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 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.

STARTING PITCHER

Tyler Anderson, Rockies -- Anderson lasted just 2.1 innings on Opening Day, allowing seven runs. Since then, he surrendered two earned runs or fewer each of the next six times out. Anderson left his start April 27 in the second inning due to dizziness and shortness of breath but looked fine in his start this past Wednesday, shutting down the Braves. Anderson has posted quirky reverse splits each of the past two seasons, posting far better numbers in Coors Field than on the road. In addition, he has upped his K/9 from 7.79 in 2016 to 8.48 last year and 9.99 so far this season, mixing up his fastball, changeup, cutter and occasional curveball effectively. He has benefitted form a slightly low BABIP, and his FIP is about half a run higher, so expect some regression, but Anderson has shown enough growth to warrant taking a chance on him. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (but likely owned in NL)

Walker Buehler, Dodgers –Rich Hill, sidelined with a cracked nail and then a finger infection, is expected to be activated and start Sunday. Brock Stewart filled in once for him, but Buehler, who made two starts in Hill's stead (notching 11 strikeouts over 10.0 innings while allowing just two earned runs), will remain in the rotation with Hyun-Jin Ryu out until at least the second half of the season with a groin injury. This run began with his outing Friday, during which he combined with three members of the bullpen to no-hit the Padres, striking out eight and walking three before departing after six innings. Buehler, who made eight appearances for L.A. last season out of the bullpen, made three starts for Oklahoma City so far this year, compiling a 2.08 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 16:4 K:BB across 13 innings. He mixes a mid-90s fastball, plus-plus curveball and hard, low-90s cutter/slider to retire hitters. The Dodgers may look to limit his workload, as he only threw 98 innings last season, but grab him now if he is still available in your league. 12-team Mixed: $33; 15-team Mixed: $44; 12-team NL: $55 (upped bid)

Zach Eflin, Phillies – Eflin had an impressive 2018 MLB debut, allowing one run on three hits (one homer) and no walks with four strikeouts in six innings against the Marlins. He received the callup to replace the injured Ben Lively (back) in the Phils' rotation. Be careful not to overrate, as Eflin struggled with the Phillies last season, posting a 6.16 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 11 starts (64.1 innings). In four games (20 innings) with Triple-A Lehigh Valley this year, Eflin notched a 4.05 ERA and 1.25 WHIP, which is an improvement over 2017 numbers. Eflin may remain in the majors only until Lively is healthy, making him a short-term option. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

John Gant, Cardinals – Gant will make what should be a spot start in place of Adam Wainwright (elbow) on Monday. Jack Flaherty got the nod to start in Wainwright's place for his last missed outing, but St. Louis opted to promote Gant for this outing. Gant has a 2.40 ERA in five starts for Triple-A Memphis this year, but he has just a 4.61 ERA in the majors in his career between St. Louis and Atlanta. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Nick Kingham, Pirates – Kingham, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he will remain in the Pirates' rotation replacing Steven Brault, who was moved to the bullpen. After seeing his career slightly derailed by Tommy John surgery in 2015, Kingham made his major-league debut, starting last Wednesday for the Pirates. He spun seven shutout, one-hit, nine-strikeout innings, including 6.2 perfect frames. He returned to earth a bit Friday, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk while striking out seven in 5.1 innings against the Brewers. Kingham made six starts in 2015 before the surgery and the same number in 2016 following the operation, but he had a full workload last year. In four starts and 22.2 innings for Triple-A Indianapolis this season, Kingham posted a 1.59 ERA 0.99 WHIP and 27:7 K:BB. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

Braden Shipley, Diamondbacks –Kris Medlen received the first chance to replace Robbie Ray (Grade 2 oblique strain) in the Arizona rotation. That opportunity didn't pan out particularly well, as Medlen was shelled for seven runs on nine hits over four innings by the Astros on Friday. Medlen was sent down Saturday and replaced by Shipley, who is next up to replace Ray. Shipley has a 5.40 ERA in 95 career big-league innings, and he hasn't looked any better through six starts for Triple-A Reno this season, posting a 6.40 ERA. If he falters, Troy Scribner, starting in Reno, is likely next in line. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Mike Soroka, Braves – Soroka, who was excelling in the minors, did get the nod this week to face the Mets. He dominated New York, allowing one earned run on six hits while walking none and striking out five across six innings. Soroka has a 1.99 ERA along with a 0.97 WHIP and 24:5 K:BB ratio at Triple-A Gwinnett when he was called up. Taken in the first round of 2015, Soroka finished second in the Southern League in ERA (2.75) and sixth in K-BB% (14.5). He uses a low-90s fastball, along with a plus slider and developing changeup to retire hitters. He pounds the zone, boasting a career 1.9 BB/9 and 2.91 ERA. Soroka was called up so Atlanta could push back Julio Teheran, and with Anibal Sanchez close to returning, Atlanta will have to make a tough decision, which could mean sending Soroka down. But it's only a matter of time before he is back up. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: $25 (upped prior bid)

Andrew Suarez, Giants – Suarez, called up to replace Johnny Cueto (elbow) in the Giants' rotation, worked seven innings on just 84 pitches, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out five Tuesday against the Padres. With Cueto sidelined a while, Suarez, a 2015 second-round pick, should remain in the rotation. Tuesday was Suarez's second start of the year, as he surrendered four runs on four hits and struck out seven over 5.1 innings against Arizona on April 11. Suarez posted a 1.23 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 23:9 K:BB in 22 innings and four starts this season in the minors, continuing his solid career performance in the minors. The southpaw relies mainly on his low-90s fastball and slider to attack the opposition, but he does mix in a changeup to keep hitters honest and projects to be a mid-rotation starter for San Francisco. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Injury activations/updates

Anthony DeSclafani, Reds – DeSclafani, out since straining his left oblique in early March, threw 29 pitches in a bullpen session Friday. 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 has progressed from bullpen sessions to extended spring training and likely will need to make a handful of rehab starts without setbacks before joining the Reds. But the upside, despite a low-strikeout rate and homer tendency versus LH hitters, makes him a tantalizing fantasy bet. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3 (early return spec bid)

Luiz Gohara, Braves – Gohara, who's been out with a sprained ankle since March 26, struggled in his third overall minor-league outing and first since getting optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett, allowing six runs on eight hits and four walks while striking out three in just 4.1 innings. His numbers in those three outings don't inspire much confidence, as he has allowed 11 earned runs on 17 hits and seven walks in 12.1 innings, surrendering five home runs. With Sean Newcomb pitching well and Mike Soroka now in the majors, Atlanta will give Gohara all the time he needs in the minors to find his stuff rather than rushing him back to the majors. Gohara rose through three levels to the majors last season, using his mid-90s fastball, possibly plus slider and developing changeup to make five starts in the majors. He struggled against righties, but he has the stuff to retire hitters from both sides of the plate and only lacks experience. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (lowered return spec bid)

Wade Miley, Brewers – After three rehab starts at Double-A Biloxi, Miley joined the team in Cincinnati and held the Reds to just one run on three hits and three walks with four strikeouts through six innings to pick up the win Wednesday at Great American Ball Park. Miley was the favorite to earn a rotation spot in camp but strained his groin on March 21 and was to miss 2-to-4 weeks. His opt-out date was pushed back because of the injury. After Miley's solid years in 2012 and 2013, the lefty's numbers plummeted each of the next four years as he bounced from Arizona to Boston to Seattle to Baltimore. Prior to the activation, he had tossed 11.2 innings, posting a 3.09 ERA and 14:2 K:BB ratio at Triple-A. Miley mixed his pitches well Wednesday, using his cutter effectively, and will get at least one more start in place of Brent Suter. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Joe Musgrove, Pirates – Musgrove, kicked off what should be 3-to-4 rehab starts Tuesday at High-A Bradenton, tossing 36 pitches in the game and 15 additional offerings in a bullpen session. His next outing will be Sunday with Double-A Altoona, as he works his way up the minor-league ladder. Musgrove, who was acquired from Houston in the Gerrit Cole deal and recovering from a shoulder injury, should rejoin Pittsburgh sometime in late May. Right now the plan is for Musgrove to be a starter for the Pirates, but seeing his success after he moved to the pen in Houston, it's possible he shifts to relieving. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same early spec return bid)

Alex Reyes, Cardinals – Reyes, who missed all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in February 2017, will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Palm Beach this week. He went 4-1 with a 1.57 ERA in 12 appearances for the Cardinals in 2016, with 52 strikeouts in 46 innings, and may be used out of the bullpen when he returns to the big leagues, which could occur by the end of the month. Reyes projects to be either a starter or closer down the road, depending on how well he progresses after he returns to action. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (slightly upped early spec return bid)

Anibal Sanchez, Braves – Sanchez, on the disabled list because of a right hamstring injury, pitched a simulated game at Citi Field on Tuesday and didn't experience any problems, according to manager Brian Snitker. He pitched four innings, throwing 60 pitches, and could start during Atlanta's upcoming series against the Giants, which begins Friday. Julio Teheran pitched Thursday and with Mike Soroka likely to make at least one more start, Atlanta could give Sanchez more time to make sure he is fully healed before having him return to the rotation. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

RELIEF PITCHER

Greg Holland/Tyler Lyons, Cardinals – Bud Norris left Saturday's game with a triceps injury. While Norris believes he'll need only a few days to recover and receive treatments before a quick return, St. Louis likely will proceed cautiously with its current closer. Filling the breach should be Holland and/or Lyons. Holland has struggled so far this season but posted a scoreless inning Saturday. Lyons got off to a rough start and has been a situational reliever, but he hasn't been scored upon in five of last six appearances. Jordan Hicks and Luke Gregerson could also factor into the mix, giving manager Mike Matheny several options at his disposal for however long Norris is sidelined. Holland - 12-team Mixed: $18 (future spec closer bid); 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned; Lyons - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Jeremy Jeffress, Brewers – Jeffress notched saves Tuesday and Wednesday with Josh Hader sidelined after striking out eight batters in 2.2 innings. Corey Knebel, out with a strained hamstring, joined Double-A Biloxi on Wednesday for a set of rehab appearances, which will pave the way for his return. Milwaukee has mixed and matched in the back end of their bullpen while Knebel is out, obtaining extremely strong performances by Hader and Jeffress. Hader has the best stuff of the three, and Knebel is the top option for saves when healthy. Jeffress doesn't record a ton of strikeouts, but he boasts a ridiculous 61.7 groundball percentage, generating most of his outs via that route. Jeffress did notch 24 saves as a Brewer in 2014, but even if he doesn't close when Knebel is back, he should notch holds and serve as a backup for saves if needed. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (up if Knebel is sidelined much longer)

Injury activations/updates

Mark Melancon, Giants – Melancon, out since the end of spring training with right elbow flexor strain, threw 20 pitches Saturday in his first bullpen session since being deactivated with the injury. He believes he can be ready when eligible to return from the 60-day disabled list on May 25, but given his injury history the past few years, the Giants may be cautious in his activation date. Melancon will likely regain the closer role, though Hunter Strickland has been stellar in filling that spot, so San Francisco could opt to ease Melancon back. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (early spec return bid)

CATCHER

A.J. Ellis/Raffy Lopez, Padres – Austin Hedges landed on 10-day disabled list Tuesday with right elbow tendinitis. Lopez was called up from Triple-A and will split time with Ellis behind the plate while Hedges is out. Ellis' last big year in the majors was in 2012 with the Dodgers, and he fits the mold of a veteran backup center. He should see most of the time against southpaws with Lopez playing against righties. Lopez had a big year at Triple-A Buffalo last season and had played 19 games at Triple-A El Paso this season, hitting .300/.372/.657 with seven home runs to get the promotion. Ellis - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2; Lopez - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Carson Kelly/Francisco Pena, Cardinals – Yadier Molina will miss about a month after undergoing surgery Saturday following taking a foul tip to the groin region during that day's game. Filling his large shoes behind the plate will be Kelly and Pena. Kelly was viewed as St. Louis' catcher of the future, seeing spot duty the last seasons. But that timeframe to replace Molina took a hit when Yadi signed a three-year contract extension in April last year. Andrew Knizner now may have surpassed him in that role. Kelly has struggled to hit in his brief stints in the majors, and those issues carried forward to the spring and Triple-A this season. Pena has bounced around baseball and turned a solid spring into a spot on the Cardinals' big-league roster. Kelly should see most of the action supported by Pena until Molina returns. Kelly - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Pena - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0

Injury activations/updates

Tyler Flowers, Braves – Flowers, sidelined with a strained oblique since Opening Day, began his rehab assignment at Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday rather than at Low-A Rome as originally planned. After playing in just three rehab games, Flowers was activated Friday to rejoin the big-league roster. Flowers and Kurt Suzuki, who has seen most of the action while Flowers has been sidelined, split time behind the plate last year for Atlanta, forming one of the stronger combinations in the league. That time share limits both of their upsides. Flowers should see 300 or so plate appearances when he rejoins the Braves. 12-team Mixed: $12; 15-team Mixed: $20; 12-team NL: owned (upped bid due to power possibility).

Stephen Vogt, Brewers – Sidelined with a strained shoulder since early in spring training, Vogt began a rehab assignment at Double-A Biloxi on Wednesday. He regressed slightly in 2016 after an excellent 2015 campaign and took a major step backwards last year, getting released by Oakland before he landed in Milwaukee. Vogt appears to be on track to return to the big-league club in the second week of May, though he did leave Saturday's game with an injury, which could set back that timeframe. In addition, it remains unclear whether the Brewers plan to keep him or Jett Bandy on the team once that time comes. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (same as prior)

FIRST BASE

Matt Adams, Nationals – Adams continues to make the most of his playing time, either at first base or in left field. With Adam Eaton still sidelined, Brian Goodwin also out and Howie Kendrick playing second base in place of Daniel Murphy, Adams has seen additional action in left field. On Saturday, with Ryan Zimmerman out with side stiffness, Adams shifted to first base. Despite going 0-for-3 with a walk Saturday, Adams is 12-for-30 with five home runs and 13 runs batted in over his last nine games. Adams will remain in the lineup while Zimm is out and/or while Washington has several regulars sidelined, so right the short-term wave. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: owned

SECOND BASE

Daniel Castro/Pat Valaika, Rockies – Castro and Valaika will split time at second base with DJ LeMahieu (hamstring) on the disabled list. Over 23 games at Triple-A Albuquerque, Castro slashed .407/.429/.516 with 11 RBI and 17 runs scored. This builds off his 2017 campaign, when Castro batted .306/.344/.397 in 115 games for Albuquerque. He could stick when LeMahieu returns, seeing time at second, shortstop and third base. Valaika had an aberration season last year, blasting 13 home runs with 40 runs batted in over 182 at-bats, but he has returned to a pumpkin this year. Both of these players are at risk of getting demoted when LeMahieu returns this week. Castro - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3; Valaika - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0

Luis Urias, Padres – Carlos Asuaje and Jose Pirela are just holding second base warm until Urias is ready to be promoted. It may just be a short amount of time before that happens. Urias returned a few days ago after tweaking his hamstring, but his three-day absence didn't slow him down at the plate. He is batting .287/.415/.402 in 106 plate appearances this season and projects to be a .300 hitter with a solid on-base percentage in the majors, thanks to his good eye at the plate. Urias, despite his strong wrists, likely won't hit for much power, though it's possible he'll add that to his game as he matures. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec bid)

Injury activations/updates

Logan Forsythe, Dodgers – Forsythe, recovering from right shoulder irritation that put him on the disabled list on April 15, caused by making longer throws after filling in for Justin Turner at third base, could begin a minor-league rehab assignment this weekend. He might only need a short-term minor-league stint before rejoining the Dodgers. Forsythe posted an .803 OPS with 17 homers and 68RBI in 153 games in 2015 and followed that up in 2016 with 20 homers and 58 RBI despite playing only playing 127 games. His production plummeted last year, and he was off to a horrible start this year before he was sidelined. Once he is back, Forsythe should get another chance to see most of the action at second base, but he will need to hit to hold off Chase Utley, Enrique Hernandez and Austin Barnes. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

THIRD BASE

Jose Bautista, Braves – Profiled here the past two weeks after signing a minor-league deal with the Braves, Bautista gets another mention as he was called up Friday. Following that callup, Bautista was in the lineup, starting at third base while batting fifth. Bautista, who went 10-for-30 with a home run his last eight games in the minors, will render Ryan Flaherty and Johan Camargo to backup/utility player roles. He manned the hot corner eight times for the Blue Jays last year and 394 times over the course of his career, and Atlanta is hoping he reverses his recent downward trend: His wRC+ had been slowly and steadily trending downward from 2014 to 2016, with figures of 160, 148 and 122. Then in 2017, it collapsed to 80. Either way, Atlanta gets a bridge to Austin Riley. If this plan doesn't produce dividends, the Braves can just walk away and either stick with Flaherty or Camargo or acquire a short-term option in the market, if not summon Riley anyway. Check your league rules to see if Joey Bats qualifies at third or still only has outfield eligibility. 12-team Mixed: $18; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: $35 (slightly increased bid from past weeks -- go higher if you think the skill set is still here)

SHORTSTOP

Charlie Culberson, Braves – Culberson, Johan Camargo and Ryan Flaherty will all split time at shortstop while Dansby Swanson is sidelined with left wrist inflammation. Camargo probably is the majority option, and even when Culberson is in the lineup, he won't offer much potential at the plate. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0

Mauricio Dubon, Brewers – Dubon extended his hitting to 21 games Friday for Triple-A Colorado Springs, over which he has hit .332 with a .945 OPS, 13 extra-base hits, 15 RBI and two steals. As we noted in our update, one note of caveat is that he has a .970 OPS at home this season compared to a not-as-impressive .797 mark away from the thin Colorado air. With Orlando Arcia slumping after a breakthrough year last season, Dubon is making a strong push to get his first callup to the big leagues, where he might see some time at shortstop to give Arcia time off. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2 (early spec call up bid)

OUTFIELD

Enrique Hernandez/Tim Locastro/Joe Pederson, Dodgers – With Corey Seager out for the season with a strained UCL in his right elbow, L.A. has moved Chris Taylor from center field to shortstop, leaving a hole in the outfield. Hernandez and Pederson should see most of the time in center field, with Hernandez starting against lefties and Pederson against righties. The Dodgers also will use Hernandez at second base, at least until Logan Forsythe is back, and third while Justin Turner remains out. Pederson is in the midst of a hot streak, hitting .351 with 10 RBI over the past 14 games, earning additional playing time in left and center. He seemed to have broken out in 2016 but regressed last year and was afforded additional at-bats when Yasiel Puig, who is still out, went to the sidelines with injury recently. The possibly emerging Locastro, batting .342 with 20 runs scored and five stolen bases at Triple-A Oklahoma City, gives the short-handed Dodgers depth. Hernandez - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4; Locastro - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3; Pederson - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Travis Jankowski, Padres – He failed to make the San Diego roster this spring but was promoted Sunday with Wil Myers (oblique) landing on the disabled list. Jankowski struggled during his time in the majors last season, hitting .187/.282/.213 over 27 games, missing almost three months of the season with a fractured foot. However he showed improvement at Triple-A El Paso, batting .363 with a .902 OPS across 22 contests to get the nod. Jankowski should see most of the starts in right field with Myers out and could be a decent source of stolen bases, having pilfered 30 in 2016. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (due to stolen base potential)

Brett Phillips, Brewers – Phillips was called up Tuesday, but this stint in the majors may not last long. He got a reprieve when Oliver Drake was designated for assignment to make room for Wade Miley. But with Zach Davies out, Milwaukee might call up a bullpen arm, possibly Brandon Woodruff, who was sent down for Phillips. Phillips went 1-for-7 in a previous short stint with the Brewers in April. He was hitting .288/.434/.455 through 21 games for Triple-A Colorado Springs and while in Milwaukee will serve as a bench bat. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Alex Verdugo, Dodgers – Verdugo, the Dodgers' most polished hitting prospect, was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City last Saturday and started in left field with Matt Kemp (quad) and Yasiel Puig (foot) dealing with minor ailments. The 21-year-old prospect owns a .276/.309/.474 batting line and four homers through 81 plate appearances with Oklahoma City this season after batting .314/.389/.436 with six home runs in 117 games last season. Verdugo should see most if the action in right field against righties while Puig is out, which might only be until Tuesday. When that happens, Verdugo likely will head back to the minors, though it's possible he sticks and sees time in left and center now that Chris Taylor has moved to shortstop with Corey Seager out. Verdugo's hit tool is elite, with his biggest question being whether he will hit for power as he matures. This year, he has unlocked a bit of his pop, boding well for future success. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (same bid as last week based on short-term stint, up if he sticks in L.A.)