NL FAAB Factor: Picking up the Chase

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 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 NL or Mixed, we'll specify)
• 5x5 categories
• $100 FAAB budget

Starting Pitching

Manny Banuelos, Braves – Banuelos has given up no more than one run in six straight starts with Triple-A Gwinnett. His ERA now sits at 2.39 with a 1.25 WHIP and 46 strikeouts in 52.2 innings, though his FIP is 3.56. Last season, Banuelos, who was acquired from the Yankees in January, returned from Tommy John surgery to post a 4.13 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 71:31 K:BB in 26 appearances (25 starts) between the Yankees' High-A, Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. He pitched well in 15 innings at High-A, but ran into difficulties as he moved up the ladder. Expect Banuelos to be called up to join the Braves' rotation sometime this summer. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early call-up spec bid).

Jon Gray, Rockies – It was expected that Gray would make a few starts at Triple-A to begin the year and then get called up to the majors. Someone forgot to tell the Triple-A batters that, as Gray had an unsightly 10.70 ERA in his first four starts with Albuquerque. Since the end of April, Gray, who has a mid-90s slider and plus-slider, has really righted the ship, posting a 2.78 ERA in May and allowing two runs in 6.2 innings Friday. He may be back on the fast track to Colorado. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early call-up spec bid).

Jon Moscot, Reds – Moscot was called up to start against the Padres on Friday - replacing Raisel Iglesias (strained left oblique) in the Cincy rotation - and allowed four runs on four hits, walking three and striking out three over five innings. He posted a 3.15 ERA and 5.6 K/9 in nine starts (54.1 innings) for Triple-A Louisville to get the promotion. He is lower on the list of Reds pitching prospects, which includes Robert Stephenson, Nick Travieso and Nick Howard, but those starters are in the lower minors and not ready to contribute at the major league level.Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Robbie Ray, Diamondbacks – Ray, called up from Triple-A Reno to start after Archie Bradley went on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis, threw five scoreless innings Thursday against the Mets, allowing six hits and one walk while striking out four. This was the second solid spot start for Ray, who had a 3.67 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 41.2 innings at Reno. After struggling at Triple-A and in the majors for Detroit last year, Ray got a new lease on life coming to the D-Backs in the three-team trade with the Tigers and Yankees. Ray, who has fastball that touches 93 mph, a changeup and an improving slider, should get several more starts while Bradley is sidelined. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Joe Ross, Nationals – Ross was called up to start for the Nationals on Saturday and pitched well before running into trouble his second time through the Cubs' order, eventually allowing three runs on six hits while striking out four in five innings.. Washington has struggled to find quality replacement starters for Doug Fister (forearm) and Stephen Strasburg (neck) with A.J. Cole and Taylor Jordan failing to do the job. Ross, who came over to Washington in the Wil Myers deal, posted a 2.81 ERA and 54:12 K:BB ratio in 51.1 innings for Double-A Harrisburg this season, is next up. He has an arsenal that includes a two-seam fastball that can reach 92 mph and a four-seamer that go up to 96, not to mention an above-average slider and improving changeup. He should get at least one more start. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Chris Rusin, Rockies – Rusin started Saturday against the Marlins, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks with eight strikeouts over seven innings to earn the win. He earned the nod to start Saturday by allowing one run on eight hits over 11.2 innings in two relief appearances after his late-May call-up. Rusin has more than pitched well enough to remain in the rotation for at least several more turns. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Injury activation/updates:

Matt Cain, Giants – Cain, who had bone chips removed from his elbow last August and has been sidelined since April 3 with a strained flexor tendon, is scheduled to make a rehab start for Double-A Richmond on Tuesday. He has progressed from throwing a simulated game to facing live hitters and finally, an extended spring training start Wednesday. The 30-day rehab clock starts Tuesday, so there is a possibly Cain is ready around his own target return date, which was the All-Star break. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (upped early spec return bid).

Patrick Corbin, Diamondbacks – Corbin, recovering from March 2014 Tommy John surgery, threw 3.2 innings and had eight strikeouts in an extended spring training outing Monday. He will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Visalia on Monday. Corbin, who reportedly is hitting 94 mph on the gun, could be back by late June or early July. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (upped early spec return bid).

Jose Fernandez, Marlins – Fernandez, profiled last week, gets another mention as he made a 42-pitch rehab outing at extended spring training Monday, striking out seven and registering as high 97 mph on the radar gun in three quick, no-hit innings of work. He is working his way back from Tommy John surgery after making just eight starts and throwing 51.2 innings last season. Fernandez advanced his rehab to High-A Jupiter to start Saturday and could be back in the majors by July 1. Before being sidelined, Fernandez showed improvement across the board, building off his fine rookie campaign. When he is activated, Fernandez will be more than 13 months removed from the surgery and is expected to be close to prior form before too long. Mixed: $12; NL: $28 (bid upped from last week and to rise as he gets closer to the majors).

Doug Fister, Nationals – Fister, sidelined with a flexor strain for the last three weeks, will pitch for Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday. That outing comes on the heels of a pair of bullpen sessions after he started throwing again last week. Fister, who had a brilliant 2014 campaign in Washington, struggled to start the season, so it's possible he was dealing with an arm injury a while before he was sidelined. He likely will need 3-4 starts before he is ready to rejoin the Nationals. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Mat Latos, Marlins – Latos, sidelined with left knee inflammation, will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A New Orleans on Monday and throw "somewhere between 85-90 pitches." He is expected to make two rehab starts before being activated. Latos, who is in his first year in Miami, has struggled with injuries and inconsistency early this season, accumulating a 6.52 ERA and 1.59 ERA through nine starts. However, he's been a bit lucky, as he has a ridiculously low 60-percent strand rate and a 3.55 FIP. His solid track record the past five seasons before this one means that he warrants another look-see if he's available in your league. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early return spec bid).

Brandon Morrow, Padres – Morrow, who has missed the last month with right shoulder inflammation, threw 54 pitches in a rehab start with Double-A San Antonio on Tuesday. He is scheduled for another rehab start Sunday, when he could throw 75-80 pitches. The cortisone shot he received earlier this month appears to have worked wonders, as Morrow could be back by next weekend. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Jake Peavy, Giants – Peavy, out since mid-April with a muscle strain and continued issues with the SI joint in his lower back, threw 40 pitches in a bullpen session this week and was to throw 70 pitches in rehab start for Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday. His return from the injury has come with starts and stops, as he has dealt with pain in his back. Peavy struggled in the playoffs last year, but his regular-season success after coming over to the Giants could bode well for solid numbers when he is activated. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (early spec return bid).

Relief Pitching

Kendry Flores, David Hernandez, Tommy Kahnle, Dustin McGowan, Josh Ravin, and Pedro Villarreal - This week's key middle reliever call-ups/activations, as well as expected call-ups, were/will be in Miami, Arizona, Colorado, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Cincinnati. None have any substantial value save for Hernandez, who could work his way into a setup role for the D-Backs, and Ravin, who could rack up strikeouts if he sticks with the Dodgers. Hernandez/Ravin – Mixed: $0; NL: $2. All others - Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Rafael Soriano, Free Agent – Soriano, who is still a free agent, is drawing interest from the Cubs, Cardinals and Blue Jays. Chicago may make the most sense, as Soriano left Scott Boras and switched to Octagon Baseball, who represents Cubs' manager Joe Maddon. In addition, Soriano put up a 1.73 ERA and notched 45 saves for the Rays in 2010, when Maddon managed there. If he does sign with Chicago, look for him to replace Hector Rondon as the team's closer. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (early spec signing bid).

Hunter Strickland, Giants – Strickland has worked into a key, late-inning role in the Giants' bullpen. He has allowed just two runs on four hits and a walk with 11 strikeouts over 9.2 innings. If Strickland can keep the long balls and walks down, which were two bugaboos for him during the Giants' World Series run a year ago, he could rack up several holds. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Pedro Strop, Cubs – Strop relieved Hector Rondon and closed out the Cubs' win over the Nationals on Saturday. After the game, manager Joe Maddon said he might use Rondon in other situations to allow him to work on his stuff, which could allow Strop to step in as the closer in the short-term. Strop notched 21 holds to go with a 2.21 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 61 innings last year, building off the success he had after coming to Chicago from Baltimore in 2013. He has the stuff to be a successful closer, though the Cubs are rumored to be in the mix for Rafael Soriano. Mixed: $4; NL: $11 (if he gets and keeps the job).

Catcher

Welington Castillo, Diamondbacks – Castillo, who started the year in the National League with the Cubs before landing in Seattle, was traded back to the NL in a six-player deal headed by Mark Trumbo going to Seattle. Castillo started off well in 2014, but a high BABIP regressed closer to the norm and his poor K:BB ratio brought his numbers way down. He hasn't seen much time this year, but likely will start against all left-handers and possibly see additional at-bats against right-handed pitching if Jarrod Saltalamacchia continues to struggle. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Injury activation/updates:

Travis d'Arnaud, Mets – D'Arnaud, who suffered a fractured right hand when he was hit by an A.J. Ramos pitch on April 19, resumed his rehab assignment Thursday after missing a few days due to a bruised wrist. He likely will need at least a week of rehab games to be ready for activation. When that does happen, he will slot right back in as the Mets' starter catcher with Kevin Plawecki (vertigo) going down to Triple-A Las Vegas. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Jeff Mathis, Marlins – Mathis, sidelined with a fractured ring finger since mid-April, was activated from the disabled list Friday. He will serve as Miami's backup catcher behind J.T. Realmuto. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Devin Mesoraco, Reds – Mesoraco, who looked to be finished for the season with a hip injury that requires surgery, is taking flyballs in the outfield in an effort to play left field. It's not a crazy idea, as his sore left hip only bothers him when he crouches, and he did play in the outfield in high school. With Marlon Byrd out with a fractured right wrist, Mesoraco could give Cincinnati a solid bat in the middle of the lineup if he can handle the job. Mixed: $4; NL: $11 (early injury return speculative bid).

First Base

Shane Peterson, Brewers – Peterson was promoted this week to provide the Brewers with some depth in the outfield. He posted a .910 OPS this season at Triple-A Colorado Springs and was red-hot going 15-for-31 over his last 10 games. Peterson started twice this week in left field while Ryan Braun was nursing a thumb injury, but his playing time likely will be sporadic, mainly as the main lefty bat off the bench. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Injury activation/update:

Yonder Alonso, Padres – Alonso, out since May 8 due to a bone bruise on his right shoulder that stemmed from diving for a groundball against Arizona, was activated off the disabled list Tuesday after a short rehab assignment. He has regained his starting first base job, but that could last for as long as Wil Myers (wrist) is sidelined, though it's more likely that Myers comes back and plays the outfield. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Second Base

Ivan De Jesus, Reds – De Jesus, who hit .303 in 50 games for Triple-A Louisville while playing all four infield positions, was called up to take the place of the injured Marlon Byrd (broken wrist). He will serve as a bench bat and backup at second as well as maybe left field. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

DJ LeMahieu, Rockies – LeMahieu is off to a tremendous start, posting a .339/.394/.435 line, mostly from the No. 2 spot in the order. With three home runs and 26 RBI, LeMahieu is well on his way to eclipsing his career highs in both home runs (5) and RBI (42).Mixed: $12; NL: owned.

Danny Muno, Mets – Muno had a strong spring and received a call-up in mid-April to serve as a backup infielder and lefty bat off the bench. He saw minimal action and was sent back down after a short stint. Muno was called back in late May, only to get sent back down quickly, but has since been recalled due to Daniel Murphy's quad injury. He could see the occasional start at second, short or third, as he, Ruben Tejada, Wilmer Flores and Eric Campbell will man those spots while Murphy and David Wright (hamstring) are out. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Hector Olivera, Dodgers – Olivera made his pro debut Thursday, going 1-for-4 with a pair of walks for Double-A Tulsa. After signing a six-year, $62.5 million deal with the Dodgers in March; Olivera was sidelined recovering from the latest of his litany of arm and elbow injuries. Olivera, who has above-average power and plate discipline, believes he could be ready for the majors in 3-4 weeks, but with Howie Kendrick at second base along with Jimmy Rollins, Justin Turner and Alex Guerrero in the infield, it remains to see where he will play. The best bet is third base, replacing Turner. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (early call-up spec bid, but increase the bid if you think he'll be up and starting by the end of June).

Hernan Perez, Brewers – Perez, claimed off waivers earlier in the week from the Tigers, started at second for the Brewers on Thursday and Friday. He hit just .061 with 11 strikeouts in 22 games for Detroit, but batted .280 in 147 Triple-A games in 2014 and posted a .293/.326/.390 slash line in 138 minor league contests two seasons ago. Second base has been a bit of a revolving door for Milwaukee this year, but I doubt it stops on Perez for too long. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Chase Utley, Phillies – Utley, after a horrific start to the season, has turned it around the past month. He has posted a .289/.365/.422 line his last 30 days, though with just one home run and 11 runs batted in. Utley's numbers his last five full seasons are a stark contrast to the monster stats he posted from 2005-09, but if he can hit like he has the past 30 days, he might be an option in deeper mixed leagues. Mixed: $10; NL: owned.

Injury activation/updates:

Dilson Herrera, Mets – Herrera, who landed on the disabled list with a broken middle finger sustained on May 15, started a rehab assignment Thursday at High-A St. Lucie. He likely will need 7-10 days to be ready to rejoin the Mets. Recently, Ruben Tejada moved to second base and Daniel Murphy to third, meaning Herrera could have slotted back in as the starter at second once he was activated. With Murphy landing on the disabled list with a right quad injury, Tejada probably will move to third to make room for Herrera when he is ready. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec activation bid).

Anthony Rendon, Nationals – Rendon, sidelined since March 9 with a sprained MCL in his knee, was activated off the disabled list Thursday. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Shortstop

Javier Baez, Cubs – Baez began playing third base this past week for Triple-A Iowa, with Kris Bryant seeing some starts in the outfield in Chicago, possibly leading to an opening at third base. Baez has been raking at Triple-A, but his strikeout rate is still an issue, though it has been better this season than in 2014 and his walk rate has improved as well. One other cautionary note is that his BABIP was .391 through Friday's games, so Baez's numbers may be a bit overinflated. For now, it looks like he will stay in the minors, but if he continues to hit and keep his strikeouts down, a call-up could be forthcoming. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec call-up bid).

Third Base

Eric Campbell, Mets – With Daniel Murphy (quad) landing on the disabled list, Campbell got the first chance to fill his spot at the hot corner Friday. Campbell has struggled mightily at the plate this season, so his possible hold on the spot is tenuous at best. If he struggles, look for Ruben Tejada and Danny Muno to start at second and third base. New York could call up Matt Reynolds and play him at short or third, though Reynolds has struggled at the plate after a solid start to the season. The other option will be to promote Dilson Herrera (finger) when he is ready and play Tejada at third. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Casey McGehee, Giants – McGehee opened the year batting .200/.254/.282 with two home runs and nine runs batted in over 35 games, resulting in his getting designated for assignment on May 24. He accepted an assignment to Triple-A Sacramento, batting .357/.391/.571 with two home runs in 10 games to earn a second chance. Matt Duffy has done a solid job at third base while the Giants also have Joaquin Arias to play there, so it will be interesting to see what kind of time McGehee sees at the hot corner. Mixed: No; NL: $3.

Injury activation/updates:

Kelly Johnson, Braves – Johnson, out with a strained left oblique since May 12, started light baseball activities (playing catch and taking dry swings) this past week, but remains without a timetable for return. Once he is ready to return to game action, he likely will have a minor league injury-rehab assignment before rejoining the Braves. With Juan Uribe and Chris Johnson manning the hot corner, Johnson, who was the Braves' home-run leader before he was hurt, likely will slot back into left field when he is activated. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (early return spec bid).

Jake Lamb, Diamondbacks – Lamb, who has been on the disabled list since April 21 with a stress reaction in his left foot, was activated Saturday after a short rehab assignment for Triple-A Reno. Prior to being sidelined, Lamb was one of the Diamondbacks' better hitters, hitting .414 with three doubles, one triple and one home run in 29 at-bats. While Lamb has been sidelined, Yasmany Tomas has stepped in at third. Arizona made room for Lamb by dealing Mark Trumbo, which allows Tomas to move to the outfield, though Ender Inciarte and David Peralta could both be starters, which would mean either Tomas or Lamb has to sit. Mixed: $4; NL: $11 (upped bid).

Outfield

Brandon Barnes, Rockies – Barnes has started nine straight games for the Rockies, and it looks like manager Walt Weiss has settled on him as the primary replacement for Corey Dickerson (foot) in left field. Dickerson may be close to starting a rehab assignment, but it remains to be seen if he can play through the plantar fasciitis in his foot. If not, Barnes, who was so good off the bench for Colorado last year but was exposed when he got more playing time, should continue to see most of the action in left. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (up it if think Dickerson is sidelined longer).

Mike Baxter and Matt Szczur, Cubs – Jorge Soler's injury created room on the Chicago roster for both Baxter and Szczur. Szczur's ability to play center field may give him a leg up over Baxter for the top reserve outfielder role, though neither should see a substantial amount of playing time. Baxter - Mixed: No; NL: $0; Szczur - Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Brennan Boesch and Skip Schumaker, Reds – Boesch and Schumaker figure to split time in left field with Marlon Byrd out with a fractured wrist. Boesch is likely on the lighter side of the platoon, seeing minimal action. Schumaker, who like Boesch hits lefty, has shown he can play all over the outfield and has started the three games since Byrd was injured. He likely will give you some counting stats and not much more. Boesch - Mixed: No; NL: $2; Schumaker - Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Chris Heisey, Dodgers – Heisey was promoted to take the roster spot of Scott Van Slyke, who landed on the 15-day disabled list with left back inflammation. With Scott Schebler also getting called up. Heisey will serve as the Dodgers' fifth outfielder. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Junior Lake, Cubs – With Jorge Soler out with an ankle injury, Lake has started the last five games. In that stretch, he's 5-for-19 with a home run, three RBI, a stolen base and a 7:1 K:BB ratio. Those numbers show the good and bad of Lake and are a fairly good representation of what you should see while he is in the next two weeks for Soler. Mixed: $3; NL: $9.

Justin Maxwell, Giants – Maxwell has started the last few games with Hunter Pence sidelined with tendinitis in his left wrist. Maxwell started for a spell while Pence was out earlier in the year and gives the Giants some pop in the lineup. Pence is expected to be back in the lineup Tuesday, but if he is sidelined longer, Maxwell should start in his place. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Injury activation/updates:

Corey Dickerson, Rockies – Dickerson, out with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, ran the bases twice this week and also took batting practice. He experienced some soreness the first time running, but was better the second. Dickerson will return to Arizona on Sunday for extended spring training games and if he has no setbacks, should begin a rehab assignment shortly thereafter. It remains to be seen if he'll be able to play through the injury, but it looks like he will give it a shot. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Wil Myers, Padres – Myers, out since May 19 with left wrist tendinitis, took 75 swings without pain during batting practice Friday and is expected to go on a rehab assignment with Triple-A El Paso on Sunday. He has incrementally progressed to this level, which gives hope that he won't have any kind of setback during the rehab stint. If all goes well, Myers could be back with the Padres in 10-14 days. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Yasiel Puig, Dodgers – Puig, bothered by a strained left hamstring much of the season, started a rehab assignment Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored for High-A Rancho Cucamonga and followed that up with a home run Friday. Before being injured, he had played in only 11 games this season for LA, notching two homers and four RBI. This was the second rehab assignment for Puig, who was shut down after aggravating his injury on May 8. Puig was surprisingly activated Saturday, as it originally looked like he would play several days in the minors to make sure his leg was fully 100 percent. Get him back in your lineup ASAP. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Joey Terdoslavich, Braves – Terdoslavich, sidelined since the beginning of the season with wrist soreness, was activated off the disabled list Friday. He will serve as a bench bat while seeing an occasional outfield start for the Braves. Mixed: No; NL: $0.