NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

This article is part of our NL FAAB Factor series.

This is our weekly look at National League free agents. We have two goals for this article:

1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Estimate how much of your $100 starting free-agent budget you should bid on them.

This year, we are again using grids into the FAAB articles, so users can easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The grids, which are sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This serves as a reflection of a player's skills and role on an A-E scale. Cody Bellinger 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)
Ross Stripling LAD SP C 33 Owned Owned
Mike Montgomery CHI SP D 3 9 14
Dennis Santana LAD SP D 1 4 7
Shelby Miller AZ SP C 3 9 14
Anthony DeSclafani CIN SP D 1 5 9
Anibal Sanchez ATL SP E No 0 3
Seranthony Dominguez PHI RP C 11 22 33
Kyle Barraclough MIA RP C 9 18 27
Drew Steckenrider MIA RP
This is our weekly look at National League free agents. We have two goals for this article:

1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Estimate how much of your $100 starting free-agent budget you should bid on them.

This year, we are again using grids into the FAAB articles, so users can easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The grids, which are sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This serves as a reflection of a player's skills and role on an A-E scale. Cody Bellinger 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)
Ross Stripling LAD SP C 33 Owned Owned
Mike Montgomery CHI SP D 3 9 14
Dennis Santana LAD SP D 1 4 7
Shelby Miller AZ SP C 3 9 14
Anthony DeSclafani CIN SP D 1 5 9
Anibal Sanchez ATL SP E No 0 3
Seranthony Dominguez PHI RP C 11 22 33
Kyle Barraclough MIA RP C 9 18 27
Drew Steckenrider MIA RP C 3 9 14
Robert Gsellman NYM RP C 5 11 16
Seth Lugo NYM RP C 3 9 14
Tyler Glasnow PIT RP D 1 5 9
Kyle Crick PIT RP D 0 1 4
Austin Gomber STL RP D 1 4 7
Phil Hughes SD RP E 0 1 4
Tyler Lyons STL RP D 0 1 4
Mark Melancon SF RP D 1 4 7
John Ryan Murphy AZ C D 7 14 20
Jorge Alfaro PHI C D 5 11 Owned
Curt Casali CIN C E No No 2
Austin Hedges SD C D 0 2 7
Kevin Plawecki NYM C D No 1 4
Max Muncy LAD 1B D 7 12 Owned
Ji-Man Choi MIL 1B E No No 2
Eric Thames MIL 1B C 5 11 16
Ben Zobrist CHI 2B C 18 30 Owned
Luis Guillorme NYM 2B E No 1 4
Joe Panik SF 2B D 3 9 14
Alen Hanson SF 2B D No 0 3
Derek Dietrich MIA 3B D 8 15 Owned
Pablo Sandoval SF 3B D 2 7 11
Nick Senzel CIN 3B B 1 5 9
Jung Ho Kang PIT 3B E 0 1 4
Mitch Walding PHI 3B E No No 2
Todd Frazier NYM 3B C 5 11 18
Amed Rosario NYM SS C 11 18 Owned
Orlando Arcia MIL SS D 2 7 11
Yairo Munoz STL SS D 1 5 9
J.P. Crawford PHI SS C 0 1 4
Brandon Nimmo NYM OF C 18 30 Owned
Jarrod Dyson AZ OF C 11 22 Owned
Aaron Altherr PHI OF D 2 7 11
Dylan Cozens PHI OF D 1 5 9
Hunter Renfroe SD OF D 2 7 11
Harrison Bader STL OF D 1 4 7
Noel Cuevas COL OF D 1 4 7
Preston Tucker ATL OF E No No 3
Peter Bourjos ATL OF E No No 2
Scott Schebler CIN OF D 3 9 14
Hunter Pence SF OF D 1 5 9
Brian Goodwin WAS OF D 1 4 7

STARTING PITCHER

Ross Stripling, Dodgers: Profiled here the past few weeks, Stripling gets another mention, as he continues to excel in the LA rotation. With Rich Hill (blister) and Hyun-Jin Ryu (groin) sidelined a few more weeks and timetables for Kenta Maeda (hip) and Clayton Kershaw (back) up in the air, Stripling is all but inked in permanent marker as one of the team's starters. As we noted in our update after his start Wednesday, "ever since he was moved into the rotation in May, Stripling has been brilliant, with a 40:4 K:BB and 1.24 ERA over 29 innings. [On Wednesday], Stripling induced at least three swinging strikes with all four of his pitches (four-seamer, changeup, slider and knuckle-curve), and that kind of diverse arsenal is tough for any hitter to deal with." 12-team Mixed: $33; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

Mike Montgomery, Cubs: Montgomery has bounced between starting and relieving, and despite Joe Maddon's proclamation last August that he viewed Montgomery as a starter, the southpaw looked to be relegated to relief duty. He opened 2018 in the bullpen and struggled in that role. But with Yu Darvish (triceps tendinitis) landing on the disabled list, Montgomery moved into the rotation and tossed 5.2 scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out five against the Pirates. He started Saturday versus the Mets, allowing just a run on a pair of hits and walk while striking out four in six innings. Montgomery could remain in the rotation for as long as Darvish is out. But his lack of swing-and-miss stuff limits his upside 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Dennis Santana, Dodgers: Injuries have wreaked havoc with the LA rotation, forcing several shifts during the season, including the quartet of names mentioned in the Stripling writeup. Santana was called up this week and pitched Friday, though Scott Alexander got the start and tossed an inning before he was relieved by Santana. The righty allowed five runs on six hits and a walk with four strikeouts in 3.2 innings, but he picked up the win. Despite that poor outing, Santana could stick in the rotation due to all of the Dodgers' health woes. Over his 10 starts in the minors this season -- the first eight of which came at Double-A Tulsa -- Santana as accrued a 2.54 ERA and 65:16 K:BB in 49.2 innings. As we wrote in one of our updates, Santana profiles as a future No. 4 starter with average command of a plus fastball and slider. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up if he sticks in the rotation)

Injury activations/updates

Shelby Miller, Diamondbacks: Miller, recovering from Tommy John surgery last May, gets another mention, kicked off his minor-league rehab assignment at High-A Visalia on Tuesday. He surrendered just one run on four hits and no walks while striking out eight, tossing strikes on 52 of his 65 pitches. This outing came after Miller made three extended spring training starts, and he may be ready to join Arizona after two more minor-league appearances, the first of which will take place Monday with Double-A Jackson. In that start, Miller is expected to throw 70-75 pitches, followed by 90-95 in his next start. If that happens, Miller, who was good from 2013 to 2015, fell off a cliff in 2016 and made just four starts last season, should replace Clay Buchholz as Arizona's fifth starter, benefitting from the humidor in Chase Field. But Buchholz has held his own of late, so it's possible a change won't occur immediately. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (further upped spec return bid)

Anthony DeSclafani, Reds: DeSclafani, out since straining his left oblique in early March, covered 6.1 innings and allowed two runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out two Wednesday in his second rehab start for Triple-A Louisville. He notched a 2.25 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 12 strikeouts in eight innings over two rehab starts with Double-A Pensacola and gave up six runs on eight hits over five innings in his first appearance with Louisville. DeSclafani, who has allowed five home runs in those two Triple-A starts, will probably need at least one more outing before getting activated from the DL. When DeSclafani is promoted, he will replace Homer Bailey in the Reds' rotation. After making 31 starts in 2015, DeSclafani took a step forward in 2016, despite getting limited to 20 major-league starts due to a strained oblique. Last year was a complete loss, as he was diagnosed with a UCL sprain in spring training and made just two rehab starts. DeSclafani's upside, despite a low K rate, homer tendency versus LH hitters and difficult home park, make him a tantalizing fantasy bet. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (slightly upped return bid)

Anibal Sanchez, Braves: Sanchez, out since April 18 with a strained right hamstring, returned and allowed four runs on five hits and two walks across four innings in a no-decision Tuesday against the Mets. With Mike Soroka (shoulder) not yet ready, Sanchez will get at least one more start Sunday and could shift to a bullpen role when Soroka returns, though either one could replace Brandon McCarthy, who has struggled. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

RELIEF PITCHER

Seranthony Dominguez, Phillies: Dominguez shifted from starting to relieving this year, accelerating his timeframe to the majors and transition to his likely future role. He worked at Double- and Triple-A as a multi-inning reliever, which is how the Phillies are using him. Dominguez mixes a fastball that sits at 97-to-98 mph with a slider in the high 80s to retire hitters, and he projects as a possible setup man or closer who produces lots of strikeouts and either holds or saves. That projection timeframe may be the here and now, as Dominguez already notched two saves and six holds while tossing 13.2 scoreless innings with 15 punchouts and no walks. Get on board if not there already. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33 (up if he fully replaces Hector Neris)

Kyle Barraclough/Drew Steckenrider, Marlins:Brad Ziegler has finally been replaced as the Marlins' closer. Barraclough, the closer in waiting for a while, will operate as the team's stopper, possibly ceding the occasional opportunity to Steckenrider. As we wrote, Barraclough owns a 1.48 ERA this season, but his 4.06 FIP may be slightly more telling of his true production, as his ERA is being suppressed by a .130 BABIP and 90.5 percent strand rate. In addition, the 15 walks in 24.3 innings is concerning, though that is in line with his prior performance. If Barraclough falters, Steckenrider is next in line, but he has struggled this season, posting a 5.01 ERA, though 11 of his 13 runs allowed came in a four appearance stretch from May 10-20. Steckenrider has righted the ship his last four outings, and he may possess better swing-and-miss and strikeout stuff along with a higher first-pitch strike frequency than Barraclough, which could give him the edge in the future. Barraclough - 12-team Mixed: $9; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: $27 / Steckenrider - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Robert Gsellman/Seth Lugo, Mets: Mentioned last week, both pitchers get another nod but for two different reasons. Manager Mickey Callaway said this spring he wouldn't have a set closer but then used Jeurys Familia in that role. On Wednesday, he used Familia in the eighth inning to face the top of the Braves' batting order and turned to Gsellman in the ninth inning to notch the save. This may not be a repetitive occurrence, but Gsellman could end notching a handful of saves. Lugo, who transitioned from starter to reliever, moved back into the rotation Thursday, tossing four scoreless innings. New York's rotation is a nightmare due to injuries and poor performances, though the latter can be said about the bullpen. Moving Lugo to the rotation may rob Peter to pay Paul, and it's not clear if he remains there, but the aforementioned issues with the starters might result in that change sticking, which would mean a bump in strikeouts and likely wins. For now though, he will remain in the bullpen, as several upcoming off days allows New York to skip the fifth starter spot. Gsellman - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (saves spec) / Lugo - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (starter spec)

Tyler Glasnow/Kyle Crick, Pirates: Glasnow may be on the verge of high-leverage relief appearances in Pittsburgh. With the back end of the Pittsburgh bullpen struggling, Glasnow and Crick's recent fine performances might result in more fantasy-relevant roles. Our recent news update on Glasnow spelled out why nicely: "Since imploding for six runs in one inning May 1, the righty has given up one earned run in 13.2 innings over eight appearances. He's throwing his four-seam fastball harder (97.3 mph) than last year (95.1 mph). Glasnow's also throwing more strikes (68 percent) during his hot stretch than in prior seasons (59 percent)." If his changeup and curveball remain strong weapons, Glasnow could shift into a setup or possibly a closer role down the line. For Crick, he has a 2.04 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 20:8 K:BB in 17.2 innings and notched his first hold Thursday. With Michael Feliz struggling, Crick could slide into a setup role. Glasnow - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (futures saves spec) / Crick - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Austin Gomber, Cardinals: Gomber, a 24-year old, strike-throwing southpaw, was called up this week to give St. Louis bullpen depth. However, Gomber, who was starting at Triple-A Memphis, could slide into the team's rotation in place of Alex Reyes (lat) if Carlos Martinez (lat) is not ready to come off the disabled list. Gomber, a fourth-round pick in 2014, posted a 3.60 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with 63 strikeouts across nine starts and 55 innings and projects to possibly have No. 3 starter upside. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (if he starts)

Phil Hughes, Padres: Hughes, designated for assignment by the Twins, Hughes was traded to the Padres on Sunday in exchange for minor-league catcher Janigson Villalobos, cash considerations and the 74th pick in the 2018 first-year player draft. He made seven appearances (including two starts) for the Twins this season, posting a 6.75 ERA and 8:5 K:BB over 12 innings after missing much of the prior two seasons with thoracic outlet syndrome. Hughes benefits from the move to the National League and pitching in Petco Park, and though he is initially pitching out of the bullpen, he could end up at the backend of the San Diego rotation. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Tyler Lyons, Cardinals: Lyons got off to a slow start but has rounded into form lately, despite missing two-plus weeks with a back injury. The southpaw has generated scoreless appearances in seven of his last nine trips to the mound, a stretch in which he's also notched a win and recorded three holds. Overall, Lyons has nine holds on the year, often setting up Bud Norris, though many of his outings have been of the one-out variety. If in need of holds, you could do worse than owning Lyons. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Injury activations/updates

Mark Melancon, Giants: Melancon, out since the end of spring training with right elbow flexor strain, was activated Friday after making four rehab appearances at Triple-A Sacramento. He tossed 3.2 scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out four in Triple-A. Melancon did not immediately assume a high-leverage role, though. Manager Bruce Bochy doesn't want to alter what has been a quality back end of the bullpen headlined by Hunter Strickland, who has been stellar in filling the closer role. San Francisco is easing Melancon back in, so for now, he is mainly a stash-and-hope closer candidate. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same as prior bid)

CATCHER

John Ryan Murphy, Diamondbacks: Murphy, profiled the past two weeks, gets another mention, as he now is the starter in Arizona. Alex Avila and Jeff Mathis will still see playing time, but Murphy is clearly the backstop to own in Arizona. Murphy is up to a career-high eight home runs in just 79 at-bats. The 23:3 K:BB is more than concerning, but power and production from catchers are hard to find, so you can live with that ratio along with low BA and OBA if he continues to blast taters. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $20 (upped bid from prior)

Jorge Alfaro, Phillies: Alfaro got off to a horrific start in his first season as the Phillies' starting catcher, batting .193/.258/.298 as of April 30. From then to the end of May, Alfaro slashed .316/.357/.481 with a pair of home runs and seven runs batted in. But that production came with a 31:4 K:BB, continuing the issue he has most of his career with strikeouts, plate discipline and contact rate, which sits at a low 57 percent. This makes him Mike Zunino-esque, which is likely his upside. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: owned (bids due to paucity of good backstops)

Curt Casali, Reds: Casali, acquired from Tampa, is the new backup catcher in Cincinnati. He replaces Tony Cruz, who was sent down to Triple-A Louisville. Casali will see minimal time behind Tucker Barnhart. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Injury activations/updates

Austin Hedges, Padres: Hedges, sidelined all of May with right elbow tendinits, kicked off a rehab stint at Triple-A El Paso on May 21. He was sidelined for several days following that move due to soreness in the elbow, but he was cleared to resume throwing Thursday. Hedges blasted 18 home runs, but hit just .218 and a mere .398 slugging percentage. Raffy Lopez and A.J. Ellis have held down the fort while Hedges was out, but Hedges should regain his starting role when he returns. However, Hedges' return may not occur for a while longer since he just was cleared to throw and will need to ramp up his baseball activities before restarting his minor-league rehab assignment. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7

Kevin Plawecki, Mets: Plawecki, out since April 11 with a hairline fracture of his left hand suffered when he was hit by a pitch, was activated Monday after a short rehab stint at Triple-A Las Vegas. The Mets acquired Devin Mesoraco from the Reds to fill in as the starter with Plawecki, and Travis d'Arnaud (elbow) sidelined, so it's unclear if Plawecki will regain his starting role. The likelier occurrence would be Plawecki and Mesoraco splitting time once Plawecki is back to full strength, similar to how Plawecki and d'Arnaud were sharing the job. But Plawecki could merely end up on the short end of a time share, since New York's pitching staff has excelled with Mesoraco behind the plate. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

FIRST BASE

Max Muncy, Dodgers: Muncy, who qualifies at first, third and in the outfield, has shown no signs of slowing, and manager Dave Roberts continues to write his name in the lineup card. He looked poised to lose out on most of his playing time when Justin Turner returned from the disabled list. But Roberts shifted Cody Bellinger to center field, inserting Muncy at first base. Maybe Muncy ends up like Chris Taylor – a late bloomer – though the jury is still out on that. But ride the hot streak while it lasts, as Roberts is doing, though his current slump may cost him playing time. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $12; 12-team NL: Owned

Ji-Man Choi, Brewers: Choi was called up Friday to replace Zach Davies on the Brewers' 25-man roster. That move was made as Milwaukee is in the midst of five straight road games against the White Sox and Indians with the designated hitter in play. After this road trip, Choi will likely head back down to be replaced by a pitcher. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Injury activations/updates

Eric Thames, Brewers: Thames, sidelined since April 24 with a torn UCL in his right thumb that required surgery, was cleared to begin hitting Wednesday. The 31-year-old first baseman hit .250 with seven home runs and 13 RBI in 22 games prior to landing on the disabled list. In Thames' absence, Jesus Aguilar has more than ably filled his spot, allowing Milwaukee to give Thames able time once he begins a minor-league rehab stint within the next week or so. To keep Aguilar's bat in the lineup, Milwaukee could use Thames in left or right field, but that might prove difficult with an already overcrowded outfield. Stay tuned to see how the playing time issues are resolved when Thames is activated. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

SECOND BASE

Ben Zobrist, Cubs: Zobrist saw his production fall off a cliff last season, his second in Chicago. His OPS plummeted from .832 to .693, reflecting his drop across the board, impacted by a variety of ailments. Zobrist rattled off a strong start to this season before missing nine games with a back injury. That time off did little to slow his bat, as he closed May batting .291/.379/.448 with four home runs, 17 runs driven in and 24 runs scored. Zobrist sees most of his action in right field but retains second base eligibility, adding to his fantasy value. 12-team Mixed: $18; 15-team Mixed: $30; 12-team NL: owned

Luis Guillorme, Mets: Guillorme, promoted May 9, has remained in New York due to the continued absence of Todd Frazier (hamstring) and placement of Wilmer Flores (back) on the disabled list. He has seen action at second, when Asdrubal Cabrera needs a day off, and third base with Frazier and Flores sidelined. Defense is Guillorme's calling card, but he posted an .827 OPS at Triple-A Las Vegas prior to the callup. He carried that success into the majors, where he has hit better than expected, and could remain with the Mets even when the team is healthy, taking the spot of the struggling Jose Reyes, who might be waived. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Injury activations/updates

Joe Panik, Giants: Panik, sidelined since the end of April with a thumb injury, was activated Friday. He only received a three-game rehab assignment at Triple-A, so Panik might be rusty. Still, Panik, who was hitting .267 across 23 games prior to landing on the DL, figures to immediately slot back in as the team's primary second baseman, displacing Alen Hanson. Panik doesn't offer much speed or power but should have a decent batting average, on-base percentage and run-scoring potential. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Alen Hanson, Giants: Hanson, who was profiled twice when he was promoted to replace the injured Joe Panik (sprained his left thumb), landed on the disabled on May 14. Before he was sidelined, Hanson was red-hot at the plate, slashing .298/.346/.638 with four home runs, 12 RBI and three stolen bases in 14 games. Unfortunately for Hanson, his return came one day after Panik was activated. Hanson, who once was a solid prospect with the Pirates, saw his status regress the past few seasons and had little prior success in the majors. He was hot at Triple-A Sacramento, prompting the callup, but now will be relegated to backup duty with Panik back to man second base. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

THIRD BASE

Derek Dietrich, Marlins: The injury to Martin Prado resulted in Dietrich moving into the leadoff spot for Miami. Dietrich starts in left field against righties, yielding to Cameron Maybin versus southpaws. His OBP leaves a lot to be desired, and when/if Prado returns, Dietrich will slide down in the batting order. But for now, he gets a boost in value since he should see a rise in runs scored. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $15; 12-team NL: Owned

Pablo Sandoval, Giants: Sandoval, batting 265/.326/.386 with a pair of home runs in 92 plate appearances, gets a short-term bump in value, as he will see most of action at first base with Brandon Belt landing on the disabled list with appendicitis. Belt is expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks, opening the door for Sandoval to start against righties with Buster Posey probably seeing most of the at-bats at first base against lefties. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Nick Senzel, Reds: Senzel, the Reds' top hitting prospect, just returned to Triple-A Louisville after dealing through another bout of vertigo. Prior to getting shut down, Senzel was slashing .271/.351/.459 with three home runs and nine RBI across 22 games. Eugenio Suarez is fairly entrenched at third, resulting in Senzel shifting to second base. Scooter Gennett has exceeded all expectations, but he could be moved before the trade deadline, freeing up the keystone for Senzel. If not, Suarez, who broke in as a shortstop, could move back there, allowing Senzel to play third, or Cincy could try Senzel at short in place of Jose Peraza. The key for Senzel is to remain healthy. If that happens, look for him to arrive sometime this summer. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (early spec callup bid, up substantially in keeper leagues)

Jung Ho Kang, Pirates: Kang, profiled in late April when he received a work visa, began playing at High-A Bradenton on Friday. He missed all of 2017 as legal issues in South Korea prevented him from acquiring a work visa. Kang fulfilled unspecified treatment program obligations stemming from a third DUI in January of 2017, paving the way for the visa. He has been in extended spring training since the start of May and will need a few weeks of games to be ready. Colin Moran is locked in at third base for now backed up by David Freese, so Kang might be limited to a utility role when promoted. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Mitch Walding, Phillies: Walding was promoted this week from Triple-A Lehigh Valley due to the injury to Pedro Florimon (foot). He posted a .271/.379/.484 line with seven home runs and 21 RBI through 49 games to earn the callup. Walding slugged a career-high 25 home runs, to go with 62 RBI and a .236 batting average at Double-A Reading last season, albeit with a strikeout rate of 31.7 percent. He will back up Maikel Franco at the hot corner for the Phillies. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Injury activations/updates

Todd Frazier, Mets: Frazier, out since May 7 with hamstring tightness, kicked off what should be a short rehab assignment at Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday. After a strong start, Frazier tailed off before he was injured and had a .237/.357/.412 slash line in 32 games this season with five home runs and 21 RBI when he went to the disabled list. Wilmer Flores, Luis Guillorme and Jose Reyes have all manned the hot corner while Frazier was out, and the Mets will welcome the Toddfather's return. The team has been horrific against LHP, posting a .604 OPS for the season (through May 31) against southpaws, making the absence of Frazier's right-handed bat even more impactful. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (if not owned)

SHORTSTOP

Amed Rosario, Mets: Rosario, profiled the last two weeks, gets another mention, as his bat remained scorching. He closed out May hitting .292 (14-for-48) over the final 14 games, upping his average to .259 on the year with all three of his home runs coming in that stretch, including one to dead center, and two of his three stolen bases. Despite the hot streak, there are still plenty of rough edges to his game -- including a 3-for-7 performance on steal attempts and a 6:36 BB:K so far in 2018 – but he is ensconced in the lineup and is starting to show the performance that made him a top prospect. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: Owned

Orlando Arcia, Brewers: Arcia was recalled less than a week after getting demoted due to Tyler Saladino's ankle injury. He earned the trip to the minors by hitting just .194 with two home runs and 13 RBI through 44 games. Eric Sogard and Hernan Perez will also see time at shortstop, making Arcia part of a platoon. If Arcia, who posted a .277/.324/.407 line with 15 home runs, 53 RBI and 14 stolen bases last season, gets hot, he should regain the job. But there is no guarantee or indication that will happen. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (aggressive bid)

Yairo Munoz, Cardinals: Munoz has filled in more than nicely for the injured Paul DeJong (hand) and Greg Garcia (back) at shortstop, capped by his walkoff home run Thursday. Munoz, whom the Cardinals received from Oakland along with Max Schrock for Stephen Piscotty, profiles as an all-around utility player in the future. He will continue to start at short while DeJong is sidelined. He possesses a modicum of power and speed, probably topping out as a double-double threat in each, which plays in nearly all formats. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Injury activations/updates

J.P. Crawford, Phillies: Crawford, out since late April with a Grade 1 right flexor pronator strain, began a minor-league rehab assignment with High-A Clearwater on Tuesday. It's unclear how many rehab games Crawford will need, and there is no timetable for Crawford's return. While he remains sidelined, Scott Kingery, who is also struggling, will continue to fill in at shortstop. If Kingery is still slumping upon the activation of Crawford, who was slashing just .146/.246/.328 when he was sidelined, he could be sent down, or it's possible Crawford will end up at Triple-A Lehigh Valley again. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (same bid as prior week)

OUTFIELD

Brandon Nimmo, Mets: All Nimmo does is rake daily. The roll he has been on shows little signs of slowing, and the Mets will be forced to find room for his bat when Yoenis Cespedes. Nimmo has been a catalyst at the top of New York's batting order, posting a .425-plus OBA, but he also has shown power, setting a new career high already with seven home runs while notching eight doubles and three triples to go with five stolen bases. 12-team Mixed: $18; 15-team Mixed: $30; 12-team NL: owned

Jarrod Dyson, Diamondbacks: Dyson, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he served as the Diamondbacks' leadoff man in place of David Peralta twice this past week. Arizona outfield is a nightmare, as Steven Souza (pectoral) joined A.J. Pollock (thumb) on the sidelines while Peralta has struggled. Dyson, who stole at least 26 bases each of the past six seasons, is seeing most of the playing time in center field and is up to nine thefts already. Roll with the hot hand and enjoy the speed on the basepaths. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: Owned

Aaron Altherr/Dylan Cozens, Phillies: Altherr should be the primary beneficiary of the additional at-bats created due to Rhys Hoskins landing on the disabled list with a broken jaw. When the year started, Altherr, Nick Williams, Odubel Herrera and Hoskins were to share the three outfield spots following the Phils' signing Carlos Santana to play first, as Hoskins shifted to left field. Thanks to Williams' hot streak, Altherr was relegated to bench duty despite slashing .272/.340/.516 with 19 home runs and 65 RBI last season. Altherr, despite a much improved walk rate, hasn't made the most of his chance with Hoskins sidelined, which opens the door for Cozens, who was promoted this week, to get playing time. Cozens, hitting .228/.323/.432 with nine homers and seven stolen bases across 48 games with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, has prodigious power, but that has come at the expense of a high K rate and low batting average with the Iron Pigs. Those issues were masked at bit at Double-A, aided by hitter-friendly park at Reading, but Cozens has been exposed at the upper levels. At the bigs, though, the trend has moved to less concern over strikeouts as long as the ball leaves the yard, so Cozens could surpass Altherr for playing time if he gets hot. Altherr- 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Cozens- 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Hunter Renfroe, Padres: Renfroe, out since April 20 with elbow soreness, was activated off the disabled list Monday, replacing Franchy Cordero, who was placed on the DL. Renfroe hit just .220/.256/.390 during his 10-game rehab assignment at Triple-A El Paso after hitting .200/.281/.440 in the big leagues prior to being sidelined. With Franmil Reyes and Travis Jankowski starting nearly every day and Manuel Margot as well as Jose Pirela seeing time, Renfroe's at-bats may be limited. The 26-year-old slugger is likely only up in the majors until Wil Myers (oblique) returns. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Harrison Bader, Cardinals: Bader, promoted in April, remained with the parent club this week while the slumping Tyler O'Neill was sent down. He has been swinging a hot bat lately, forcing Mike Matheny to keep him in the lineup despite signs that Dexter Fowler is breaking out of his doldrums. Bader blasted a combined 23 home runs last year between the big-league club and Triple-A Memphis, but those came with a 142:39 K:BB in 571 plate appearances. He has five home runs in 109 plate appearances for St. Louis this year, albeit with a 24:9 K:BB. If Bader can reduce his swing-and-miss tendencies and improve his contact rate, a full-time role could be in his future. Even with his warts, Bader still has a chance at consistent at-bats. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Noel Cuevas, Rockies: Cuevas is slashing .297/.338/.375 with a homer and four RBI since his promotion from Triple-A Albuquerque. Those numbers are down from what he posted at Triple-A -- .333/.419/.571 with a pair of homers and 13 RBI – to earn the callup. The drop is not surprising, as Cuevas is adapting to the higher level while serving most of his at-bats against southpaws. Cuevas may fill a bigger role, with David Dahl out 6-to-8 weeks with a broken foot, though Ian Desmond could see time in left field now that DJ LeMahieu came off the disabled list, allowing Ryan McMahon to shift back to first base. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Preston Tucker, Braves: Tucker opened the season as the Braves' starting left fielder, notching several hits that drove in three runs at a clip. But he was only holding the spot warm until Ronald Acuna was promoted. Once that occurred, Tucker was relegated to backup duty. Acuna will miss at least another week with his sprained knee, affording Tucker an uptick in playing time for the short term, though Charlie Culberson and Ryan Flaherty are also manning left field. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Peter Bourjos, Braves: Bourjos was promoted to give the Braves an additional outfielder with Ronald Acuna on the disabled list with a sprained ACL and lower-back contusion. He had a brief stint (3-for-27 over 18 games) with Atlanta earlier this season before being designated for assignment and subsequently released at the end of April. Bourjos rejoined the organization a few days later, and this stint in the majors may not last as long as the first one, since he is a candidate to be DFA'd or sent down when Acuna is activated. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Injury activations/updates

Scott Schebler, Reds: Schebler, part of the Reds' outfield rotation alongside Adam Duvall, Billy Hamilton and Jesse Winker, gets a bump in value, as Winker has been moved to the bench. Since he returned from an elbow injury in late April, Schebler has struggled at the plate, but maybe close to full-time at-bats will wake up his bat. Schebler, despite batting left-handed, bashed southpaws last year after mashing righties the year before. He hit 30 home runs last year after increasing his launch angle, but that came with a major rise in strikeouts (125). If Schebler doesn't start hitting, he and Winker could switch roles. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Hunter Pence, Giants: Pence, sidelined since April 19 with a thumb injury, could be activated Friday. Before he was injured, Pence slashed an abysmal .172/.197/.190, while producing hard contact just 27.0 percent of the time, a career low. Prior to 2015, Pence could be counted on to be in the lineup just about every day, missing just 16 games in the previous seven years. In 2015, Pence was limited to 52 games after taking a fastball off his forearm, and the following season saw him miss two months with a hamstring injury. Despite playing 134 games last year, Pence's production continued its decline. With Mac Williamson in the majors, Gorkys Hernandez hitting well and Andrew McCutchen shifting to right field, Pence, despite his strong numbers in his rehab assignment, is likely now a fourth outfielder at best. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Brian Goodwin, Nationals: Goodwin, sidelined since April 14 with an injured wrist, surprisingly wrapped up his rehab assignment, which began this past week at Double-A Harrisburg, and was activated Friday. He was in line for a spike in at-bats with Adam Eaton sidelined, which is what happened last year. But Goodwin's injury cost him that chance. With Juan Soto now entrenched in the Nats' outfield and Eaton possibly back by the weekend, Goodwin may be slated for fifth outfielder duty. But he started Friday, and it's possible he'll stick over Michael Taylor. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 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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