NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

This article is part of our NL FAAB Factor series.

We have two goals for this article: 

1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.

2. Estimate how much of your $100 starting free-agent budget you should bid on them.

Bids in general are best guesstimates. With so much uncertainty at least initially, those values may be even greater estimates than usual. The FAAB chart below lets users easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The chart, 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. An "A" grade is reserved for a high-impact prospect stepping into an everyday role.

If you have questions on players, I'm happy to provide my thoughts in the comments.

PLAYERTEAMPOSGRADE12-Team Mixed $15-Team Mixed $NL-Only $
Seth FrankoffAZSPENo15
Matt PeacockAZSPENoNo4
Kyle FreelandCOLSPD147
Braxton GarrettMIASPENoNo3
Cody PoteetMIASPENoNo4 (stash candidate)
Elieser HernandezMIASPD39Rostered (same as prior weeks)
Shelby MillerCHISPENoNo4
David PriceLASPD2711
Logan WebbSFSPD147
Miguel YajurePITSPDNoNo4 (stash candidate)
Caleb BaragarSFRP

We have two goals for this article: 

1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.

2. Estimate how much of your $100 starting free-agent budget you should bid on them.

Bids in general are best guesstimates. With so much uncertainty at least initially, those values may be even greater estimates than usual. The FAAB chart below lets users easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The chart, 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. An "A" grade is reserved for a high-impact prospect stepping into an everyday role.

If you have questions on players, I'm happy to provide my thoughts in the comments.

PLAYERTEAMPOSGRADE12-Team Mixed $15-Team Mixed $NL-Only $
Seth FrankoffAZSPENo15
Matt PeacockAZSPENoNo4
Kyle FreelandCOLSPD147
Braxton GarrettMIASPENoNo3
Cody PoteetMIASPENoNo4 (stash candidate)
Elieser HernandezMIASPD39Rostered (same as prior weeks)
Shelby MillerCHISPENoNo4
David PriceLASPD2711
Logan WebbSFSPD147
Miguel YajurePITSPDNoNo4 (stash candidate)
Caleb BaragarSFRPD015
Archie BradleyPHIRPD015
Victor GonzalezLARPC147
Seth LugoNYMRPC/D159 (upped early spec bid)
Jorge AlfaroMIACD017
Jonathan LucroyATLCE015 (early spec bid)
Daulton VarshoAZCD159
Stephen VogtAZCE015
Connor JoeCOL1BE015
Matt BeatyLA1BD2711
Albert PujolsLA1BE015
Ivan CastilloSD2BENoNo4
Jake HagerNYM2BENoNo4
Domingo LeybaAZ2BENoNo4
Matt CarpenterSTL2BE147
Max MoroffSTL2BENoNo4
Nico HoernerCHI2BD51114 (up if starts daily)
Zach McKinstryLA2BD9 (early return bid)18Rostered
Jose PerazaNYM2BE027
Brendan RodgersCOL2BC/D2711 (upped early return bid)
Donovan SolanoSF2BE027
Josh VanMeterAZ2BDNoNo4
Andrew YoungAZ2BD/E017
Asdrubal CabreraAZ3BD816Rostered
J.D. DavisNYM3BC/D18 (once healthy)RosteredRostered
Jonathan VillarNYM3BD/E159 (SB potential)
Josh FuentesCOL3BD3914 (up if keeps the job)
Brandon CrawfordSFSSD1122Rostered
Kyle FarmerCINSSE2711
Alex DickersonSFOFD3914
Steven DuggarSFOFENo15
LaMonte WadeSFOFENo15
Ben GamelPITOFENo16
Troy StokesPITOFE027
Ian HappCINOFD511Rostered
Nick HeathAZOFENoNo4
Patrick KivlehanSDOFENoNo4
Brian O'GradySDOFENoNo4
Guillermo HerediaATLOFD147
Ender InciarteATLOFENo05
Jesus SanchezMIAOFC/D147 (early spec call up bid)

STARTING PITCHER 

Seth Frankoff/Matt Peacock, Diamondbacks: Frankoff made his first start for the Diamondbacks and allowed two runs on three hits along with four walks with four strikeouts over 4.2 innings in the spot vacated by Zac Gallen (forearm). As such, he failed to get the one out needed for the win in the team's 17-4 victory over the Nationals. A 27th-round pick by the A's back in 2010, Frankoff had given up seven runs in 4.2 major-league innings in his career - all in relief. Peacock - who started last weekend - transitions back to the bullpen, though he could be an option later this year if needed. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Peacock - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

Kyle Freeland, Rockies: Freeland, out with a strained left shoulder since late in spring training, made his first rehab start at Triple-A Albuquerque Saturday allowing a run on four hits and a walk while tossing 66 pitches over four innings. After a brilliant 2018 season, Freeland fell off the rails by notching a 6.73 ERA the following year. He got rid of the cutter and introduced a curveball in 2020 while improving to a 4.33 ERA, and when right generates a ton of groundballs. Freeland likely will need one more rehab appearance before joining the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Braxton Garrett/Cody Poteet, Marlins: Garrett, a 2016 first-round pick, got the chance to make his MLB debut during the abbreviated 2020 campaign with two starts and five earned runs while striking out eight over 7.2 innings. He was optioned to the minors this spring, where he was to work on remaining a starter. Miami called up Garrett Saturday and he's expected to be used in long-relief - as he was Saturday - but could make a spot start. Poteet, a fourth-round pick in 2015, pitched well in his major-league debut allowing two runs in five innings to notch the win Wednesday. Prior to the promotion, he had a career 3.84 ERA over 99 minor-league games (95 starts), with 400 strikeouts over 510.2 innings. Poteet was a candidate to remain with Miami until their injured starters returned, but was sent down Saturday. He could get a look later in the season if the Marlins need another starter. Garrett - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3, Poteet - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 (stash candidate)

Elieser Hernandez, Marlins: Hernandez, who left his first start of the year in the third inning with biceps tendon inflammation, will finally begin a rehab assignment next week. The thought was this past week was when the rehab stint would start, but he wasn't ready. Hernandez will likely need to pitch in a handful of minor-league contests before the Marlins bring him back from the injured list, meaning he is a likely 2-3 weeks away from rejoining the parent club. His stuff screams major upside, but limited innings last year means he's unlikely to pitch that much more than 100 this year - presuming he's able to stay healthy. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: Rostered (same as prior weeks) 

Shelby Miller, Cubs: Miller, out since late April with a back strain, has made a pair of rehab appearances for Triple-A Iowa. He struck out five over three shutout innings last Sunday while allowing one baserunner on a walk in the 47-pitch appearance in what was ultimately a combined no-hitter for Iowa. Miller surrendered a run on three hits Saturday with three walks and four strikeouts. He was pitching as a mop-up reliever for the Cubs and not seeing more than an inning in any of his three appearances out of the Chicago bullpen, but could be brought back from the IL this week. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

David Price, Dodgers: Price, sidelined since Apr. 25 with a strained right hamstring, will either toss another live bullpen session or be activated rather than take part in a rehab assignment after tossing nearly 30 pitches in two simulated innings Friday. He took at least two days off from throwing, after which he could return to the active roster at the start of next week, although it has yet to be determined if the left-hander will need another bullpen session first. Price, who opted out last year due to COVID and opened this season in the bullpen, pitched well before the injury allowing one run in his last six innings after five runs in 3.2 innings to start the campaign. Once active, Price may end up back in the rotation with Dustin May (elbow) out for the season and Tony Gonsolin (shoulder) still at least three weeks from being available. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (same starter spec bid, up if he starts)

Logan Webb, Giants: Webb has been up-and-down this year, but was dominant Tuesday striking out 10 over six innings and only letting in one earned run. On the year, Webb has posted a 4.74 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 43:16 K:BB through 38 innings (seven starts), but his FIP is a run lower and that's why he appears in the column this week. Due to the injuries to the SF rotation, Webb is fairly locked in as the team's fifth starter. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Miguel Yajure, Pirates: Yajure, acquired from the Yankees in the Jameson Taillon deal this offseason, was called up to start against the Giants on Friday. He allowed just one hit and a walk in five scoreless innings, but was sent back to the minors Saturday. Yajure's fastball sits around 92 MPH on the radar gun, but he blends his pitches remarkably well by throwing a cutter, curveball and changeup. There's currently no room for Yajure - who profiles as a No. 4/5 starter - but his strong outing likely has earned him another opportunity in the near future. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 (stash candidate)

RELIEF PITCHER 

Caleb Baragar, Giants: Despite the poor effort Friday where Baragar allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit and two walks in just two-thirds of an inning, he's looked solid out of the bullpen for the Giants with a 0.77 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 11.2 innings pitched with five holds in 15 appearances. He hasn't been dominant, but manager Gabe Kapler has shown some trust in high-leverage situations enabling to earn the five holds along with two wins. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Archie Bradley, Phillies: Bradley, out since Apr. 10 with a strained left oblique, began his rehab assignment Wednesday making his first appearance with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He could return for the series against the Marlins beginning Monday after logging a pair of appearances. Hector Neris is still ensconced as the closer, but has been a bit shakier of late which could result in manager Joe Girardi trying other options. Bradley, Sam Coonrod and Jose Alvarado may all be in the mix. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 

Victor Gonzalez, Dodgers: Gonzalez has settled into the role as the Dodgers' primary lefty out of the pen registering a 1.38 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 11:7 K:BB across 13 innings. He is tied for the MLB lead with 10 holds setting up Kenley Jansen. Gonzalez won't notch many saves, but he should post solid numbers as a reliever for LA while being used in high-leverage situations. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Seth Lugo, Mets: Lugo, who underwent surgery to remove a loose body from his elbow in mid-February, will begin a rehab assignment in the next few days. He was initially given a mid-May timeline, but will miss that target by about two weeks. Lugo was brilliant out of the pen as a multi-inning weapon last year. And after starting in that role last season, he moved back to the rotation and faltered. When Lugo returns, he'll be part of the set-up crew in front of Edwin Diaz, where his fastball gets a spike in velocity and his curveball enables him to strike out hitters at a high rate while being used as a multi-inning reliever. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (upped spec return bid)

CATCHER 

Jorge Alfaro, Marlins: Alfaro, out since Apr. 20 with a strained right hamstring, reported to Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday. He will need to demonstrate he can start back-to-back games before being activated from the injured list, but could be back by the weekend. Limited to just 31 games in part due to a battle with COVID-19, Alfaro struggled to a .226/.280/.344 line while hitting just three homers. He played 10 appearances this year and was off to a slow start before suffering the injury. Sandy Leon and Chad Wallach will continue to work in a timeshare at catcher until Alfaro returns where he'll then start nearly every day. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7 (same as prior week) 

Jonathan Lucroy, Braves: Lucroy signed a minor-league deal with the Braves on Friday. With Travis d'Arnaud (thumb) and Alex Jackson (hamstring) sidelined, Atlanta has a need behind the plate. William Contreras and Jeff Mathis have been donning the tools of ignorance for Atlanta. Lucroy has not been a fantasy factor in five years and has bounced around a lot, going from the Red Sox to the Phillies to the White Sox to the Nationals - where he played five games earlier this season - just within the past year as he hangs on. But Lucroy could end up seeing a healthy amount of playing time for Atlanta in the next few weeks. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (early spec bid)

Daulton Varsho/Stephen Vogt, Diamondbacks: Varsho and Vogt will split catching duties with Carson Kelly landing on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a tuft fracture in his left great toe. Varsho failed to earn a roster spot this spring, but was recalled by the Diamondbacks when Kole Calhoun (hamstring strain) landed on the injured list. Vogt, who was backing up Kelly, could be in line for an uptick in playing time. Varsho was slated to focus on solely playing the outfield, but now will switch back mainly behind the plate where he could see more of the action with Kelly sidelined. Varsho - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Vogt - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

FIRST BASE 

Connor Joe, Rockies: Joe, called up last week, has been seeing consistent playing time at first base with C.J. Cron (back) sidelined. Left-handed hitting Matt Adams was to fill the large side of a platoon at the position with the right-handed Joe until Cron was ready to return from the 10-day injured list, but fouled a ball off his shin Wednesday and landed on the IL on Friday. Joe has a strong track record of minor-league production with a .271/.377/.420 career line over five seasons and hit .298/.414/.500 over the course of two Triple-A seasons, but wasn't able to carve out a full-time role. He gets a short-term bump until Colorado gets healthy. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Matt Beaty, Dodgers: Beaty is likely to be the primary beneficiary of AJ Pollock (hamstring) landing on the injured list. He has made the most of his playing since getting recalled Apr. 24, posting all 18 of his runs driven in since. Luke Raley and DJ Peters will also see time in left field, but Beaty should see most of the at-bats there. When Cody Bellinger returns likely at the end of the month, left field will get a lot more crowded as Chris Taylor will also see action at that position. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Albert Pujols, Dodgers: Pujols, designated for assignment by the Angels, passed through waivers earlier in the week and signed with the Dodgers on Saturday. His numbers have been below average since 2016, but LA inked him to a major-league deal. Pujols could see some at-bats at first base against lefties, giving Max Muncy the occasional rest. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

SECOND BASE 

Ivan Castillo/Jake Hager/Domingo Leyba: The Padres, Mets and Diamondbacks called up backup middle infielders this week. Castillo was called up to provide infield depth with Drew Pomeranz (shoulder) hitting the injured list at least until a fresh bullpen arm is needed. The 25-year-old got off to a 12-for-27 start with Triple-A El Paso to begin 2021, although none of those hits left the yard. Hager, drafted in the first round in 2011 by the Devil Rays, received his first call up Saturday by New York. He gives the team another middle infield option with Jeff McNeil dealing with assorted aches and pains. Leyba, designated for assignment by Arizona in November, rejoined the team's 40-man roster while the D-Backs battle through a rash of injuries. He went 7-for-25 with an .807 OPS in his first taste of big-league action during 2019 and didn't see the field last year. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $4

Matt Carpenter/Max Moroff, Cardinals: With Paul DeJong landing on the 10-day injured list with a non-displaced rib fracture Friday, Carpenter will likely to take his place in the starting lineup,as he did Friday and pushing Tommy Edman to shortstop. Carpenter has mainly been operating as a pinch-hitter, having ceded his starting role after declining starting in 2019. Moroff, who started Saturday, gives the Cardinals an additional infield option with DeJong out. He's unlikely to play a significant role as he carries a .183/.277/.319 slash line across 244 career major-league plate appearances. Carpenter - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team-NL: $7; Moroff - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $4 

Nico Hoerner, Cubs: Hoerner was called up by Chicago on Apr. 22 when Joc Pederson (wrist) landed on the injured list. He had taken a hold of the team's starting second base job slashing .389/.500/.556 with three stolen bases over his first 11 games, but hit the injured list after straining his forearm during a collision with teammate Ian Happ in early May. Hoerner was activated Friday and isn't playing daily yet, but it's only a matter of time before that occurs. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $14 (up if think he produces like he did in 2019) 

Zach McKinstry, Dodgers: McKinstry, out since Apr. 22 with a strained right oblique, will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday or Monday. He was off to a strong start hitting .298/.328/.556 with three homers in 17 games before getting sidelined. McKinstry made the team out of spring training, but saw an uptick in playing time with Cody Bellinger out longer than expected after being diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his left ankle suffered when he was spiked by a cleat on Apr. 5. He was seeing time at second base and both outfield corner spots with LA using him somewhat similar to Chris Taylor. With Corey Seager going on the IL with a broken right hand after getting hit by a pitch on his hand Saturday, Taylor should start at shortstop - although McKinstry saw 46 games at shortstop in the minors in 2019. McKinstry could also play all over until when he returns until either Bellinger, Seager or AJ Pollock - who was placed on IL on Saturday - returns. 12-team Mixed: $9; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: Rostered (early return bid)

Jose Peraza, Mets: Peraza, called up at the end of April when Luis Guillorme (strained oblique) landed on the injured list, has posted solid numbers in semi-consistent playing time. After homering Saturday, Peraza has hit .300 and joined New York's bench mod in aiding the team's offensive turnaround this month. He's unlikely to usurp Jeff McNeil as the starting second baseman, though he'll continue earning periodic starts against left-handed pitchers and could end up as the starter if McNeil's body cramps/leg issues land him on the IL. Jonathan Villar will also factor in the mix at the keystone if McNeil is sidelined. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7 

Brendan Rodgers, Rockies: Rodgers, who suffered a right hamstring strain in mid-March, began his rehab assignment Friday starting and playing second base for Triple-A Albuquerque. In his absence, Ryan McMahon has manned the position but could switch to third base and displace Josh Fuentes when Rodgers returns or possibly see time at first if C.J. Cron remains sidelined. Rodgers was raking this spring before suffering the injury, but has struggled in his previous stints in the majors. Once activated, Rodgers might start at the keystone for the Rockies. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped spec return bid) 

Donovan Solano, Giants: Solano, out since Apr. 21 with a strained right calf, began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday. Prior to being sidelined, he produced a fairly empty .300 in 50 at-bats. Solano will need about a week of games to regain his timing at the plate before being activated. Once he returns from the 10-day injured list, he'll likely push Wilmer Flores for regular duties at second base. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7 

Josh VanMeter/Andrew Young, Diamondbacks: VanMeter, who saw time at the keystone earlier this month, is in line for consistent time with Asdrubal Cabrera (hamstring) landing on the injured list. His main competition will come from Josh Rojas - who also is seeing time in right field - and Young - part of the return for Paul Goldschmidt - who was up-and-down with Arizona in 2020 coming to the plate 34 times across 12 games before a broken hamate bone ended his season. Young failed to break camp with the team this spring, but was called up earlier this season to replace Christian Walker (oblique) and was promoted again this week with Walker landing back on the IL. He will operate as a utility player and see spot starts when others need a routine day off - especially at the keystone - at least until Walker or Ketel Marte (hamstring) are healthy. VanMeter - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team-NL: $4; Young - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $7

THIRD BASE

Asdrubal Cabrera, Diamondbacks: Cabrera, who was raking at the plate and starting almost daily due to the myriad of Arizona injuries, landed on the 10-day injured list with a strained right hamstring Friday. He was slashing .289/.393/.474 with four home runs and 18 RBI when he was injured, seeing time at first and third base. With Cabrera now out and joining Christian Walker (oblique) and Ketel Marte (hamstring) on the sidelines, Pavin Smith will get most of the playing time at first as well as in the outfield with Josh Rojas, Andrew Young and Josh VanMeter splitting the action at second base. Cabrera is added to this week's list in case he can be grabbed and stashed. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team-NL: Rostered 

J.D. Davis/Jonathan Villar, Mets: Davis, out since May 1 with a sprained left hand, will need a rehab assignment before returning to action. Prior to getting injured, Davis was slashing .379/.410/.679 with a pair of home runs and seven RBI, making up for his still subpar defense at the hot corner. Despite all the work he's done to improve his defense, that side of his game remains a problem. But if Davis is able to rake at the plate like he was, the Mets will live with his defensive issues and possibly replace him late in games. He batted .307/.369/.527 with 22 homers in 2019, but posted a .761 OPS last season. Davis's hot start gave him more of a hold on the role, with Jonathan Villar filling in for him with Luis Guillorme (oblique) sidelined. Villar, coming off a brutal 2020 in both Miami and Toronto, signed with the Mets in February. He also filled at third while Davis was out earlier this year and will see time at second, especially if Jeff McNeil is sidelined. When Davis/McNeil are in the lineup, Villar is a super-utility player with stolen base potential off the bench. Davis - 12-team Mixed: $18 (once healthy); 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team-NL: Rostered; Villar - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team-NL: $9 (stolen base potential) 

Josh Fuentes, Rockies: After a brutal start to the season, Fuentes turned things around in May. In April, Fuentes hit .195 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 25 games. Since then, he has gone 11-for-35 with a pair of home runs and 11 runs drive in over 13 games this month, looking more like the hitter who broke through last season. Fuentes is starting daily at the hot corner, but will need to stay hot to keep his job. Brendan Rodgers started a rehab assignment this weekend and could start at second base, moving Ryan McMahon to first - if C.J. Cron is still out - or at third, putting Fuentes' playing time at risk. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team-NL: $14 (up if think he keeps the job)

SHORTSTOP 

Brandon Crawford, Giants:  Amazingly, as of late-Saturday evening, Crawford was rostered in just 36 percent of CBS Sports leagues. Heading into that day's games, the 34-year-old has been scorching hot over his last 10 games slashing .360/.500/.840 with four home runs, nine RBI and eight runs scored. Crawford added to those numbers Saturday by blasting a two-run home run and going 2-for-4 at the plate. After a poor 2019 at the plate, he rebounded last year and has looked impressive following a slow start. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: Rostered 

Kyle Farmer, Reds: Farmer, profiled three weeks ago, gets another mention as he's now starting at shortstop for the Reds. Joey Votto's (thumb) move to the injured list indirectly opened up an everyday role at shortstop for Farmer. With Mike Moustakas moving across the diamond to cover first while Votto is out, Eugenio Suarez has shifted to third to allow Farmer to step in at shortstop. With his recent consistent playing time, Farmer has upped his average .241with a pair of home runs and 10 RBI on the season. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

OUTFIELD 

Alex Dickerson, Giants: Dickerson, sidelined with a bruised left shoulder, could be activated Sunday to miss the minimum amount of time with the injury. He was struggling at the plate before having posted a .627 OPS through 82 plate appearances after a breakthrough campaign last year. Dickerson opened the season as the team's starting left fielder, but his slow start and injuries landed him in a platoon at best.  Once active, he could regain that role. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Steven Duggar/LaMonte Wade, Giants: Duggar took advantage of the extra playing time afforded to him by all the injuries going 8-for-26 with a double, a triple, a homer and four RBI over his last 10 games. That hot streak could allow Duggar, who debuted with the Giants in 2018, to remain with the team when all the walking wounded in the outfield return. Wade, out since Apr. 14 with a strained left oblique, was activated Thursday after a short rehab stint. Prior to getting injured, he was primed to see consistent playing time. Now back and with Mike Tauchman on the roster, Wade will see limited action and potentially replace Duggar at least until Alex Dickerson (shoulder bone bruise) returns. Both Duggar and Wade, as well as maybe Austin Slater, are at risk of being demoted when the Giants get fully healthy. Both - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $5 

Ben Gamel/Troy Stokes, Pirates: Gamel, designated for assignment by Cleveland earlier last week, was claimed off waivers by the Pirates last Sunday. He was joined on the active 25-man roster that day by Stokes. With Gregory Polanco now healthy, both players will fill reserve roles.  Gamel offers a bit more power, but his production has declined the past three years. Stokes last played at Triple-A in 2019 with a .233/.341/.385 slash line, nine homers and 14 stolen bases in 95 games while bringing a mix of some power and speed along with strong defense having won a Minor League Gold Glove. Ka'ai Tom is starting in left field now, but either Gamel or Stokes cold replace him. Gamel - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team-NL: $6; Stokes - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team-NL: $7 

Ian Happ, Cubs: Happ, out since early May after colliding with Nico Hoerner, was activated off the injured list and started in center field Saturday. Prior to being sidelined, Happ was off to a brutal start slashing just .167/.307/.250 with a pair of home runs and four RBI in 26 games. Those numbers come on the heels of him posting 12 homers, 27 runs, 28 RBI and an .866 OPS across 57 contests last season when he seemed to have reverted back to his rookie form from 2017. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered

Nick Heath/Patrick Kivlehan/Brian O'Grady: The Diamondbacks and Padres called up fourth/fifth outfielders this week. Heath hit .192/.276/.231 in 29 plate appearances during his previous stint on the roster, so he'll likely be limited to bench duty. Asdrubal Cabrera (hamstring) hit the injured list in a corresponding move. Kivlehan and O'Grady give San Diego bench options in the aftermath of the Padres placing five position players on the COVID-19 injured list earlier this week. Wil Myers, Jurickson Profar and Jorge Mateo are three of the players out, giving Kivlehan and O'Grady some outfield action. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $ 4

Guillermo Heredia/Ender Inciarte, Braves: Heredia, out since May 1 with right hamstring inflammation, was activated off the injured list. He joins Inciarte - who was sidelined with his own hamstring injury and activated Friday - as the Braves primary center fielders with Cristian Pache hitting the IL with the same issue. Neither player has set the world on fire at the plate while Inciarte's production has fallen off a cliff since 2018, likely making Heredia – who has a bit more pop – the starter while Pache is sidelined. Heredia - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Inciarte - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5

Jesus Sanchez, Marlins: Sanchez has been one of the hottest hitters in the minors the first week-and-a-half of the season. He blasted his fifth home run for Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday and has driven in 15 runs while slashing .486/.526/1.057 over nine games. Sanchez, picked up from Tampa in the deal that sent Nick Anderson cross-state, went 1-for-25 in his exposure to the majors last season after struggling at Triple-A in 2019. With Adam Duvall and Corey Dickerson currently manning the corner outfield spots in Miami, Sanchez - who boasts tremendous power, but poor discipline - could get the call if he continues to rake at the plate in the minors. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec call up bid)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jan Levine
Levine covers baseball and hockey for RotoWire. He is responsible for the weekly NL FAAB column for baseball and the Barometer for hockey. In addition to his column writing, he is master of the NHL cheat sheets. In his spare time, he roots for the Mets and Rangers.
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