FAAB Factor - AL: Pitching Available

This is our weekly look at American 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 free-agent budget you should bid on them.

One size does not fit all, and we could never hope to encompass all league structures, so bids are based on:

• 12-team league (either AL or Mixed, we'll specify)
• 5x5 categories
• $100 FAAB budget

Ubaldo Jimenez, Orioles - Jimenez has faced 37 batters this season and only one has a hit off of him, which is pretty impressive and pretty fluky, though he has struck out 10 (with four walks) over 10.2 innings. He also hit a batter, leading to his ejection Friday night, but let's put that aside for now. PITCHf/x data says he's throwing a two-seam fastball twice as much as last season or the previous two, but I'm not sure I trust that data yet or believe it's the reason for his success. For now, I'm willing to start him in all AL and deeper mixed formats. This week he gets the Blue Jays on the road. Mixed: $3; AL: $15.

Kyle Lobstein, Tigers - Lobstein made his season debut last Sunday against the Indians on the road and gave up three earned runs over five innings with three strikeouts and two walks. Because the Tigers have decided to back off on Justin Verlander's rehab, Lobstein is in line to pitch against the Yankees at home and possibly the Indians at home as well this week. Last season as a starter, he had a 4.28 ERA (3.76 FIP) with 24 strikeouts and 10 walks over 33.2 innings. Prior to that at Triple-A Toledo, he had a 4.07 ERA (3.30 FIP) with 127 strikeouts and 42 walks over 146 innings. Unless he starts to show the command he had in the minors once again, Lobstein will likely do more damage than good for the Tigers and your team too. If Verlander should miss more time, we might see Buck Farmer get called up. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Nick Martinez, Rangers - Through two starts (A's and Angels) Martinez has pitched 14 innings and not yet allowed an earned run. He did however register six strikeouts and five walks, which should tell you more about what to expect going forward than his 0.00 ERA. In the second half of last season he had a 4.05 ERA (3.99 FIP) with 48 strikeouts and 24 walks over 73.1 innings, but he'll need to start showing that level of command again if he hopes to maintain success. As is, he's certainly an AL-only play, but you can likely do better, even in deep mixed formats. This week he gets the Diamondbacks on the road and possibly the Angels on the road as well. Don't overbid based on his ERA. Mixed: $3; AL: $9.

Brett Oberholtzer, Astros - On the DL with a blister, Oberholtzer will throw live batting practice Monday and from there may go on a rehab assignment before he's activated. Last season he started 24 games with a 4.39 ERA (3.56 FIP), 94 strikeouts, and 28 walks over 143.2 innings. Unless he's found some new way to miss bats we don't know about, he's going to need to limit the walks and hope his defense can pick him up, which can be a tough way to make a living as a starting pitcher. If you do bid, do so cautiously. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

Danny Salazar, Indians - Called up from Triple-A Columbus on Saturday, Salazar pitched six innings against the Twins with two earned runs on six hits, two walks, and 10 strikeouts. Get your FAAB dollars ready, as this is exactly the type of start the Indians were hoping for when they moved Zach McAllister to the bullpen and activated the oozing-with-upside Salazar. He would've started the season out in the rotation, but a poor spring pushed him to the minors. In the second half of 2014, Salazar had a 3.50 ERA (2.83 FIP) with 73 strikeouts and 18 walks over 69.1 innings. This week he gets the Tigers on the road. Don't be shy with your bidding. Mixed: $20; AL: $60.

Asher Wojciechowski, Astros - Wojciechowski was recalled from Triple-A Fresno and will start Monday's game against the Mariners on the road, taking the place of Brad Peacock, who hit the DL with a left intercostal strain. In his first start this season, he went four innings and gave up four earned runs to the Indians at home with two strikeouts and two walks. In his next appearance, out of the bullpen, he pitched four shutout innings with four strikeouts and one walk against the A's at home. Last season at Triple-A Oklahoma City he had a 4.74 ERA (4.85 FIP) with 59 strikeouts and 21 walks over 76 innings. If he impresses, he could stick in the rotation, even after Oberholtzer returns, especially if Roberto Hernandez is sent elsewhere. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

Stash:

Carlos Rodon, White Sox; Andrew Heaney, Angels; Brian Johnson, Red Sox - The ultimate player to stash this season in AL-only formats, Carlos Rodon wasn't his dominant self this week, as he gave up three earned runs over five innings with four strikeouts and two walks. Still, considering that Hector Noesi had six walks in his first start and John Danks has four strikeouts in 10.1 innings, it's only a matter of time until we see Rodon in the majors. Heaney got lit up this week with Triple-A Salt Lake for seven runs (four earned) being pulled before even getting out of the first inning. With Hector Santiago having the best ERA on the Angels (2.92) and Garrett Richards (knee) returning this week, it could be a while before Heaney gets called up. Lastly, Wade Miley was a mess this week against the Nationals, giving up seven earned runs with three walks and one strikeout. If he continues on like that again, and he really did look lost, Johnson might be an option to replace him. Through two starts at Pawtucket, Johnson has pitched nine innings with one earned run, 13 strikeouts and three walks. He's not highly touted, but he tore through Double-A Salem last season with a 1.75 ERA (3.15 FIP), 99 strikeouts, and 32 walks over 118 innings. Rodon Mixed: $5; AL: $15. Heaney Mixed: $1; AL: $6. Johnson Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Relief Pitching

Wade Davis, Royals - Davis is the new closer for the Royals after Greg Holland went to the DL on Saturday with a strained right pectoral. It's unknown how long Holland will be out or if he can return when his 15 days are up, but Davis is a valuable reliever to own regardless of role. Last season he posted a 1.00 ERA (1.26 FIP) with 109 strikeouts and 23 walks over 72 innings. If you're speculating for saves beyond Davis, Kelvin Herrera is someone you could throw a buck at, though he doesn't have nearly the command that Davis does. Mixed: $10; AL: $25.

Danny Farquhar, Yoervis Medina, Mariners - In two appearances this week, Mariners closer Fernando Rodney gave up a combined six earned runs on seven hits, three walks, and no strikeouts while getting just four outs. Given Rodney's track record of 37 saves or more in the last three seasons, these two outings were likely just hiccups in what should be another successful season for him closing out games. However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't speculate on his possible replacement with Farquhar and Medina. Of the two, Farquhar has the better command as he posted a 3.68 K/BB last season, as compared to Medina's below-average 2.14 mark. Bid on Farquhar where you can and throw a dollar at Medina, though Rodney should turn things around, assuming he's not hurt. If you're looking even deeper, give Carson Smith a dollar, though he's only appeared in 14 MLB games. Farquhar Mixed: $3; AL: $9. Medina Mixed: $1; AL: $4.

Joe Smith, Angels; Shawn Tolleson, Rangers; Kevin Jepsen, Rays - Entering Saturday, these three were tied for the AL lead in holds with three. If you play in a league that counts holds, take note. If you're speculating for saves, Smith and Jepsen figure to hold the most value, as they're already in setup roles. Tolleson has faced 16 batters and given up only one hit, which bodes well for him moving up the chain in Texas. If you're digging even deeper, look at Will Harris of the Astros, who has given up just one hit and one walk while striking out in six innings. Smith and Jepsen Mixed: $1; AL: $4. Tolleson Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Catcher

Robinson Chirinos, Rangers - Entering Saturday, Chirinos had gone 2-for-4 with a double, home run, and two runs scored in both of his last two games. He's worth a look right now in mixed leagues as a second catcher, but don't expect much help from his batting average and OBP. Last season he hit .239/.390/.415 with 13 home runs over 338 plate appearances. If he keeps this up, he'll start to move up in the order, as he did Friday night, when he hit sixth in the lineup. Mixed: $1; AL: $5.

Roberto Perez, Indians - Perez hit his second home run of the season Saturday, as he continued to fill in for the injured Yan Gomes (knee). Last season at Triple-A Columbus he hit .305/.405/.517 with eight home runs over 209 plate appearances. If for some reason he's still available in your AL-only league, he needs to be scooped up. In deeper mixed leagues, he's not a bad option either as long as he continues to hit for average. He's hitting .300 in 20 at-bats so far. Mixed: $3; AL: $12.

Stash:

Blake Swihart, Red Sox - Swihart has started out 9-for-27 with one double in his first six games for Triple-A Pawtucket. Because of his elite prospect status, he merits stashing in AL-only formats, as he should be up sooner rather than later. If you're looking at whom he'd replace, Ryan Hanigan has started the season 3-for-22 with two singles and a home run. If Hanigan doesn't start to hit for more contact, his nice OBP skills may not be enough to save him from Swihart stealing his job. Mixed: No; AL: $4.

Corner Infield

Allan Dykstra, Rays - Filling in for an injured James Loney (oblique), Dykstra hit a three-run homer Friday night for his second MLB hit. He might not get many more chances to impress, as Loney could be back as soon as this Wednesday. If you're still scrapping for some corner help though, make a small bid on him, though it's likely we'll see Logan Forsythe stay up when Loney returns, as Forsythe has more flexibility defensively. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Jimmy Paredes, Orioles - Paredes (back) was activated off the 15-day DL on Saturday, started at DH, and noticed a single and a double batting fifth. A third baseman and outfielder by glove, Paredes figures to be a utility player and likely won't be in the lineup or hitting fifth every game. Last season between Triple-A Omaha and Norfolk, he hit .289/.317/.436 with eight home runs and 21 stolen bases over 420 plate appearances. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

Nick Swisher, Indians - Swisher (knee) could begin a rehab assignment as soon as next week, per Indians GM Chris Antonetti. This puts Swisher's return date somewhere around the beginning of May, leaving him likely available on some waiver wires. Bid cautiously, as Swisher's contact rate has been in decline for three consecutive seasons and at age 34, it's unlikely he'll rediscover his power stroke. Last season he hit .208/.278/.331 with eight home runs over 401 plate appearances. Mixed: $1; AL: $5.

Danny Valencia, Blue Jays - Valencia started at third base Saturday and went 4-for-4 with two doubles, a run scored, and a stolen base. It would be nice if the Jays gave him more playing time at first base at the expense of Justin Smoak (career .224 hitter) and allowed Edwin Encarnacion to DH. Valencia is nothing special, especially compared to Smoak, but he has hit lefties well over his career (.328/.368/.501 in 557 plate appearances). Keep an eye on Valencia to see if he can build on his four-hit game. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Stash:

Jonathan Singleton, Astros - Singleton has started the season hitting .294/.400/.588 with two home runs over 40 plate appearances at Triple-A Fresno. Given his contact problems last time he was in the and the league-worst 25.7-percent strikeout race the Astros have recorded this year, we likely won't see him up in the immediate future. Still, he's hitting well and once the Astros settle into the season, his power will be helpful to owners in AL-only formats. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

Middle Infield

Tim Beckham, Rays - Beckham hit a two-run homer Thursday night and has started to work himself into the lineup more and more. On the season he's batting .259/.276/.556 with two home runs and one stolen base over 29 plate appearances. The most alarming stat is he has 12 strikeouts to just one walk, which points to a lack of plate discipline in the early going. Beckham was the first overall pick in the 2008 draft, but his power seems fluky and owners should view him as bench depth for their own team until he earns an everyday role. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

Christian Colon, Royals - Colon figures to be the Royals' starting shortstop until Alcides Escobar (knee) is ready to return. Escobar is dealing with a strain after a questionable slide by Brett Lawrie forced him from action Friday night. Colon hit .311/.366/.433 with eight home runs and 15 stolen bases over 388 plate appearances last season at Triple-A Omaha. If Escobar's injury proves more serious and he's forced to the DL, Colon would likely get everyday at-bats. Mixed: $2; AL: $8.

Ryan Flaherty, Orioles - Flaherty should be the Orioles' everyday second baseman now that Jonathan Schoop (knee) is on the DL for an extended period after tearing his PCL and spraining his MCL. Last season he hit .221/.288/.356 with seven home runs and one stolen base over 312 plate appearances. His plate discipline needs work, to say the least, and he has no real power or speed, but he'll get at-bats, at last until J.J. Hardy (shoulder) returns and Flaherty has to share playing time with Everth Cabrera. This is a situation to avoid, if at all possible. Mixed: $1; AL: $4.

Nick Franklin, Rays - Franklin (oblique) hasn't started game action yet, but figures to still be ready late this month to return to the Rays as possibly their everyday second baseman. Right now Logan Forsythe is sharing time with Tim Beckham, but neither is in the long-term plans at the position. Last season between Triple-A Tacoma and Triple-A Durham, he hit .271/.366/.412 with 11 home runs and 11 steals over 466 plate appearances. Only 24 years old, he should have steady value in AL-only formats once he returns. Mixed: $2; AL: $9.

Ryan Goins, Blue Jays - While Jose Reyes deals with a rib injury that is keeping him out of the lineup this weekend, Goins is starting at shortstop for the Blue Jays. Unfortunately he offers little offensively, as he doesn't hit for any power or average and has no real speed either. Last season he hit .188/.209/.271 with one home run and no stolen bases over 193 plate appearances. Let's hope Reyes can avoid the DL so we don't see Goins exposed at the plate. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Brock Holt, Red Sox - Holt went 3-for-4 with a stolen base Saturday as he continues to hit well (.579/.579/.684), primarily out of the leadoff spot. Last season he had a hot first half (.327/.371/.463), only to fade in the second (.219/.278/.271). Unless an injury strikes the Boston infield, he figures to be a super utility player that only holds value in AL-only formats, though manager John Farrell may get creative with his lineups if Holt continues to produce. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

Stash:

Francisco Lindor, Indians; Chris Taylor, Mariners - Touted prospect Francisco Lindor has started off slowly at Triple-A Columbus, going 6-for-29 with only one extra-base hit, but he does have three steals. Cleveland's current shortstop, Jose Ramirez, has started no better, going 5-for-27 with one extra-base hit and three steals. Taylor (wrist) was activated from the DL on Saturday and optioned to Triple-A Tacoma to continue his rehab. He's 6-for-23 with one extra-base hit there, but Brad Miller is in a 2-for-21 funk of his own entering Saturday, so it might not be much longer before we see Taylor called up and in the lineup. Both Mixed: $1; AL: $4.

Outfield

Jarrod Dyson, Royals - Although he has only one hit this season, Dyson should be on everyone's radar, as he's stolen 30 or more bases in each of the last three seasons and Alex Rios (wrist) is out for 3-6 weeks. Right now the team is experimenting with Paulo Orlando, who also has speed to burn, but it's Dyson that has the experience and has proven he can hit in the majors. Likely owned in all AL-only formats, Dyson should be claimed in most mixed leagues until we see how manager Ned Yost handles the situation. Mixed: $3; AL: Owned.

David Lough, Orioles - Lough (hamstring) was activated from the 15-day DL on Monday, but is his hitless in four at-bats (including two strikeouts). It's going to be tough for him to pick up at-bats with Steve Pearce looking legit and Travis Snider, also a left-handed batter, not really slowing down. Last season Lough hit .247/.309/.385 with four home runs and eight stolen bases over 197 plate appearances. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Paulo Orlando, Royals - With Alex Rios (wrist) out for the next 3-6 weeks, Orlando could get some extended run as the Royals' starting right fielder. So far he's started out the season going 5-for-16 with four triples, as he's showcased his speed. Last season at Triple-A Omaha he hit .301/.355/.415 with six home runs and 34 stolen bases over 554 plate appearances. If he continues to lead off, as he did Saturday, he could hold value in mixed leagues. More than likely, he'll hit near the end of the lineup and be useful only in AL-only formats. Regardless, give him a look if you need speed. Mixed: $2; AL: $8.

Carlos Peguero, Jake Smolinski, Rangers - Mitch Moreland (elbow) is on the mend and may be limited to only DH, though he may need minor surgery that could put him out a few weeks. For now, Peguero and Smolinski are set to see everyday at-bats as the team also deals with the loss of Ryan Rua (ankle). Of the two, Peguero is the player to own, as Smolinski has started out 1-for-15, while Peguero has gone 5-for-15. It's a small sample, but Peguero offers much more pop and is a lefty. Peguero Mixed: $1; AL: $6. Smolinski Mixed: No; AL: $5.

Jerry Sands, Indians -Michael Brantley seems to be over his back injury, as he was in the Indians' lineup Friday (DH) and Saturday (LF). This should send Sands back to the bench, but David Murphy has started the season 3-for-20 while Sands has gone 7-for-17, so we may continue to see Sands in the lineup moving forward. Sands was once an up-and-coming prospect with the Dodgers, though he stalled out and went to the Pirates and then Rays. Last season he hit .268/.352/.474 with nine home runs over 219 plate appearances at Triple-A Durham. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

Michael Saunders, Blue Jays - A hamstring tweak has slowed Saunders' return, but after he gets in a few games at Triple-A Buffalo, he should be ready to be activated and back with the Blue Jays by next weekend. Injuries are nothing new for Saunders, as he played in only 78 games last season. When healthy, he offers a nice blend of power and speed (see his 19 home runs and 21 stolen bases in 2012). No longer in Seattle, the change of scenery to Toronto and the new ballpark figure to help improve his stock. Mixed: $3; AL: $12.

Stash:

Rusney Castillo, Red Sox - Castillo went to the DL this week with a shoulder injury and has no timetable to return to action. Disheartening as this is, I'd still hold onto him and stash him where available in AL-only formats. In mixed leagues, you can likely cut bait until he shows he's healthy again. In three games at Triple-A Pawtucket he is 5-for-12 with a double and stolen base. Mixed: $1; AL: $5.

Note: If you have anyone else you'd like me to discuss, just drop a line in the comments section.