NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

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.

STARTING PITCHER

Steven Brault, Pirates: Brault, sidelined since late in spring training with the left lat strain, came out of his first rehab start at Triple-A Indianapolis last weekend "pretty well". In his first Triple-A start, he covered three innings (37 pitches) and gave up one run on two hits and no walks while striking out two and followed that up by tossing four scoreless innings on Friday while striking out six. Brault may require at least one to two more rehab outings at Indianapolis before the Pirates bring him back from the 60-day injured list. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (early spec return bid)

Braxton Garrett, Marlins: The Marlins recalled Garrett from Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday to fill the roster and rotation spot of Trevor Rogers (back). In his four appearances with the Marlins this season - three of which were starts - Garrett had pitched 15.2 innings and posted a 5.17 ERA. Walks have been an issue for him considering he's issued eight free passes. Garrett notched his first win and made his best start of the season Saturday allowing two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out 10 over seven innings. With several Miami starting pitchers out, he should get at least a few more turns in the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Josiah Gray, Dodgers: Gray, the Dodgers' top pitching prospect, made one start at Triple-A Oklahoma City before getting shut down with shoulder impingement. He returned to action earlier this month and made three appearances before getting the call to the bigs earlier this week. Gray, who compiled a 2.87 ERA, 0.66 WHIP and 22:2 K:BB in 15.2 innings at OKC, made his major-league debut as a reliever Tuesday and allowed four runs on four hits and a walk while striking out seven across four innings. He's set to start Sunday and a solid outing could keep him - and his trio of above-average to plus offerings (fastball, slider, changeup) and athleticism allowing him to command his pitches quite well - in the rotation even when Clayton Kershaw (forearm) is ready to return. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up if think he sticks)

Rich Hill, Mets: Hill was traded from the Rays to the Mets in exchange for Tommy Hunter (back) and Matthew Dyer on Friday. After getting off to a brilliant start, he's struggled the past few months while giving up multiple earned runs in four of his last six starts and managing a 5.22 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 2.1 HR/9 over the last 29.1 innings. Hill's spin rate on his curveball is down substantially since the ban on sticky stuff, contributing to his recent decline. He should slot into one of the open rotation slots while benefitting from the move to the National League. 12-team Mixed: Rostered, 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: $18

Tylor Megill. Mets: Megill, profiled a month ago when first called up, gets another mention as he has provided the Mets way more than they could have even imagined. Selected in the eighth round of 2018, he's produced a 2.10 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 33:10 K:BB through his first 30 big-league innings. The 25-year-old posted a 3.77 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 17:5 K:BB over 14.1 innings (three starts) at Triple-A Syracuse after five solid outings at Double-A Binghamton to earn the promotion. Megill, a 6'7" right-hander whose fastball sits in the mid-90s, boasts a 3.36 FIP and aided by a strong 27 percent K rate and 48 percent groundball rate. Those numbers show that while he will likely experience some regression, his overall numbers should remain solid and is expected to maintain his rotation spot. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered 

Miles Mikolas, Cardinals: Mikolas, on the shelf since late May while recovering from the forearm injury, began a rehab assignment Saturday with Triple-A Memphis. He ended 2019 with a sore flexor tendon which lingered into 2020 and resulted in a late start to this season. Mikolas threw 60 pitches of live batting practice Tuesday, which was the final step in his rehab before pitching in minor-league games. The right-hander, who has made just one appearance this season, is expected to make a handful of starts for Memphis while building up for his potential activation in mid-August. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (early spec return bid) 

Kyle Muller, Braves: Muller, optioned to the minors after his Jul. 4 outing, was called up and started Wednesday. He allowed one run on two hits and three walks while striking out one over 87 pitches and four innings. Prior to his demotion, Muller posted a 3.45 ERA through 15.2 major-league innings - 14 of which came in three starts after moving into the rotation. He made seven starts for Triple-A Gwinnett to begin the year with a 4.90 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 41:19 K:BB across 31.1 frames. The lefty features a plus mid-90s fastball, though his command of the offering tends to waver as he pushes the velocity. Muller should have a fairly secure spot at least in the short-term with Mike Soroka (Achilles) out for the season, Huascar Ynoa (fractured hand) scheduled to throw 30 pitches in his first rehab start Tuesday and sidelined to early August, and Tucker Davidson (forearm) on the 60-day IL since Jun. 16. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Johan Oviedo, Cardinals: Oviedo, called up last Sunday, allowed one run in five innings but lost a shot at the win when the bullpen suffered and is scheduled to start Sunday against the Reds. Another solid outing should keep Oviedo and his 95 MPH fastball and slider in the starting rotation for the banged-up Cardinals, who are lacking in healthy pitching alternatives. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6 

Touki Toussaint, Braves: Toussaint fared well in his 2021 debut Tuesday against San Diego by only allowing one run on three hits and two walks over 6.2 innings. That solid effort – though only 48 of his 79 pitches went for strikes - has earned him a second start. Over his final two outings at Triple-A Gwinnett earlier this month, Toussaint tossed six innings in both starts and struck out 18 between those games. With several Atlanta starters on the shelf, he has a good shot at remaining in the rotation for at least a few turns. But despite posting 107 strikeouts in 95 innings at the big-league level, Toussaint also came into his last start with a 5.97 ERA and 1.60 WHIP and that makes him a somewhat risky bet. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Jake Woodford, Cardinals: Woodford was called up from Triple-A Memphis to start last Monday's game against the Cubs. He allowed one run on six hits over 5.2 innings while striking out six and earning the win and a second start Saturday. Woodford's fastball tops out at 93 MPH and he throws both a curveball and a slider along with a changeup that makes an appearance every so often. His stuff is ideally better suited to long relief, but he should make more turns in the rotation with St. Louis minus four starters. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Huascar Ynoa, Braves: Ynoa, who fractured his hand on May 17, tossed 30 pitches in live batting practice before Thursday's game and is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday. Given the length of his absence, he'll likely need to pitch in multiple rehab games with the team targeting a return in the second half of August. Prior to the injury, Ynoa - who features a fastball that sits in the upper 90s, slider and changeup - posted a 3.02 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 50:11 K:BB through 44.2 innings. Atlanta could opt to have the 23-year-old return first in a long relief role and have him get fully stretched out in the majors. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early spec return bid)

RELIEF PITCHER 

Anthony Banda, Mets: Banda, who joined the Mets in a trade from the Giants in early July, was called up Monday. He carries a 5.96 ERA in 51.1 career major-league innings, none of which have come this season. In 49.2 Triple-A frames split between the two organizations this season, he's struggled to a 6.52 ERA. Banda notched the win in his Mets' debut during a 15-11 extra-innings victory over the Reds, but will be used in a long-relief role while in the majors. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

David Bednar, Pirates: With the trade deadline a week away, Richard Rodriguez could be on the move. Bednar might be next in line to close for the Bucs, especially with Kyle Crick released this week. Bednar has produced a 2.77 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 48:15 K:BB along with nine holds over 39 innings in his first season with Pittsburgh after coming over from San Diego. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 

Tyler Clippard/Noe Ramirez/Joakim Soria, Diamondbacks: Clippard, who suffered a capsule sprain in his right shoulder midway through spring training, was reinstated from the IL on Wednesday. Since returning, he's tossed a pair of scoreless innings. If not traded at the deadline, Clippard - who signed a one-year, $2.25 million deal early in camp with Arizona - could end up in the closing mix if Soria is dealt. Same goes for Ramirez, who has notched seven holds in eight July appearances. His stuff doesn't scream closer, but he's been the most effective Arizona reliever this season. Soria has logged five saves in his last six appearances, and all six of his saves have come in nine July outings where he's only allowed one run. On the year, he's produced a 4.45 ERA and 1.34 WHIP. Soria appears to be Arizona's top closing option for now, but Clippard has excelled since returning and could ultimately challenge Soria for the ninth-inning role. Clippard - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Ramirez - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Soria - 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered

Trevor May, Mets: May has been scored upon in only one his last 16 appearances allowing two runs on eight hits and six walks and striking out 21 in 14.2 innings while notching a pair of saves. Edwin Diaz has struggled lately, opening the door for May to earn the save. Diaz posted a clean save Friday, but May – as well as Seth Lugo – may be next in line. Even if May remains in a setup role, he offers value if he continues to pitch well and rack up strikeouts. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Andrew Miller, Cardinals: Miller's overall numbers aren't great, but he's been much better of late allowing one run over 6.1 innings and notching three holds across his last nine appearances. He's the primary left-handed setup man for Alex Reyes, but has a propensity for walking hitters with a 20:10 K:BB in 21 innings that's contributed to a 1.71 WHIP. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Blake Treinen, Dodgers: Kenley Jansen got the save Saturday, but that success came after blowing three straight opportunities. If Jansen continues to struggle and LA doesn't add a possible closer by the Jul. 31 trade deadline, Treinen could get a chance to close. He's reeled off 12 straight scoreless appearances this month to lower his ERA to 2.40 and WHIP to 0.99 to go along with a 46:10 K:BB and 22 holds over 41.1 innings. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

CATCHER 

Travis d'Arnaud, Braves: D'Arnaud, out after left thumb surgery in early May, joined Atlanta to begin its current road trip and participated in various baseball activities. While it's an encouraging sign for the veteran catcher, he still has a lot of steps ahead in his recovery. Atlanta has run through several catchers - including Stephen Vogt of late - and will welcome TdA back when he is ready to return. While the club hasn't offered a concrete timetable for his recovery, a mid-August reappearance seems within reach. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid)

Austin Nola, Padres: Nola, out since suffering a sprained left knee May 24, returned to action Thursday after a a rehab stint at Triple-A El Paso. Limited to just 18 games and 59 plate appearances, the backstop should see substantial time behind the dish and relegate Victor Caratini to backup duty. Nola won't start on consecutive days initially, but offers the potential to be a No. 1 catcher – or at worst No. 2 - in most leagues when fully healthy. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 

Daulton Varsho, Diamondbacks: Varsho is finally heating up at the plate with his recent hit streak upping his average to the Mendoza line. After managing only three extra-base hits and no homers across his first 80 at-bats this campaign, he's accumulated five extra-base hits in his last 21. Varsho now has four home runs while hitting .200/.306/.362 with 16 runs scored and 15 RBI across 121 plate appearances. Carson Kelly will report to High-A Hillsboro on Sunday to continue his rehab assignment, so he may be a week or so away from returning. When that happens, Varsho - who batted .301/.378/.520 in Double-A with 18 homers and 21 steals over 108 contests in 2019 - could be sent back down, but likely will back up Kelly while also seeing time in center field with the team looking to the future. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: Rostered

FIRST BASE

Daniel Vogelbach, Brewers: Vogelbach, out with a strained left hamstring since late June, will begin a rehab assignment next week. He was given a six-week timeline when first injured and it looks like he will meet that target. Exactly what Vogelbach's role will be upon his return is unclear, as the Brewers acquired fellow left-handed first baseman Rowdy Tellez in a trade with Toronto earlier this month. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5

SECOND BASE 

Travis Blankenhorn/Alejo Lopez/Deven Marrero/Sheldon Neuse/Max Schrock: The Mets, Reds, Marlins, Dodgers and Reds called up backup middle infielders this week. Blankenhorn was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday after getting sent down Monday when Robert Stock (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day IL as part of a corresponding move. The 24-year-old has hit .231 with a homer, two doubles, four RBI and three runs in 13 games this season and should fill a depth role for the Mets going forward…Lopez was recalled by the Reds on Friday due to Nick Castellanos (wrist) going down. He posted a .588 OPS in 17 plate appearances at the big-league level, but managed a .920 OPS over 118 plate appearances for Triple-A Louisville…Marrero was outrighted to Triple-A Jacksonville on Jun. 23, but returned to the majors a month later after Jon Berti (concussion) was placed on the 7-day injured list Friday and will back up at second and shortstop. The Dodgers recalled Neuse on Wednesday from Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he went .285 with six home runs and 27 RBI. He rejoined the big-league squad to provide some additional infield…Schrock was sent to the minors after being reinstated from the 10-day IL in early July and hit .240 with two homers, two doubles, seven RBI and five runs in 14 games since returning to full health. He should serve mainly as a depth option in the Reds' infield. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

Thairo Estrada, Giants: Estrada has come out of nowhere to become a key contributor since being called up from Triple-A Sacramento on Jun. 29 going 17-for-51 with a pair of homers, 12 RBI, seven runs scored and a 6:12 BB:K over 17 games. Estrada is playing everyday with Brandon Crawford on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain. Crawford is likely back in a week, at which point Estrada will transition back to filling in at second, short, third and in the outfield. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Tommy La Stella, Giants: La Stella, sidelined since early May due to a hamstring strain, resumed his rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday after pausing for the second time. He suffered a small thumb fracture during a rehab assignment in late June resulting in a two-week shutdown. La Stella could return in early-August as long as he doesn't face any further setbacks. Prior to being sidelined, he had struggled to a .235/.297/.353 line with a home run and five RBI over 25 games this year but was still an important part of the lineup against righties. When back, La Stella should time at second and third base. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7 (same spec return bid)

Joe Panik, Marlins: Panik is seeing an uptick in playing time with Jazz Chisholm (shoulder) and Jon Berti (concussion) sidelined. Chisholm is expected to begin a rehab assignment in the near future and could return from the 10-day injured list during the Marlins' upcoming homestand, so Panik's shelf life as a starter will be limited. Brian Anderson just returned from injury, so Panik will return to a reserve role when Chisholm is activated. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 

Josh VanMeter, Diamondbacks: VanMeter could be in line for an uptick in playing time with Josh Rojas on the IL with a fractured left pinky finger. The injury opens an opportunity for VanMeter, a multi-positional player who has received more appearances since his most recent call-up in June. He could start more often and have a permanent home at second base with Rojas unavailable, though Arizona could also shift Eduardo Escobar from the hot corner to the keystone and play the recently activated Asdrubal Cabrera at third. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7

THIRD BASE

Brian Anderson, Marlins: Anderson, out of the lineup since May 25 with a left shoulder subluxation, was activated Saturday. Prior to being sidelined, he went .250 with three home runs, 11 RBI and 12 walks from 36 contests. Anderson was finally starting to heat up at the plate right before getting injured with a 1.006 OPS over his last 11 games after struggling to a .556 OPS in his first 24. Now activated, look for Anderson to resume his role as Miami's starting third baseman. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team-NL: $16 

Brandon Drury/Carter Kieboom/Jason Vosler: The Mets, Nationals and Giants called up backup corner infielders this week. Drury was summoned from Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday after spending just over a month with the minor-league club where he slashed .303/.375/.545 with five home runs, nine doubles, 21 RBI and 16 runs. The Nationals promoted Kieboom from Triple-A Rochester on Saturday to replace Jordy Mercer (calf), who landed on the 10-day injured list. The infielder has hit .236/.376/.385 with five home runs, 23 RBI and 26 walks in 44 minor-league games this season. Vosler was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Monday with Brandon Crawford (oblique) on the injured list. The corner infielder has produced a .211/.297/.439 slash line with three homers, four doubles, eight RBI and 11 runs in 64 plate appearances this season. He could remain up until Evan Longoria (shoulder) is ready to return. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $5 

Asdrubal Cabrera, Diamondbacks: Cabrera spent two weeks on the IL with a right hamstring strain before being activated Saturday. He could be in line for plenty of plate appearances while both Ketel Marte (hamstring) and Josh Rojas (finger) remain out, especially if Eduardo Escobar moves to second base to open the hot corner spot. Prior to being sidelined, Cabrera was hitting .240 with five home runs, 28 RBI and 25 runs across 223 plate appearances. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team-NL: $11 

Matt Duffy, Cubs: Duffy, sidelined with back issues since May 25, was activated from the 60-day injured list and started at third base Friday versus Arizona. He originally hoped to return sometime around the All-Star break, but return to action a week later. The utility man was enjoying a solid campaign at the plate prior to the injury slashing .278/.377/.356 from 106 plate appearances. Patrick Wisdom has taken over at third while Duffy was out with Kris Bryant switching between the hot corner and outfield. Now active, Duffy will see sporadic playing time. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Evan Longoria, Giants: Longoria, on the injured list with a sprained left shoulder since Jun. 6, was transferred to the 60-day IL in mid July and will be out until at least early August. He increased his baseball activity this past week and is on pace to return almost a month later than expected. Prior to being sidelined, Longoria has posted a solid .280/.376/.516 slash line with nine home runs, 30 RBI, 28 runs scored and a stolen base as a near-everyday option at third. Wilmer Flores should continue to receive the bulk of the playing time at the hot corner while Longoria continues to recover, but cede the role when Longoria returns. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (same return stash bid) 

Travis Shaw, Brewers: Shaw, out since early June with a dislocated shoulder, will begin a rehab assignment next week. He's set for a fairly lengthy rehab assignment, as he's ineligible to return from the 60-day injured list until Aug. 9. When ready to return, Shaw will have to battle Luis Urias - who has taken over as the starter - and Jace Peterson for playing time at third. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $5 (early spec return bid) 

SHORTSTOP 

Miguel Rojas, Marlins: Rojas has been hot the past month with a .309/.352/.407 slash line, albeit with only one home run, six runs driven in and five runs scored. If he remains in the leadoff spot, he should see an uptick in runs - especially when Miami gets their full lineup back. Rojas is a better option for deeper and single leagues, but may also be attractive in 12-team leagues if he continues with this level of production. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team-NL: Rostered

OUTFIELD

Shogo Akiyama/Aristides Aquino, Reds: With Nick Castellanos (right wrist microfracture) sidelined, Akiyama and Aquino are in line for additional playing time. Cincinnati's main options for right field are Aquino and Tyler Naquin. On days that Naquin moves from center field to play right field, Akiyama would be the likely center fielder. Aquino is a right-handed slugger while Naquin and Akiyama are lefties with the pitcher on the hill determining who will be in the lineup. Akiyama has done little to show he deserves more playing time, but the injury gives him another chance to see increased action. Aquino offers some power in his bat and should remain in the lineup until Castellanos is activated if he gets hot. Akiyama - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team-NL: $5; Aquino - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team-NL: $9 

Lewis Brinson/Billy McKinney/Luke Raley: The Marlins and Dodgers (2x) called up fifth outfielders this week. Brinson was recalled by the Marlins on Monday and has started in left field with both Jesus Sanchez (undisclosed) and Garrett Cooper (elbow) sidelined. Brinson has shown no signs of breaking out in 69 plate appearances at the big-league level this season hitting just .221/.232/.353 with 21 strikeouts and a single walk, but earns another chance due to the injuries…McKinney, designated for assignment last week, was traded by the Mets to the Dodgers on Wednesday. The 26-year-old has slashed .220/.304/.473 with five homers, 15 runs and 14 RBI in 39 major-league games this season. Since McKinney has no minor-league options remaining, he's remaining with LA and operating as a depth piece in the outfield…Raley was summoned from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday to give the Dodgers an extra option in the outfield with Cody Bellinger (hamstring) and Mookie Betts (hip) both temporarily unavailable. He's shown very little in 56 trips to the plate at the big-league level this season going just .180/.268/.260. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

Lorenzo Cain, Brewers: Cain, on a rehab assignment for his injured hamstring that started Jul. 8, could rejoin the Brewers during their upcoming series against the Pirates. Multiple injuries have limited the 35-year-old to 31 games this season. Cain, who hit .223 with three homers and nine RBI in those outings, should regain his starting center field spot when he returns and Jackie Bradley will likely shift back to his role as a fourth outfielder. But that all depends on how Cain hits when he returns. 12-team Mixed: $2: 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (same bid at prior)

Rafael Ortega, Cubs: With Ian Happ still slumping, Ortega has seen more playing time in center field. Saturday marked his sixth start in the last eight contests where he's gone 9-for-23. With the Cubs in rebuild mode, the 30-year-old doesn't figure to be a critical piece of the future and that should result in Chicago giving Happ as many at bats as they can to try and revive his game. But for now, Ortega looks to be team's starting CF - at least against right-handers. 12-team Mixed: $0: 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7

Nick Senzel, Reds: Senzel, out with a left knee injury since May 17 that required surgery a week and a half later, will play both center field and shortstop when he likely begins a minor-league rehab assignment next week. As noted in our most recent RotoWire update: "The Reds' decision not to make shortstop a priority this offseason has come back to haunt the team; converted third baseman Eugenio Suarez was a flop at the position defensively before shifting back to the hot corner in early May, and Kyle Farmer (.650 OPS on the season) has been largely unproductive since taking over as the everyday shortstop". Senzel has only played one career game at shortstop during his time in the minors, but his athleticism should at least make him a superior defender at the position compared to Suarez. Before the knee injury surfaced, Senzel had been seeing most of his work at second and third base after Tyler Naquin locked down the center-field job following his hot start to the season at the dish. But if Senzel can hold his own at shortstop, that would probably represent his clearest path to an everyday role once eventually activated. 12-team Mixed: $1: 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid)

Andrew Stevenson, Nationals: Stevenson, sidelined for a month by an oblique strain, was recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Monday. Prior to being injured, he had appeared in 55 games for the Nationals this season while playing every outfield position. Stevenson is filling that role again, but has been focused in center as Washington has sat Victor Robles recently against right-handed pitching. 12-team Mixed: $0: 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $6

Tyrone Taylor, Brewers: Taylor homered for the second straight day Saturday, giving the 27-year-old nine long balls on the season. He's been red hot since the All-Star break batting .389 with two home runs and seven RBI. While Taylor has been used as a pinch hitter for many of his plate appearances this year, his current run of form might require the Brewers to reconsider his role at least until Lorenzo Cain is activated. 12-team Mixed: $1: 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9