NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

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 grid, which is sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This serves as a reflection of a player's skills and role on an A-E scale. Dansby Swanson 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.

Anthony Banda, Diamondbacks - Banda was called up to start Friday in place of Robbie Ray, who is on the 7-day concussion disabled list. This was Banda's second major-league start. In his first start July 22, Banda allowed one run through five innings before surrendering three additional runs in the sixth inning against the Nationals, finishing with four runs allowed on seven hits and no walks with five strikeouts. Friday, Banda held the Giants to one run on three hits and four walks with seven strikeouts over six innings to earn the win. He has steadily moved up the ladder, but taken a step back since arriving at Triple-A Reno last season, hurt by the home-run ball and a low strand rate. This may only be a one-start shot for Banda, as his status depends on how quickly Ray heals. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Ty Blach, Giants - Blach tossed his fifth quality start in his last six outings, allowed two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four over eight innings Thursday. This hot streak has lowered his ERA to 4.24, but his FIP is 3.95 due to low strand rate (68 percent) and relatively high BABIP (.301). The Giants are suffering through a poor season but might have found a solid No. 4 starter in Blach, albeit one with minimal strikeouts. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Yu Darvish, Dodgers - Los Angeles, already running away with their division and the top seed in the National League, made a move to bolster their rotation for the playoffs, acquiring Darvish for a package of three prospects, heading by Willie Calhoun. Darvish has been on the block the past few weeks and rumored to go to a few teams, but Dodgers were ultimately the team to pull the trigger in the waning moments of the non-waiver trade deadline. Darvish likely will be the No. 2 starter behind Clayton Kershaw, though it's possible he slots behind Alex Wood or Rich Hill. He had struggled a bit lately, possibly impacted by the trade rumors, booking three good starts by ones in which he allowed seven earned runs and, recently, 10 earned runs in 3.2 innings in which he was rumored to be tipping his pitches. The 30-year-old Darvish posted a 4.01 ERA and 148 strikeouts in 137 innings for Texas. He was brilliant Friday in his first start for L.A., scattering three hits and a walk over seven scoreless innings while striking out 10 in picking up the win. 12-team Mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: $85.

Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers - Ryu had his fourth straight no-decision Sunday after allowing five hits and one walk with seven strikeouts over seven scoreless innings vs. the Giants. In that stretch, Ryu has surrendered just six earned runs with a 23:7 K:BB ratio in 22.2 innings; with two of the starts at the end of the June and the most recent two at the end of July after he returned from missing three weeks with a foot injury. Overall, Ryu has posted 81:26 K:BB ratio with a 3.83 ERA over 84.2 innings with a 61 percent first-pitch strike rate and 12 percent swinging-strike rate. Those latter two numbers are solid and a pretty strong indication that Ryu's earlier shoulder woes are a thing of the past. 12-team Mixed: $35; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned.

Lucas Sims, Braves - Sims, profiled last week, gets another mention as he was called up Tuesday to fill the rotation spot vacated due to Jaime Garcia's trade to the Twins. Once one of the Braves' top pitching prospects, Sims had seen his stock tumble the last two years, but he turned around his career and had a solid campaign at Triple-A Gwinnett this season, posting a 3.75 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 124:33 K:BB ratio in 110.1 innings. Sims flashes two potential plus pitches (fastball and curveball) and mixes in a changeup, but the big difference has been his improved control, as he has substantially reduced his walk rate. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (same bid as prior)

Asher Wojciechowski, Reds - Wojciechowski moved from the bullpen to starting rotation Friday against the Pirates, replacing Tim Adleman, who was scratched with a potential injury. This is the second time Woj moved to the rotation. The last time, back in June, he allowed 16 runs (15 earned) on 23 hits and three walks over 17.1 innings in four turns, resulting in him getting designated for assignment. Friday, he allowed one run on three hits and one walk while striking out five across five innings to earn the win. With that solid start Wojciechowski earned another start Wednesday against the Padres. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Brandon Woodruff, Brewers - Woodruff was promoted to make his major-league debut Friday and he tossed 6.1 scoreless innings, allowing seven hits and two walks while striking out six to pick up the win. He was originally set to make his big-league debut in mid-June, but then missed about a month with a hamstring injury. Woodruff, Milwaukee's 2016 minor-league pitcher of the year, returned in mid-July and has posted a 4.46 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 70:24 K:BB in 72.2 innings with Triple-A Colorado Springs. It's unclear how many starts Woodruff will make at this level, but he will remain in the rotation a couple of turns as Chase Anderson is not yet ready to return from his oblique injury. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Injury activation/updates:

Christian Friedrich, Padres - Friedrich, sidelined since late in spring training with a strained lat, resumed his rehab stint with High-A Lake Elsinore on Monday, tossing three scoreless innings with no issues. After making four rehab appearances, Friedrich was shut down for the better part of July after suffering soreness during a bullpen session. Friedrich, a 2008 first-round pick of the Rockies, has never matched the hype and last year, posted a 4.80 ERA, 1.41 WHIIP and 1.92 K/BB ratio in 24 games (23 starts) for San Diego. It's unclear how many more rehab starts he'll need to make and if he will be a starter or reliever when he is rejoins the Padres, though even money is that he returns as a long reliever. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Matt Garza, Brewers - Garza, sidelined since his July 21 start, missed just one outing and returned Thursday. He allowed one run on four hits and two walks with four strikeouts in 5.2 innings to earn the win. Prior to being sidelined, Garza had posted a decent 3.83 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over 82.1 innings this season, albeit with just a 52:25 K:BB ratio. Despite the low K rate, Garza had a 4.17 FIP, making him worth a flier in most leagues, especially if you can stream starters. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Robert Gsellman, Mets - Gsellman, on the disabled list June 28 with a strained left hamstring, made his second rehab start for Double-A Binghamton on Tuesday, throwing three scoreless innings on 41 pitches. He lasted just six batters in his first rehab start, allowing four to reach base while throwing 26 pitches, so this start was much more in line with the team's hopes for him. Gsellman likely will need to make 3-4 more rehab starts before he is ready to rejoin the Mets. He was 5-5 with a 6.16 ERA prior to his injury and could slot into either the rotation or the bullpen upon his return. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (same early spec return bid)

Matt Harvey, Mets - Harvey, sidelined since June 15 with a stress injury of the scapula bone in his right shoulder, threw off the slope of the mound this week and is scheduled to toss a bullpen session Sunday. It's been a rough few years for the Dark Knight, as he struggled the first half of last year before undergoing thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. This season, Harvey had a 5.25 ERA and 1.45 WHIP when he was sidelined. Barring a setback, Harvey could return before the end of month to the team's rotation. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec return bid)

Chris Stratton, Giants - Stratton, the Giants' first-round pick in 2012, was activated off the 10-day disabled list and started Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks, replacing the injured Johnny Cueto. Matt Cain, who was in line to start, has been moved to the bullpen, opening the opportunity for Stratton. He allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and four walks while striking out four over five innings Saturday. Stratton surrendered five runs over 6.2 innings in his July 6 start against the Tigers and posted a 5.11 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 15 starts at Triple-A Sacramento but will get a chance to stay in the SF rotation the balance of the season. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

RELIEF PITCHER
 
Chasen Bradford/Shane Carle/Max Fried/David Hernandez/Jeremy Jeffress/Mark Leiter/Akeel Morris/Jason Motte/Ricardo Pinto/Edubray Ramos/Zac Rosscup/Rob Zastryzny - This week's key middle reliever call ups/activations, as well as expected callups, were/will be in New York, Colorado, Atlanta, Arizona, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Atlanta (2x), Philadelphia (2x), Colorado and Chicago. None has substantial value. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0.

Jeurys Familia, Mets - Familia, sidelined after mid-May surgery to remove a blood clot in his armpit area, threw a bullpen session Wednesday. This is the next step in Familia's potential return, as he kicked off a throwing program in mid-July. At the time of the surgery, it was announced the hope was Familia could resume throwing in about six weeks and return to "competitive pitching in approximately three to four months." Now that he has thrown a bullpen session, Familia could go out on a rehab assignment shortly and potentially be back could be back in the bullpen by the third week of August. The flame-throwing righty's ratios fell back a bit the last two years, but he's still got the skills to be an elite closer. If/when he does return, Familia will replace A.J. Ramos as closer, but the team could opt to be cautious with his return if it fully falls out of the race. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (same early spec bid as prior if waived; increase as he gets closer to active duty)

Brandon Kintzler, Nationals - The Nationals, who already added Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson, bolstered the back-end of the bullpen again by acquiring Kintzler from Minnesota for Tyler Watson. Kintzler, who turns 33 on Tuesday, is an atypical closer who hardly strikes out anyone, but he was 28-for-32 in saves this year and had saved 45 games the last two seasons. He was in the midst of a career year, posting a 2.78 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in Minnesota, but likely will be just a set-up man in the nation's capital. 12-team Mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: $5

Mark Melancon, Giants - Melancon, placed on the disabled list June 28 with a right pronator (elbow) strain before receiving a PRP injection shortly thereafter, made his second rehab start with High-A San Jose on Wednesday, tossing a scoreless inning. He also tossed a scoreless inning in his first rehab appearance at Triple-A Sacramento last Sunday. Melancon, who signed a four-year, $62 million deal with SF this offseason, struggled in his third appearance Friday, allowing four runs on four hits in one inning, which could slow down the timeframe for his return. He likely will need a couple more outings before the team determines his readiness for major-league action, but a return in a week or so seems reasonable. When/if that happens, Sam Dyson, who has filled in for Melancon, will move to a set-up role. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (same early spec return; increase as he gets closer)

Arodys Vizcaino, Braves - Jim Johnson, who is 22-for-30 on saves with a 4.22 ERA, is no longer the team's primary closer after he blew his MLB-leading eighth save and his third in his last seven chances Saturday against the Phillies. The next day Johnson pitched the eighth inning with the score tied, and manager Brandon Snitker said he was holding back Vizcaino for a possible save situation, which didn't come. Johnson has been the team's primary closer for at least part of the past three seasons, though he hasn't held the role for any full campaign. Vizcaino, took over as the primary Braves closer after the team traded Johnson in 2015 and converted nine of 10 save chances. He began last season as the closer and converted 10 of 13 save opportunities before going on the disabled list, replaced by Johnson. Vizcaino may not be the sole closer, but he is the favorite to earn the majority of the saves the rest of the way and he got off to a good start with saves Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33.

Justin Wilson, Cubs - Like Brandon Kintzler, Wilson goes from closing in the AL to set-up man on a contender in the NL. Wilson was traded to the Cubs along with Alex Avila for Jeimer Candelario, Isaac Paredes and either a player to be named or cash. He will be used this year to set up Wade Davis, but with Davis likely gone after the year, the Cubs could have Wilson potentially close in 2018 and beyond. Wilson went 13-for-15 in save opportunities for Detroit with a 2.68 ERA, 16:13 BB:K and 0.94 WHIP in 40.1 innings, assuming the closer role from Francisco Rodriguez. 12-team Mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: $11 (2018 closer spec bid)

CATCHER
 
Jorge Alfaro, Phillies - Remember when Alfaro was a big-time prospect and one of the main centerpieces of the Cole Hamels haul by Philadelphia? Those days look to be long gone. Alfaro is hitting .241/.291/.359 with seven homers and 43 RBI in 350 plate appearances for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Making matters look even worse are his 113:16 K:BB ratio and sub-Mendoza Line batting average since June 1. But with Andrew Knapp sidelined with a bruised right hand, Alfaro is the only other catcher on the Phillies' 40-man roster, so he was promoted Friday. Look for Cameron Rupp to see all the playing time he can handle. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Alex Avila, Tigers - Avila was traded to the Cubs as part of the package along with Justin Wilson, with the Tigers receiving Jeimer Candelario, Isaac Paredes and either a player to be named or cash. Prior to the trade, Avila was having a solid year overall, hitting .274/.394/.475 with 11 HR and 32 RBI, but he was in the midst of a brutal slump. Avila's last home run was a month ago and he was just 9-for-55 in July. He provides a veteran backup for Willson Contreras. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Jonathan Lucroy, Rockies - Lucroy was traded Sunday night to Colorado for the ever-popular player to be named. Lucroy, a career .280 hitter with 94 home runs, including 24 homers last season, has struggled mightily this year, posting a .242/.297/.338 line with only four home runs. Tom Murphy was injured to begin the year and then went 1-for-30 when he was called up. Tony Wolters, Dustin Garneau and Ryan Hanigan all have received playing time behind the plate in Colorado. The Rockies hope that a change of scenery — plus Coors Field — revives Lucroy's bat. On paper, it looks to be a worthwhile gamble. 12-team Mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: $25.

Andrew Susac, Brewers - Susac was promoted Friday with Jeff Bandy landing on the disabled list with a fractured rib. He was batting.205/.307/.404 with eight home runs in 171 at-bats for Triple-A Colorado Springs and will back up Manny Pina. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

FIRST BASE
 
Rhys Hoskins, Phillies - Hoskins, profiled several times the last few weeks, gets another mention, as he could be promoted to the majors as early as next week, setting up a platoon with Tommy Joseph at first base. Joseph picked up his game after a very slow start and his overall production is fairly close to his breakthrough 2016 season. But with Philly looking to the future and to move one of the two first basemen, Hoksins is on the verge of being showcased. Hoskins had a monster year at Double-A Reading where he hit .281/.377/.566 with 38 home runs in 498 at-bats. He took advantage of a hitter-friendly park in Reading where he slashed .292/.396/.636 with 25 of his 38 home runs. Hoskins has shown that production is no fluke, batting .280/.380/.566 with 26 home runs in 378 at-bats for Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season, through Thursday's games. He has rebounded lately from a brief slump, showing his ability to adjust and adapt. Most impressive may be his 71:59 K:BB there, continuing his solid eye at the plate that is coupled with a simple but effective swing, which should allow him continued success as he advances. Hoskins has shown in the minors that he can hit lefties and righties, though there are questions regarding whether he will hit enough when he gets to the majors and has to face better off-speed stuff. But so far, he has answered every challenge in the minors. The Phillies will need to move Joseph or Hoskins this offseason, as each aren't suited to play another position. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: $28 (slightly increased spec bid and go higher if he is the full-time starter)

Injury activation/updates:

Adrian Gonzalez, Dodgers - Gonzalez, sidelined since June 13 due to a herniated disk in his back, started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday after participating in a simulated game Monday. He recently begun taking swings and running curves, progressing to batting practice last Sunday and now the sim games and rehab assignment. Cody Bellinger has replaced Gonzalez at first base, but L.A. could move Bellinger back to left field and shift Chris Taylor to second base when A-Gone is ready. Gonzalez, who could use all 20 allowable days on the rehab stint, has homered only once in 165 at-bats, and has a career-low .339 slugging percentage, but when he is back, which may be by mid-August, look for him to be in the starting lineup almost daily. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (increased early spec bid to be increased again as he gets closer to the major leagues)

SECOND BASE
 
Ozzie Albies, Braves - Albies profiled last week, gets another mention, as he was promoted to the majors Tuesday and hit his first MLB home run Thursday. He struggled until early June, but was on fire since coming off the 7-day disabled list. Overall, Albies slashed .285/.330/.440 while hitting a career-high nine home runs and swiping 21 bases, much of that production coming since June 12. Just 20, Albies profiles at the Braves' second baseman of the future and it looks like that time is now with Atlanta looking to the future. The Braves similarly called up Dansby Swanson very early last year, so there is the possibility that Albies isn't ready or mature enough yet for the big leagues, but he has met every challenge to date. Albies needs work on his plate discipline and his contact rate has dropped slightly this year, but the future is very bright for Albies. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (increased call up bid).

Daniel Descalso/Brandon Drury/Ketel Marte/Adam Rosales - Diamondbacks - Chris Owings fractured his right mddle finger, landing him on the 60-day disabled list while creating a middle-infield hole for Arizona. Marte, who was called up in late June when Nick Ahmed fractured his right hand, will be the biggest beneficiary to Owings' absence, as he figures to be an everyday player for the D-backs now that he has returned from the bereavement list. He has recently warmed up at the plate, moving Drury to a backup role at shortstop. Descalso has made the most of his playing thriving with his extra at-bats, both in the infield and outfield, lately. He should remain in the mix while he is hot. Drury was a starter, but he has slumped mightily the past month or so, opening the door for Marte. Owings' injury allows him to get another chance at consistent playing time, but it's now an even more crowded infield. The veteran infielder hasn't been great at the plate this season, as his slash line sits at just .234/.273/.346 in 71 games for the Athletics. Rosales, who can play second, short or third, will move into a reserve infield role when Marte is back. Descalso - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Drury - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Marte - 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18; Rosales - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3.

Jace Peterson, Braves - Peterson was called up Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday to take role as utility infielder of Sean Rodriguez, who was traded to the Pirates. Ozzie Albies and Johan
Camargo should play almost every day up the middle, so Peterson's playing time will be minimal. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

SHORTSTOP

Miguel Rojas, Marlins - With J.T. Riddle out for the year due to upcoming surgery to repair the slap tear in his left shoulder, Rojas is the new starting shortstop in Miami. Mike Aviles will back him up, but Rojas should play close to every day. Rojas has no power at all but should post decent batting and on base averages with some counting stats while also qualifying at all four infield spots. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Amed Rosario, Mets - Rosario finally got the call up Tuesday, putting an end to the #freeamedrosario movement. He was on a roll at Triple-A Las Vegas, putting his mild June slump behind him. Rosario recently saw his 17-game hitting streak end and when promoted was hitting .328/.367/.466 with seven home runs and 19 steals in 425 plate appearances at Las Vegas. The Mets wanted Rosario to work on his plate discipline in the minors, as he has to a 3:1 K:BB ratio. But he struck out just 15.8 percent of the time and has an 83 percent contact rate, which bodes well for success at the next level. Rosario's plus-plus defense at shortstop will provide the Mets an edge over Jose Reyes, who will back up at short and third, and Asdrubal Cabrera. 12-team Mixed: $12; 15-team Mixed: $22, 12-team NL: $33 (upped call up bid)

THIRD BASE

Ryder Jones, Giants - The roulette wheel that has been the Giants' third base job has now landed on Jones. He earned the role, as Jones had been on fire since returning from a hand injury July 18, batting .375 (15-for-40) with three home runs and seven extra-base hits over an 11-game stretch with Triple-A Sacramento. His hot streak coincided with ice-cold performances from Conor Gillaspie and Jae-Gyun Hwang in the majors, resulting in the Giants turning back to Jones. This is the 23-year-old's second shot at the job, as he struggled in seven major-league starts earlier this year (1-for-21), landing him back in the minors. But Jones learned from that failure, quieting his hands at the plate by eliminating some movement in his swing, resting his bat on his shoulder and widening his stance a bit. Those changes helped contribute to his recent hot streak and overall .312/.396/.574 line at Triple-A, earning him another chance, likely for the balance of the season. For now, though, he is playing first base in place of Brandon Belt (concussion) with Pablo Sandoval called up to man the hot corner. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Pablo Sandoval, Giants - Sandoval, who had all the success in his career with the Giants and flamed out in Boston, was called up to San Francisco on Saturday. He signed a minor-league deal with the Giants after the Red Sox waived him and received the call because Brandon Belt landed on the 7-day concussion disabled list. Sandoval was slashing just .207/.324/.345 with one home run in 37 plate appearances at Triple- A after posting a .623 OPS with Boston this season. Ryder Jones moved over to first base with Belt sidelined, opening up third base for Sandoval. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3.

Injury activation/updates:

Adonis Garcia, Braves - Garcia, who underwent surgery to help heal his injured left ring finger in June, is a couple weeks away from returning from the disabled list. When he had the surgery, the viewpoint was that Garcia would miss two months and he looks on pace to hit that timeframe. Garcia was having a rough 2017 after a breakthrough year last year. With Freddie Freeman back and now at first base, Ozzie Albies at second and Matt Adams in left, Brandon Phillips is at third base. But the Braves likely will play Garcia a lot at the hot corner in September to see if 2016 or this year is the norm. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec return bid)

OUTFIELD

Keon Broxton, Milwaukee - A little more than a week after getting sent down to the minors, Broxton is back in Milwaukee and will start in center field. Lewis Brinson is still there but manager Craig Counsell indicated that Broxton would pick up much of the playing time in center field, which pushed Brinson first to the bench and then to the minors. Broxton will try to carry over his success from his seven-game stint in the minors (1.077 OPS, four stolen bases) to the big leagues, as this is the second time he seemingly had lost his starting job only to regain it. How long he keeps it this time is anyone's guess. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Phillip Ervin/Cameron Perkins - This week's fourth and fifth outfielder call ups/activations, as well as expected callups, or those potentially to see a slight uptick in playing time was in Cincinnati and Perkins. The Reds were in need of outfield depth with Scott Schebler (shoulder) landing on the disabled list, so Ervin will head to the majors to provide just that. However, the outfield prospect likely will spend much of his time in Cincinnati as a reserve outfielder and as a pinch runner, as Jesse Winker is expected to get regular reps as the Reds' everyday right fielder while Schebler is sidelined. Perkins was called up with Aaron Altherr landing on the DL with a hamstring strain. He had a .298/.388/.476 slash line with six home runs in 63 games at Triple-A, but batted just .207/.277/.276 in 65 plate appearances in the big leagues this year. Both - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3.

Jesse Winker, Reds - Winker, who was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday, making his fourth appearance in the majors this year, will get a shot at steady playing time, as Scott Schebler's injured shoulder landed on the disabled list. Schebler since the All-Star break was just 4-for-52 at the plate, which might have been due to the injury, Winker had just two home runs in the minors, but blasted long balls Tuesday and Wednesday for Cincinnati. He had displayed excellent contact at Triple-A (.314 batting average, 85 percent contact rate), but his power deserted him as he moved up the ladder. Despite this, he will get a long look this time, and if he can display a modicum of power, as he did his first two games in this call up, he could hold the starting job the rest of the way. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Injury activation/updates:

Jarrett Parker, Giants - Parker, on the 60-day disabled list after breaking his right clavicle April 15, begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento in mid-June but was shut down due to neck tightness. He has played consistently the last few weeks, paving the way for his activation Thursday. Look for Parker to get his chances in left field, as current starter Gorkys Hernandez hit an uninspiring .256/.332/.321 over 87 games prior to Parker's activation. In addition, with Hunter Pence struggling, Parker, who mashes righties, could see time in right field, as Austin Slater will be out until September with a torn adductor muscle in his right hip. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Stephen Piscotty, Cardinals - Piscotty, sidelined for two weeks with a groin injury, returned to the Cardinals on Tuesday after a short rehab stint action. Prior to be sidelined with his injury, Piscotty was slashing .236/.348/.371 with six home runs, 31 RBI and 55:36 K:BB ratio in 273 plate appearances, continuing his second half slump from last season. It's expected that Piscotty will see regular starts in right field now that he's healthy again, resulting in Tommy Pham sliding over to center field to fill in for the injured Dexter Fowler (wrist) with Randal Grichuk in left. If Piscotty continues to struggle, Jose Martinez could see additional time in right while Harrison Bader, optioned to Triple-A Memphis to clear a spot for Piscotty on the active roster, might get called back up. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: owned.

Michael Taylor, Nationals - Taylor, out since July 7 with a strained right oblique muscle, began a rehab assignment at High-A Potomac on Monday. He had just recently been cleared to resume full baseball activities after being limited to light conditioning while waiting for the oblique muscle to heal. Taylor could be back with the Nationals on Monday, though it's possible he plays in a few additional rehab games to make sure he doesn't suffer a setback, before rejoining Washington. Brian Goodwin has more than ably filled in for Taylor, who had replaced Adam Eaton (ACL). But the Nationals will welcome their leadoff hitter back, who was hitting .278/.320/.510 with 12 HR, 35 RBI, 40R and 10 SB and had been red-hot when he was sidelined. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: $35 (early spec return bid)

Jayson Werth, Nationals - Werth, sidelined since June 3 after fouling a ball off his left foot, is taking at-bats in simulated games at the Nationals' facilities in Florida. He has already gotten back to full running on treadmills, so the only hurdle in Werth's way is getting back into game shape. Werth likely will need a short rehab assignment, working his way up the levels in the minors. If all goes well in Florida, look for him to play a week in the minors and then rejoin the team. Werth will be the starting left fielder again once healthy, lengthening an already deep Natonals lineup. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early spec return bid)