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're incorporating 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. 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.

A.J. Cole, Nationals - Cole got the nod to start in place of the demoted Joe Ross on Saturday. He came into the outing having posted a 5.29 ERA and and 1.38 WHIP in 47.2 innings in 11 games (nine starts) in his Major League career. Cole was good enough Saturday, allowing six hits and four walks with just two strikeouts but surrendered just one run over six innings on a win over the Phillies. This outing was supposed to be a spot start with Jacob Turner sliding into the fifth spot, but we will have to see if Cole's solid outing earns him another start. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3.

Patrick Corbin, Diamondbacks - Corbin, who was a 2013 All-Star, returned from Tommy John surgery in spring 2014 to make 16 starts in 2015 and pitch a full season last year. He got off to a decent start with a 3.99 on May 20 before the wheels really fell off. Corbin ended up moving to the pen and pitching well, but battled for and won a rotation spot with a strong spring. He has made the most of this opportunity, posting a 2.29 ERA while not allowing more than three runs in any of his six starts. In addition, he has notched a tidy 30:11 K:BB ratio in 35.1 innings. Of course, right after I wrote this Friday, he allowed eight runs in four innings Saturday in Colorado, his second straight outing against the Rockies after dominating them in his first start, but I still think he is a worthwhile risk. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned.

Odrisamer Despaigne, Marlins - Despaigne started Saturday in place of Wei-Yin Chen, who was placed on the disabled list with a tired arm. He was slated to start for New Orleans on Saturday, so his outing against the Mets was on turn. Despaigne posted a 3.06 ERA and 1.30 WHIP through four starts for New Orleans this year despite having more walks (13) than strikeouts (9), and other than 2014, his major-league numbers have been less than even average. That continued Saturday, as he allowed eight runs - three earned - on five hits and four walks in 4.2 innings. Chen may be back for his next turn, so this may just be a one-start call up for Despaigne. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0.

Rafael Montero, Mets - Noah Syndergaard's torn lat muscle will sidelined him at least two months and leaves and gaping hole in the Mets' rotation. Montero gets the first chance to fill that role and this may be his last chance to stick in the majors after failing in the past. He made the team out of spring training, but posted a 9.45 ERA and 3.60 WHIP, allowing a whopping 16 hits in just 6.2 innings with an 6:8 K:BB. Montero fared much better in a pair of Triple-A starts however, posting a 1.74 ERA and excellent 16:3 K:BB in 10.1 innings. In the past, Montero has had issues trusting his stuff, nibbling at corners, which resulted in that spiked BB rate and cookie pitches on hitters' counts, leading to a 1.80 WHIP and 5.51 ERA in 80 MLB innings. Seth Lugo and Steven Matz may be back in a month, which will be needed as Montero nibbled again Friday, failing to trust his stuff, while allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks with four strikeouts in 3.2 innings. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Jacob Turner, Nationals - Turner struggled this spring but righted the ship at Triple-A, posting a 2.61 ERA in 10.1 innings over three games. He was first promoted to start April 23 and remained with the Nationals out of the bullpen. Turner has been inserted as the fifth starter replacing Joe Ross, who pitched his way out of a spot. Prior to his four solid innings Wednesday in relief, Turner had a 5.09 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 330.1 innings in the majors, so tread lightly. At one point, Turner was viewed as a can't miss prospect, but that was a long time ago. That said, any starter on a good offensive team is worth a look, but be aware that A.J. Cole, who started Saturday, could get another outing with Turner, who tossed a scoreless eighth and ninth innings Saturday, remaining in the bullpen. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Trevor Williams, Pirates - Williams slides into the Pittsburgh rotation replacing Jameson Taillon, who landed on the disabled list with groin discomfort. His first start will come Monday against the Dodgers. Williams earned a call up last season thanks to a 2.53 ERA, 1.21 WHIP at Triple-A Indianapolis, but after a solid debut, the wheels fell off. He has struggled out of the bullpen this year and likely won't go long Monday, but could earn several starts while Taillon is out. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Homer Bailey, Reds - Bailey, limited to just eight starts the last two seasons due to elbow and other arm woes threw his first bullpen session Tuesday as he works back from surgery to remove bone spurs from his elbow. He threw between 20-25 pitches, all of which were fastballs. Bailey has now moved to the next phase of his rehab, which will see him throw a bullpen session every three days, followed by live batting practice and then a simulated game. Then, he'll finally be ready to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment in preparation to make his 2017 debut sometime in mid-to-late June. Bailey has had setbacks the last two seasons, so tread lightly until he shows that he is really ready to return to action. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid)

Jarred Cosart, Padres - Cosart, sidelined since his April 18 with a strained right hamstring, made his first rehab appearance for High-A Lake Elsinore this week, but will require another rehab outing before being activated off the disabled list. He threw 43 pitches over two innings of relief Tuesday for Elsinore and is scheduled to throw four innings of relief, or around 60 pitches, for Triple-A Nashville on Sunday. It sounds as if Cosart will be moved to the pen upon returning, as manager Andy Green said, "If we want him to do long work, he needs to be able to do a little bit more than that," with long work likely meaning middle relief. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Rich Hill, Dodgers - Hill, sidelined with yet another blister, made a rehab start Thursday with High-A Rancho Cucamonga. He was originally slated to throw four innings or 60 pitches but lasted just two-thirds of an innings allowing four runs on 29 pitches. Hill wasn't removed due to injury but rather pitch count and then headed to the bullpen to throw 30 more pitches. He will make one final rehab start for High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday before rejoining the rotation, but that depends on if he has another setback with the blister. Manager Dave Roberts said the goal is to bring Hill back as a starter, which seems to squash the notion of relegating Hill to the bullpen. Hyun-Jin Ryu was placed on the disabled list month with a hip issue, opening a spot in the rotation that currently consists of Clayton Kershaw, Alex Wood, Julio Urias, Kenta Maeda and Brandon McCarthy. Once Hill is back, Alex Wood looks like he will be the odd-man out, either heading to the minors or the pen. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (same as prior; more if he is over the blister woes).

Jeff Locke, Marlins - Locke, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he will throw 50-75 pitches in a start Monday either in extended spring training or a more formal rehab assignment. If Miami elects to have Locke prepare as a starter, he could be ready for that role in 1-2 true rehab starts. Locke, out with a shoulder tendinitis, will serve as a long reliever if he doesn't start. But Locke was a starter in his six seasons with the Pirates and if Tom Koehler or Adam Conley struggles or Wei-Yin Chen remains sidelined, Locke could be a rotation option. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Seth Lugo/Steven Matz, Mets - Lugo (partial UCL tear) and Matz (strained flexor tendon) each threw a 20-pitch side session off the rubber Tuesday after tossing off the slope of a mound last Sunday. So far, neither has had a setback and each should progress to regular bullpen sessions shortly, as they target a late May return. Lugo and Matz continue to build up their arm strength and will need several rehab assignments before they are ready to rejoin the team. Of course, that timeframe assumes no setbacks, which has been an issue for both pitchers. Lugo likely is to be used as a swingman out of the bullpen while Matz should move back into the starting rotation as the only lefty in the Mets' starting five. Lugo - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2 (early spec bid); Matz - 12-team Mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: $5 (early spec bid); 12-team NL: owned. (same bids as prior; more as they get closer to returning)

RELIEF PITCHER
 
Matt Albers/Koda Glover/Enny Romero, Nationals - Round and round goes the Nationals' closer wheel. First, it was Blake Treinen and then it was Glover and Shawn Kelley. Glover landed on the disabled list, leaving the job to Kelley, but he hit the disabled list Friday with a back strain after sitting out the previous three days with an illness. Albers notched the save Friday but Glover may be back shortly from his hip injury, though he wasn't activated when his 10 days on the disabled list were up. Romero notched the save Thursday and tossed a scoreless inning, which was his fourth scoreless outing in his last five appearances. Spin the wheel and see who goes next, but when Glover returns, he is the favorite to earn saves, at least until Kelley is back and then the wheel will spin again. Albers -12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Glover - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Romero - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Jake Barrett, Diamondbacks - Barrett, rehabbing from shoulder inflammation at the end of spring training, has allowed three hits and no walks while striking out six in two appearances for High-A Visalia. He likely will need several more rehab appearances before he is ready to possibly rejoin the D-Backs. Barrett was arguably the team's top reliever a season ago with a 3.49 ERA over 68 appearances but he could end up staying in the minors once his rehab assignment is done. But his name is one to keep in mind if Fernando Rodney continues to struggle. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Joaquin Benoit, Phillies - Hector Neris is the Phillies' closer but he does not have a lock on the job, as Benoit would have closed if a save opportunity arose on May 3. Neris allowed four runs in two-thirds of an inning to blow a save April 29 and threw a scoreless inning May 2, but Benoit looks to be still in the mix. Benoit will provide holds, a solid ERA and WHIP and some K at a minimum but also might pick up some saves along the way, warranting a spot on your fantasy roster. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (due to saves possibility)

Austin Brice/Mauricio Cabrera/Mike Dunn/Matt Grace/Josh Lindblom/Bryan Morris/Josh Osich/Felix Pena/Rob Scahill/Paul Sewald/Jake Thompson/Sam Tuivailala/Nick Wittgren/Rob Zastryzny - This week's key middle reliever call ups/activations, as well as expected callups, were/will be in Cincinnati, Atlanta, Colorado, Washington, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, San Francisco, Chicago, San Francisco, New York, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Miami and Chicago. None have substantial value, save for Cabrera, Dunn and Thompson. Cabrera moves his minor-league rehab assignment to Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday, tossing a scoreless inning. Once he is back, Cabrera, who had baseball's second-highest average fastball velocity (100 mph) while posting a 2.82 ERA and six saves in 41 appearances, will work as a set-up man to Jim Johnson. He needs to limit his walks, as he had 19 versus 32K in 38.1 innings, to have further success. Dunn (back) was activated Sunday to resume his role as one of Colorado's top left-handed reliever, providing strikeouts and holds. Thompson was starting at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, posting a 0.99 ERA and an 18:5 K:BB over his last three starts. Those numbers came after he reverted back to his overhand windup following two poor starts to begin the year. For now, he is serving as bullpen depth for the Phillies, but could get a look for a starting spot with Aaron Nola (back) on the DL, especially if Nick Pivetta falters, as he did Friday before Aaron Nola (back) is ready to return. All save for Cabrera, Dunn and Thompson - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0; Cabrera and Thompson - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Dunn - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Carl Edwards Jr., Cubs - Edwards successfully transitioned from starting to relieving in 2014 and has steadily moved up the ladder. He played a key role in Chicago winning the World Series and has built on that success this season. Edwards has allowed just one run and eight baserunners in 13 innings, relying on his high-90s fastball and curveball to retire hitters. Wade Davis and Hector Rondon are ahead of him in the bullpen pecking order, but Edwards is a very valuable reliever for the Cubs and a possible closer option in the future. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up in keeper leagues).

Corey Knebel, Brewers - Knebel missed the first two months of the season with an oblique injury and failed to recapture the form that made him such a solid reliever in 2015. The big issue with Knebel last season was walks, as he allowed 4.4 BB per nine innings. This year, Knebel has posted a 22:7 K:BB ratio and 0.92 WHIP over 15.1 frames, so while walks are still an issue, he has increased both his K and GB:FB rates, resulting in a solid start. If Neftali Feliz stumbles, Knebel, and not Jacob Barnes, who seemed to surpass Knebel earlier in the season, may be next in line, evidenced by Knebel's nine holds to Barnes' four. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Derek Law, Giants - Law had an excellent rookie season, posting including 14 holds and a 5.56 K/BB in 55 innings over 61 games. He was consistently the Giants' best reliever while he was healthy and even served as the team's closer for a brief period after Santiago Casilla was demoted from the position. Law has four reliable pitches, headlined by his mid- to high-90s fastball, and has continued that rookie success into his sophomore campaign. Mark Melancon is locked in as the SF closer but Law should be a source of strikeouts and a solid WHIP along with holds, for those who play that category. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7.

Mike Montgomery, Cubs - Montgomery logged a season-high 3.2 innings Monday, replacing an ineffective Brett Anderson. He gave up two hits, two walks and no runs while striking out two, lowering his season ERA to 1.29 in 21 innings. Montgomery transitioned from starting to relieving last year, where he had success. He lost his battle to open as the fifth starter to Brett Anderson, but with Anderson struggling mightily, as he sits with a 8.18 ERA and WHIP over two in is first six starts, Montgomery could replace him in the rotation. In addition, Anderson was removed from Saturday's contest due to lower back soreness after surrendering five runs and retiring just one batter and will be placed on the disabled list. Montgomery needs to reduce his walk rate and he has benefitted from a high strand rate and low BABIP, but either he of Eddie Butler will replace Anderson in the Cubs' rotation. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Hansel Robles, Mets - New York has relied heavily on the bullpen the first month of the year, partially due to limiting the innings of several starters along with absence of Jeurys Familia the first 15 games. Robles has vultured four wins already while posting a 1.76 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 9.98 K/9 his first 15.1 innings. He uses a mid-90s fastball, along with a changeup and slider to retire hitters and the keys for him are to limit walks and maintain the improvement he has made against right-handed hitters after struggling last season against them. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $5.

Trevor Rosenthal, Cardinals - Rosenthal lost the closer job last season to Seung Hwan Oh partially due to injury and partially due to a mechanical flaw. He was to be stretched out as a starter this spring but a lat issue set him back, resulting in a change in that approach. Rosenthal has notched saves in three of his last seven appearances and clearly is second in line to Oh, who has struggled at times this season, despite not allowing an earned run since April 17. Manager Mike Matheny hasn't said the two are in a time-share but Rosenthal is clearly in the mix and will receive more save chances than first thought. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

CATCHER

Elias Diaz, Pirates - Diaz was called up this week due to Francisco Cervelli nursing a foot injury. He slashed .305/.317/.441 through 59 at-bats with Triple-A Indianapolis this season, continuing his transition from defense only to solid offensive producer that began in 2014. Cervelli started behind the plate Thursday and is looks like he won't need a DL stint, which likely will make Diaz's stay in the majors brief. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Dustin Garneau/Ryan Hanigan, Rockies - With Tony Wolters landing on the 7-day concussion DL, Hanigan was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque to split the catching duties with Garneau. Hanigan, who signed a minor-league deal with Colorado at the end of spring training, went 3-for-5 with a homer in his first game back in the majors and likely will be the primary catcher until Wolters is back. Garneau got off to a horrific start but seems to have turned it around recently, but he has historically failed to carry his fine minor-league production into the majors. At worst, Hanigan should see time against southpaws, against whom he has had success, until Wolters or Tom Murphy (elbow) return to action. Garneau - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2; Hanigan - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Kevin Plawecki/Rene Rivera, Mets - Travid d'Arnaud was placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday, retroactive to May 3, with a right wrist bone bruise. While he is out, Plawecki and Rivera will fill the catcher spot. Rivera, thanks to his strong defense, likely will see most of the playing time, supported by Plawecki, however don't expect a ton off offensive production. Plawecki - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2; Rivera - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4
 
Injury activation/updates:

Tom Murphy, Rockies - Murphy, who opened the season on the 10-day disabled list after he fractured his right hand when it made contact with Kris Bryant's bat March 11, is now wearing a soft cast after a follow-up bone scan showed less healing that expected. He recently ditched the thumb-extending brace but has yet to pick up a baseball and won't resume baseball activities until the bone is fully healed. Once that happens, Murphy will still likely require multiple weeks to test out the hand in fielding and throwing drills, batting practice and rehab games before the Rockies would consider activating him from the 10-day disabled list. In the interim, Dustin Garneau and Ryan Hanigan will hold down the catching spot while Murphy and Tony Wolters (concussion) are sidelined. Once Murphy is back, he will at a minimum platoon with Wolters and likely should end up garnering most of the playing time behind the plate, though hat might not be until sometime in June. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (dropped bid due to extended absence).

FIRST BASE
 
Matt Adams, Cardinals - Adams replaced the injured Jose Martinez (groin) in left field Saturday and blasted his first home run of the season. After a slow start, Adams is now hitting .293/.348/.415 and should see additional playing time with Stephen Piscotty (hamstring), Dexter Fowler (shoulder) and Martinez sidelined. The work Adams put in during spring training in the outfield to increase his versatility has paid immediate dividends, as he does not look out of place there. Magneuris Sierra will be called up to replace Martinez, so he also will be in the mix, but Adams should see a good amount of at-bats die to all the injuries. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 12-team NL: $11.

Josh Bell, Pirates - Bell hit just .116/.229/.140 this spring but broke camp as the Pirates' starting first baseman. He carried that slow start into the spring but has heated a bit the last few weeks, hitting all four of his home runs in that span. Bell has hit at every level, including following his promotion to the majors last year, so take his spring and early season numbers with a grain of salt, especially since he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee in late February, slowing his settling in period for the year. Bell brings decent power, blasting all five of his last home runs in the last 16 games, and solid slash lines and should be fairly ensconced at first base, unless his issues against southpaws persist. 12-team Mixed: $12; 15-team Mixed: $24, 12-team NL: owned.

Cody Bellinger, Dodgers - Bellinger, profiled last week, did his best to stay in the majors and will now start at first base with Adrian Gonzalez landing on the 10-day disabled list due to a herniated disk in his back that he aggravated in April and right elbow soreness. Prior to Friday's game, Los Angeles was 6-2 with Bellinger in the lineup, and he played a key role in several of those wins. He added to that record by blasting a pair of home runs Friday. Bellinger, the sixth-rated prospect on RotoWire and seventh rated prospect by Baseball America, earned his original promotion thanks to his hot start at the plate. He was slashing .343/.429/.627 with five home runs and 15 RBI over 18 games at Triple-A Oklahoma City to earn that callup. Bellinger, a 2013 fourth-round pick, is just 21 but he progressed rapidly up the ladder. He started eight straight games in left field and now, will man first base for as long as Gonzalez is sidelined. Gonzalez is signed through next year, so Bellinger likely will need to play left field before replacing A-Gone at first base. Bellinger has a stellar combination or power and average at the dish with solid plate discipline. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $30; 12-team NL: $45 (more than prior bid since he is sticking in the majors for at least 10 more days)

Injury activation/updates:

Lucas Duda, Mets - Duda, on the 10-day DL with a hyper-extended elbow, received some at-bats this weekend at extended spring training before resuming his rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas early this week. He was shut down from his initial rehab assignment after experiencing a twinge in the elbow but now is healthy enough to resume playing. After an injury-plagued and poor 2016, Duda was off to a steady start in his first 13 games as well, slashing .238/.360/.571 with four home runs and seven RBI. Duda believes he will be ready to go Monday and his presence will be a sight for sore eyes in a Mets lineup struggling for offense. Once back, Duda should start just about daily at first base sitting possibly against certain southpaws for either Wilmer Flores or T.J. Rivera, who is filling in for Duda. 12-team Mixed: $11 (in case not owned); 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

SECOND BASE
 
T.J. Rivera, Mets - Rivera, profiled the last two weeks, gets another mention, as he may remain with the Mets even with Wilmer Flores back from his knee injection and Lucas Duda (hyper-extended elbow) resuming his rehab assignment. In the interim, Rivera has been red-hot since his promotion and should continue to start nearly every day at first base until Duda returns. Jay Bruce, who had filled in for Duda and Flores, moved back to the outfield with Yoenis Cespedes (hamstring) sidelined. Rivera's main issue is a lack of walks, but he consistently puts the ball in play, resulting a high BABIP and is decent in driving in runs. In 2016, Rivera slashed .333/.345/.476 in 105 at-bats in 33 games, adding three home runs and 16 RBI, and striking out 17 times. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 12-team NL: $11.

Injury activation/updates:

Logan Forsythe, Dodgers - Forsythe landed on the disabled list with a fractured toe after getting hit-by-a-pitch April 18. Original speculation was Forsythe could miss up to six weeks, but that timeframe was dialed back. The fracture has healed and Forsythe had resumed baseball activities but was shut down Wednesday with hamstring tightness. He is now slated to resume his rehab early this week and could rejoin L.A., barring a setback, in Colorado over the weekend. Chase Utley and Chris Taylor will man second base with Forsythe out, but L.A. will be happy to get its offseason acquisition back in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

SHORTSTOP

Matt Reynolds, Mets - Reynolds, who played 47 games as a utility infielder last season, was called up from Triple-A Las Vegas last Wednesday. He gives the Mets an extra infield option off the bench even with the return of Wilmer Flores (knee) as Lucas Duda (elbow) is still sidelined. Reynolds' stint likely will last only until Duda is ready to return, though if Asdrubal Cabrera's thumb injury sidelines him, Reynolds could stick and get some playing time. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $2.

THIRD BASE

Miguel Rojas, Marlins - Rojas has started four of the last five games, notching 10 hits in those starts. He won't hit for power, but Rojas has shown he can be a useful utility player, so look for Miami to continue to find way to get him in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $4.

Injury activation/updates:

Wilmer Flores, Mets - Flores, on the 10-day DL with a knee infection in the joint of his knee, was activated Wednesday after a short rehab assignment at High-A St Lucie and Triple-A Las Vegas. He broke camp with the Mets as a backup infielder but Jose Reyes' horrific start looked to afford Flores additional playing time before he was sidelined by the injury. Flores was already seeing time at first against southpaws while also seeing action at second and third. He mashes lefties, which is likely his role, but could see time against righties if he shows he can fix that deficiency. T.J. Rivera mans that spot while Lucas Duda (elbow) is sidelined, but if Asdrubal Cabrera's thumb injury sidelines him, Flores could play third base with Jose Reyes sliding to short. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5, 12-team NL: $9 (up if Cabrera is sidelined).

David Freese, Pirates - Freese was profiled already a few times this year, with Jung Ho-Kang unlikely to play in the U.S. since he has been denied a work visa due to his DUI hit-and-run charge in Korea, opening third base for Freese. He was off to a strong start, batting  .321/.418/.536 with three homers and 10 RBI through 56 at-bats before a strained right hamstring sidelined him beginning April 22. Freese, who parlayed a one-year spring training deal a year ago into a two-year, $11 extension, hopefully will be back by the end of the week. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $18, 12-team NL: owned.

Jhonny Peralta, Cardinals - Peralta, sidelined since April 20 with an upper respiratory infection, began a rehab assignment at High-A Palm Beach on Friday. Prior to being sidelined, Peralta had slipped to fourth in the hot corner pecking order behind Jedd Gyorko, Greg Garcia and Matt Carpenter due to a .120 average with zero extra-base hits and a 9:2 K:BB in 27 plate appearances. Peralta missed almost half the year last year due to injuries and ceded the starting job to Gyorko and shouldn't see a lot of at-bats when he returns. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1, 12-team NL: $4

OUTFIELD

Adam Frazier, Pirates - Frazier was profiled the first two weeks of the year, as early season usage hinted at increased value. That value spiked due to the 80-game suspension handed to Starling Marte for testing positive for a performing-enhancing substance. Pittsburgh moved Andrew McCutchen from right field back to his old spot in center, creating a hole in right. Frazier along with Jaso saw the most action there, as the Pirates do not appear inclined to promote Austin Meadows at this point. A strained hamstring landed Frazier, who was batting .306 with a home run and five RBI through 15 games, on the disabled list but the hope is he will be back sometime this week and resume his role as the mostly, starting right fielder. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9, 12-team NL: owned.

Tommy Pham, Cardinals - Pham was recalled from Triple-A Memphis and started Friday in center field With Stephen Piscotty (hamstring) and Dexter Fowler (shoulder) both leaving Thursday's game early with injuries and Piscotty landing on the 10-day DL, Pham was promoted to provide some help in the outfield. Pham hit .289/.379/.511 with four home runs and six steals with Memphis this season, in line with the success he had in the minors, except for a poor 2016 campaign. He had an excellent second half of the 2015 season but regressed mightily last season, batting .226/.324/.440 line over 78 total games. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Justin Ruggiano, Giants - Ruggiano had his contract purchased from Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday, replacing Drew Stubbs on the Giants' roster. Ruggiano has hit well against southpaws, which should be his role during this stint on San Francisco. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4.

Magneuris Sierra, Cardinals - Sierra was removed from High-A Palm Beach's game early on Saturday, and it looks like he will be promoted to the majors. With Jedd Gyorko (hand) and Jose Martinez (groin) both getting injured Saturday, joining Stephen Piscotty (hamstring) and Dexter Fowler (shoulder) in the sidelines, St. Louis is thin in the position player department. Sierra is a speed demon with the hit tool and glove to make him a mainstay in the big leagues, who should grow into his power as he matures. But with just about only 80 at-bats at High-A, Sierra is not likely to be ready for an extended stint in the majors. However, due to all the injuries, it looks like either him or Matt Adams likely will see solid playing time in left field. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (more in keeper leagues)

Injury activation/updates:

Gregor Blanco, Diamondbacks - Blanco followed his best season in the majors in 2015 with his worst full season last year. That earned him a one-way ticket out of San Francisco, and he signed a minor-league with Arizona this offseason. A strained oblique late in spring training cost him a shot at breaking camp, and after getting released, he was re-signed and sent to the minors. Blanco swung a hot bat in rehab starts (9-for-23 with three RBI), so it isn't unrealistic to see him getting solid action as a reserve outfielder behind A.J. Pollock, Yasmany Tomas and David Peralta. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5.

David Dahl, Rockies - Dahl, sidelined with a stress reaction in his sixth rib, is still not able to show 100 percent exertion on his swing. He progressed to hitting off a tee last Thursday and batting practice that Friday but clearly is not yet ready to return. Dahl will need to show he can take full live batting practice sessions, after which he can embark on a rehab assignment. Even if he returns in the next few weeks, Dahl is not a lock to get more than a handful of starts per week as long as Mark Reynolds remains hot at the plate and continues to earn starts at first base, which has pushed Ian Desmond to left field lately. In addition, there is also a possibility Dahl could be optioned to the minors, but that seems remote at this time. (Just an FYI as should be owned in all leagues, but if not, the bids should be $4/9/14, less than prior with Desmond in outfield.)

Franklin Gutierrez, Dodgers - Gutierrez, sidelined since April 10 with a strained hamstring, was activated Tuesday after a short rehab stint with High-A Rancho Cucamonga with Scott Van Slyke sent to the minors. When the season started, Gutierrez and Andrew Toles were to platoon in left field for the Dodgers with Andre Ethier (back) sidelined indefinitely. Gutierrez is on the shorter side of the platoon, batting against southpaws due to his success against lefties and issues against righties, while Toles faces righties. Gutierrez hit a home run Tuesday off lefty Matt Moore, reinforcing his role against southpaws. Cody Bellinger is starting at first with Adrian Gonzalez landing on the 10-day, freeing an outfield spot and playing time for Gutierrez. However, he did leave Saturday's game, which might mean he aggravated the injury, 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2.

Joc Pederson, Dodgers - Pederson's groin injury sidelined him the minimum 10 days, as he was activated and in the lineup Friday against the Padres. He was off to a slow start prior to being sidelined, but should continue to start in center field against righties, sitting versus southpaws. (Just an FYI as should be owned in all leagues.)