broxton on the DL, LeCure was the next man up for a save chance. Don't expect to see too many of those on his line, but he has been a decent source of holds, notching 16 so far along a solid 54:18 K:BB ratio in 49 innings, and should assume a larger role in the Reds bullpen, considering Broxton's DL trip. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Carlos Martinez, Cardinals - The Cardinals recalled Martinez from Triple-A Louisville on Friday. Since he was sent back to Memphis on Aug. 10, Martinez has made two starts, one quality and the other porous. Meanwhile, his 11 appearances (one start) with the Cardinals this season have resulted in an unsightly 6.19 ERA, 1.625 WHIP and 13:7 K:BB ratio in 16 frames. Expect him to take the mound in low-leverage situations out of the bullpen, while Jake Westbrook (back) resides on the DL. If Tyler Lyons falters while filling in for Westbrook, Martinez or Michael Wacha may be next in line. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (bid due to upside, not role, higher in keeper leagues).

Tanner Roark, Nationals - Roark won his fourth game in six major league appearances Friday, tossing 4.2 innings of shutout relief. Roark has got a 1.10 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 12:2 K:BB ratio in 16.1 innings, joining the bullpen just in time for the Nationals' offense to show some signs of life and get him some wins. His minor league track record doesn't inspire a lot of confidence, but at least for the moment, he's providing some surprising value. If Ross Ohlendorf falters, Roark could get a start or two before the end of the season. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Trevor Rosenthal, Cardinals -Edward Mujica is dealing with a knot near the shoulder, which is likely due to fatigue, Rosenthal could be next in line if Mujica, who notched the save Saturday, misses any time in the future. Rosenthal has struggled a bit lately, but he still has a solid 2.49 ERA, 1.19 ERA, 86:17 K:BB ratio and 26 holds in 61.1 innings over 59 games. He already had value due to those numbers, but if the Cardinals use Mujica liberally to keep him fresh, Rosenthal's value will spike as he may notch some saves. Mixed: $4; NL: $11 (upped value).

Injury activation - Brian Wilson, Dodgers - Underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2012 before signing a minor-league deal with the Dodgers and was activated Monday. His fastball hit 94 mph in his first appearance Thursday and he may set up Kenley Jansen. (Mixed: $1; NL: $4).

Catchers:
 
Miguel Montero, Diamondbacks - Montero, on the DL since July 29 with the back inflammation, which plagued him for a while before he was shut down, caught in the Arizona League on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday of this week. He was slated to catch seven to nine innings Friday and Saturday, and so far it doesn't appear Montero has had any setbacks. They'll ease him back with a serviceable replacement in Wil Nieves behind the plate in his absence. If he gets through the week without issue, he'll probably rejoin the club early in the upcoming homestand, which begins this Monday. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (upped early injury return speculation, in case he was waived due to struggles and injury).

First Basemen:

Lucas Duda, Mets - Duda, who went the disabled list June 22 with an intercostal muscle strain on his left side, was optioned to the minors when he was activated earlier this month. The Mets called Duda back up from Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday, sending down Mike Baxter. In 18 games for the 51s, including his rehab assignment earlier this month, Duda has slashed .306/.423/.355 with eight RBI, 13 runs scored, and one stolen base in 62 at-bats. While he'll supply depth to the Mets' outfield, his defensive deficiencies leave him best served to handle first base, which right now is being handled by Ike Davis and Josh Satin. With Eric Young Jr. and Marlon Byrd entrenched in left and right field, Duda won't see much time. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.
 
Second Base:
 
Elliot Johnson, Braves - The Braves claimed Johnson off waivers from the Royals on Wednesday to provide some veteran depth on the infield. Johnson brought along a .179/.218/.241 line with two home runs and 14 stolen bases in 162 at-bats this season, which should still afford him occasional playing time in a bruised and battered Braves middle infield. Johnson played second, third and shortstop and both corner outfield positions with the Royals this season, could see time at all three infield spots when Dan Uggla, out after LASIK eye surgery, comes off the DL next Wednesday. Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Injury news - Dan Uggla, Braves - Has been out since August 13 after undergoing LASIK eye surgery. He was 2-for-32 with no extra-base hits and 14 strikeouts over the last 10 games before having the operation, and he currently owns an ugly .186/.307/.389 batting line. Maybe this will help him but I am skeptical, but we will see him back in action for the Braves on Wednesday after he plays a two-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett starting on Monday. (if you held onto him this long, you likely still own him).

Shortstops:
 
Willie Bloomquist, Diamondbacks - Bloomquist, profiled last week and out since July 6 with two broken bones in his left hand, similar to what Aaron Hill dealt with, gets another mention as he has been playing in the Arizona League and should return next week. If Bloomquist comes back the way he did after his first disabled list stint this season, he'll make an immediate impact. However, as of now, he is expected to spell Aaron Hill and see some time at shortstop. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (upped injury return spec bid).

Third Basemen:

Eric Chavez, Diamondbacks - Chavez, out for less than two weeks with knee and hip injuries caused by too much cardio work, began a rehab assignment Thursday in the Arizona League. The obvious fantasy implication is that prospect Matt Davidson will see even less time at third when Chavez returns, which should be sometime on the team's upcoming homestand. Arizona likely will play the two backup third basemen rarely enough for either to have any fantasy value for the rest of the year. Mixed: $2; NL: should still be owned.

Ed Lucas/Gil Velazquez, Marlins - Lucas has put together a handful of nice games in the place of Placido Polanco, who is sidelined with a concussion. Over his past 10 contests, Lucas has posted a solid .333 batting average with a home run and five RBI and should see most of the time at the hot corner while Polanco is sidelined. The Marlins called up Velazquez on Monday to take Polanco's spot on the active roster. In 304 at-bats with New Orleans, Velazquez hit .250/.346/.273 with 24 RBI and 47 strikeouts and he will back up Lucas. Lucas - Mixed: $0; NL: $2; Velazquez - Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Donnie Murphy/Luis Valbuena, Cubs - Murphy continued his recent magical ride, hitting yet another homer Thursday against the Nationals. Those in NL-only leagues or super-deep mixers who rolled Murphy who was released by Milwaukee in March, out on a hope and a prayer this week have been rewarded with eight hits and four homers in four games. The journeyman infielder has already set a new career high in homers -- a ridiculous eight in 72 at-bats. Before this season, he'd hit 18 in 550 at-bats. To provide another staggering number, he has an .738 SLG. Sooner or later the ride will end, as a 19:3 K:B ratio in just 65 at-bats means that a regression is coming, but enjoy the ride while it lasts. Valbuena, the former starter, who has been out of the lineup since Aug. 2 due to a right oblique strain, took grounders before Wednesday's game and is on track to begin a rehab assignment in the near future. If he continues to improve and begins a rehab assignment in the coming days, it's reasonable to expect Valbuena could return to Cubs around the end of the month. If Murphy has cooled by then, Valbuena could see the lion's share of playing time. Murphy - Mixed: $7; NL: should be owned; Valbuena - Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Ryan Wheeler, Rockies - Colorado called up Wheeler on Monday, and the Rockies decided to keep him even after Jhoulys Chacin came off the bereavement list on Friday. Wheeler was batting .308/.352/.460 with 10 homers and 81 RBI for Colorado Springs but has yet to translate his strong production at Triple-A the last two seasons into any sort of success in the big leagues. He will back up Todd Helton and Nolan Arenado. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Outfielders:

Roger Bernadina, Nationals - The Phillies signed Bernadina on Wednesday and added him to their 25-man roster with Michael Martinez optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley in a corresponding transaction. Bernadina slashed a putrid .178/.247/.270 over 167 plate appearances this season, but interim manager Ryne Sandberg said Bernadina will "get a good look" from the Phillies over the remainder of the season. That likely means he will split time with John Mayberry in center field. Recently, Mayberry, Darin Ruf, and Casper Wells have all been seeing playing time in center and right field, while Domonic Brown has a firm hold on the everyday left field job. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Kyle Blanks, Padres - Blanks, profiled the past two weeks and on the DL since July 12 with Achilles tendinitis, was able to jog for the first time Thursday. He ramped up his workload from riding a stationary bike to using an elliptical machine to his recent step of jogging on a treadmill for 15 minutes. Blanks was scheduled to take the next step of his rehab on Sunday, serving as the designated hitter for Triple-A Tucson. When Blanks does return to the Padres, he'll have ample opportunity for at-bats when healthy due to knee injuries to fellow outfielders Carlos Quentin and Cameron Maybin. Blanks has not played in a major-league game since July 11, posting a 256 batting average with eight home runs and 34 RBI in 219 at-bats, could possibly be back with the Padres sometime in early-September. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (upped early injury spec bids).

Brian Bogusevic, Cubs - Bogusevic, out since July 18 with a strained left hamstring, returned to the Cubs on Tuesday. With David DeJesus ending up in Tampa through Washington after being placed on waivers by Chicago, Bogusevic is starting in left field, and has homered twice in his first three games after being activated. In a tiny sample, Bogusevic has been surprisingly solid for the Cubbies, hitting .305 with the two homers and a couple steals in 16 games. Mixed: $3; NL: $9.

Todd Cunningham, Braves - The Braves called up Cunningham on Friday to fill the roster spot vacated by Brandon Beachy (elbow), though he figures to play a minimal bench role for Atlanta. There's very little upside with Cunningham offensively, as he's hit just .267 with two home runs in 110 games with Triple-A Gwinnett this season. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Khris Davis, Brewers - Davis, who I profiled a few weeks ago when Ryan Braun was suspended, has taken a firm hold on the left field job and has no intentions of giving it back. Davis blasted a pair of two-run home runs Friday, giving him eight homers to go with 18 RBI with a .338/.412/.724 line for Milwaukee.If you haven't jumped on the bandwagon, do it now before time runs out. Mixed: $45; NL: owned.

Evan Gattis/Joey Terdaslovich/Jordan Schafer/BJ Upton, Braves - The injury to Jason Heyward creates a major hole in the Braves outfield. The alignment for now looks to be Schafer in left, B.J. Upton in center and Justin Upton in right. Of course, if Schafer continues to struggle, as he is just 3-for-34 since being activated on August 9, or Justin Upton's left upper back strain flares up, or B.J. Upton, who snapped a 0-for-25 skid with a single in the second inning Friday only to go 0-for-3 doesn't show any signs of life, that all could change. In any of the above occur, look for Gattis, hitting just .188 (22-for-117) with three home runs and a .581 OPS since June 1 after a hot start in the majors, and/or Terdaslovich, who is challenged defensively but has a decent eye at the plate and has seen minimal action the past month, to get more playing time. None of the options mentioned below are stellar ones, so it would not be surprising to see Atlanta try and make a deal for an outfielder who can play in the postseason before the August 31 deadline. Gattis - Mixed: $7; NL: should be owned (higher bid because of catcher eligibility); Terdaslovich - Mixed: $1; NL: $4; Schafer: Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (upped bid);  Upton: Mixed: $8; NL: owned (should no longer platoon with Schafer, unsure if that's really a good thing).

Caleb Gindl, Brewers - The Brewers called up Gindl from Triple-A Nashville on Friday. Gindl, who was a roster casualty last week when Aramis Ramirez (knee) came off the DL, returns to the Brewers after staying down in Nashville for the minimum of 10 days. He figures to see some playing time in the outfield, but may not see consistent action despite his .282/.364/.423 batting line through 90 plate appearances, as Khris Davis has made the most of his opportunity. Mixed: No; NL: $3.

Billy Hamilton, Reds - With the rosters set to expand on September 1 and the Reds expected to add players who at a minimum will fill roles as pinch-hitters and pinch-runners, look for the speedy Hamilton to be promoted. Hamilton has a .259/.311/.347 with 73 steals in 116 games for Triple-A Louisville through Saturday, but has been much better since the All-Star break to raise his profile again. He took a little while to get going, but now that he has adapted to the league and learned the pitchers and their pick-off moves, Hamilton has been running with abandon. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (early spec call up bid, up substantially in keeper leagues).

Roger Kieschnick, Giants - Kieschnick has been seeing regular playing time against righties since his callup at the end of July, and his role will likely expand with Jeff Francoeur being designated for assignment earlier this week. He batted .273 with 13 home runs and a 102:40 K:BB ratio with Triple-A Fresno this season before his promotion. Kieschnick may lose some time to Gregor Blanco, Brett Pill and Brandon Belt in left field. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Andrew Lambo, Pirates - Lambo, who I profiled last week but removed from the column after he was sent down, finally gets into this week's article as he was called up to take the place of Starling Marte on the Bucs' roster. Lambo is hitting a combined .284 with 24 doubles, 32 homers and 99 RBI in 120 Double-A and Triple-A game. He went 1-for-9 in his first stint with the Pirates before he was sent down and provides depth to the Pirates' outfield, in both corner spots. Now that he gotten his feet wet, he'll likely get his chance to justify his considerable hype. The only downside is that Lambo is not right-handed, which is a major need in Pittsburgh, as his lefty power fits in with Alvarez and Jones, who are already on the Pirates' roster. He was a fourth round pick by LA in 2007 and was acquired by Pittsburgh along with James McDonald in 2010. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Ryan Ludwick, Reds - Ludwick, profiled two weeks ago when he returned to action after tearing cartilage and dislocated his right shoulder sliding headfirst into third base in the first game of the season, gets another mention, as he is starting to find his way at the plate. Over the past week, Ludwick is 8-for-19 at the plate and hit his first home run of the season Saturday. Look for him to see close to everyday time in left field, now that his bat has woken up. Mixed: $7; NL: $18.

Tyler Moore, Nationals - Moore, called up last week, was back in left field Friday against left-hander Bruce Chen, going 3-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI. He started again Saturday in left field, going 2-for-4 against right-hander Wade Davis. Moore is suddenly red hot, racking up multi-hit games in each of his last five starts since being called back up to raise his batting average 63 points. If he continues to be used in a platoon role against lefties or Jayson Werth misses more time due to his infected foot, as he did Saturday, Moore could have steady value down the stretch in deeper leagues. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Angel Pagan, Giants - Pagan, who was profiled the past two weeks, gets another mention. He moved his rehab up to Triple-A Fresno on Friday. Pagan, who had a damaged tendon in his left hamstring and underwent surgery to repair it back on June 25, began his rehab assignment last Friday with the Giants' rookie-level squad. His rehab assignment could require the entire 20-day limit, making his expected return date sometime around late-August or early September. That would be right in the heart of the 10-12 week estimate that was given when he was first sidelined. When/if Pagan, who was hitting.262/.314/.374 with three homers, 24 RBI and 30 runs at the time of his injury, does return, he will send Gregor Blanco and Francisco Peguero, who is replacing the injured Andres Torres, to the bench. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (upped early spec return bid as he may be less a week away from returning).

Francisco Peguero, Giants - The Giants called up Peguero from Triple-A Fresno on Thursday. Peguero may platoon with Gregor Blanco in center field, although with Angel Pagan (hamstring) nearing a return, such an arrangement would likely be short-lived. While Peguero owns a strong .328/.358/.412 slash line with Triple-A Fresno this season, his .384 BABIP and 4.8 percent walk rate create major questions about whether he can sustain anything approaching his current numbers. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Felix Pie, Pirates - Pie was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis and started in left field for Pittsburgh on Wednesday. Pie hit leadoff, despite the fact that he owned a .251/.325/.390 slash line with Indianapolis this season. The former Cubs top prospect could see playing time while Starling Marte (finger) is out of the lineup, although Marte won't necessarily be out for long. Pie could be a short term one-category (stolen bases) contributor, but fantasy owners shouldn't expect much else. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (speed is speed).

Travis Snider, Pirates - Snider suffered from turf toe for about a month before going on the disabled list on July 28. Expect him to return to Pittsburgh quickly if he strings together a hot streak during his rehab, which began Monday at Double-A Altoona, as the Pirates continue to search for offense. In 242 at-bats this season, Snider slashed .219/.287/.322 with 23 RBI and three home runs before he sidelined. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (early injury return spec bid).

Ryan Sweeney, Cubs - Sweeney has been out since late-June with a fractured rib and was placed on the 60-day DL on July 2. After nearly two months of rest and rehabilitation, Sweeney finally began a rehab assignment with the Cubs' Arizona League affiliate on Saturday. Barring a setback, it's likely he'll return to the club in early September. In 44 games for the Cubs this season, Sweeney has hit .295 with four homers and 15 RBI. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (early injury return spec bid).