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.

This is our weekly look at National League free agents. 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.

This year, we are again using grids into the FAAB articles, so users can easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The grids, which are sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This serves as a reflection of a player's skills and role on an A-E scale. Cody Bellinger would have been an "A" grade player last year -- that mark will be reserved for similar high-impact prospects stepping into an everyday role.

As always, if there is a player that was not discussed in the article that you would like to know about, feel free to ask about the player in the comments.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, especially to my incredibly tolerant wife, my mother, mother-in-law, sister and sisters-in-law.

PLAYER TEAM POS GRADE $ (12-Team Mixed) $ (15-Team Mixed) $ (NL-Only)
Zach Eflin PHI SP D 2 7 11
Jack Flaherty STL SP C 7 14 20
Kyle Freeland COL SP D 8 15 22
Matt Harvey CIN SP D 1 4 7
Jeremy Hellickson WAS SP D 4 11 16
Jordan Lyles SD SP E No 1 4
Freddy
This is our weekly look at National League free agents. 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.

This year, we are again using grids into the FAAB articles, so users can easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.

The grids, which are sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This serves as a reflection of a player's skills and role on an A-E scale. Cody Bellinger would have been an "A" grade player last year -- that mark will be reserved for similar high-impact prospects stepping into an everyday role.

As always, if there is a player that was not discussed in the article that you would like to know about, feel free to ask about the player in the comments.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, especially to my incredibly tolerant wife, my mother, mother-in-law, sister and sisters-in-law.

PLAYER TEAM POS GRADE $ (12-Team Mixed) $ (15-Team Mixed) $ (NL-Only)
Zach Eflin PHI SP D 2 7 11
Jack Flaherty STL SP C 7 14 20
Kyle Freeland COL SP D 8 15 22
Matt Harvey CIN SP D 1 4 7
Jeremy Hellickson WAS SP D 4 11 16
Jordan Lyles SD SP E No 1 4
Freddy Peralta MIL SP D 0 1 4
Ross Stripling LA SP E No 0 9
Brent Suter MIL SP D 1 4 7
Adam Wainwright STL SP D 1 4 7
Brandon Woodruff MIL SP E 0 1 4
Anthony DeSclafani CIN SP E No 0 3
Shelby Miller AZ SP D 0 1 4
Joe Musgrove PIT SP D 1 4 7
Alex Reyes STL SP C 2 7 11
Seranthony Dominguez PHI RP D 0 1 4
Luiz Gohara ATL RP C 0 1 4
Adam Ottavino COL RP C 2 7 11
Victor Caratini CHI C D 0 1 4
Tony Cruz CIN C E No No 2
Spencer Kieboom WAS C E No No 0
Pedro Severino WAS C E No No 2
Devin Mesoraco NYM C D 1 4 7
Manny Pina MIL C D 2 7 11
Kevin Plawecki NYM C E 0 1 4
Jose Osuna PIT 1B D No 1 4
Mark Reynolds WAS 1B E No 0 2
Dominic Smith NYM 1B D No 0 2
Daniel Descalso AZ 2B E 1 4 7
Alen Hanson SF 2B D 5 11 16
Ryan Flaherty ATL 3B E 1 4 7
Wilmer Flores NYM 3B D 1 5 9
Austin Riley ATL 3B B 1 4 7
Cory Spangenberg SD 3B E No No 3
Logan Forsythe LA 3B D 1 4 7
Luis Guillorme NYM SS E No No 2
Tyler Saladino Mil SS E No No 2
Matt Adams WAS OF C 11 22 Owned
Gregor Blanco SF OF E No No 5
Mark Zagunis CHI OF D No No 3

STARTING PITCHER

Zach Eflin, Phillies – Eflin was profiled last week after his impressive 2018 MLB debut. He allowed one run on three hits, one homer and zero walks, with four strikeouts in six innings against the Marlins. He gets another mention as he will remain in the Phils' rotation to replace Ben Lively (back), who was optioned to the minors. Be careful not to overrate, as Eflin struggled with the Phillies last season, posting a 6.16 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 11 starts (64.1 innings). In four games (20 innings) with Triple-A Lehigh Valley this year, Eflin notched a 4.05 ERA and 1.25 WHIP, which is an improvement over 2017. Eflin was brilliant in his second outing, making the Phillies' decision to keep him in the rotation easy. His fastball is up nearly 1.5 mph from last season, making him at least a short-term option to see if he can maintain that velocity and current success. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Jack Flaherty, Cardinals – Flaherty was profiled twice earlier in the season, as he opened the season in the St. Louis rotation with Adam Wainwright sidelined by a strained hamstring and then replaced Wainwright when elbow inflammation landed him on the disabled list. He gets another mention with the news that Flaherty will now replace Carlos Martinez (strained lat) in the St. Louis rotation Tuesday. Flaherty struck out a career-high 13 batters while allowing two earned runs on six hits over 6.2 innings in Triple-A Memphis' win over Oklahoma City on Wednesday, and he's 4-1 with a 2.27 ERA, .190 BAA and 0.92 WHIP across 31.2 innings for the Redbirds. In his two starts in the majors this season, Flaherty posted a 3.60 ERA and 11 strikeouts over 10 innings. Flaherty uses a mid-90s fastball, devastating slider and work-in-progress changeup to retire hitters. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $20 (up if he sticks more than a handful of starts)

Kyle Freeland, Rockies – Freeland allowed 13 runs in 20 innings over his first four starts of season. Since then, he has given up just five earned runs and posted an excellent 27:7 K:BB over his last four starts, comprising 27.1 innings. Two of those four starts have come away from hitter-friendly Coors Field, but his overall numbers are strong, as his ERA is down to 3.42, his WHIP sits at 1.19 and opponents are hitting just .229 off him through 47.1 innings. Freeland had a solid rookie campaign, posting a 4.10 ERA and 1.49 ERA. But he faded in the second half of the season, as his ERA and WHIP sat at the more respectable levels of 3.77 and 1.40 at the All-Star break. He uses a low-90s fastball, low-80s slider and an improving changeup to retire hitters and should eventually be the Rockies' No. 3 starter. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $15; 12-team NL: $22

Matt Harvey, Reds – Harvey was designated for assignment last week by the Mets and subsequently traded to the Reds for Devin Mesoraco. He went from Dark Knight to Vanquished Knight in New York, as his off-the-field activities along with Tommy John surgery in 2014, surgery to correct thoracic outlet syndrome in 2016 and shoulder woes last year made Harvey a shell of his former self the past few seasons. Harvey bottomed out this year, losing his rotation spot in late April. Harvey gets another lease on life in Cincy, but pitching at Great American Ballpark likely won't be any sort of panacea. His first outing was Friday on the road against the Dodgers. He gave up one hit while struck out two and walking none over four innings. Maybe the change of scenery will prove to be the key for Harvey. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Jeremy Hellickson, Nationals – Hellickson, profiled a few weeks ago when he was called up, continues to surprise and excel in Washington. Through five starts, Hellickson has a 2.28 ERA, 0.87 whip and 21:4 K:BB in 27.2 innings. Despite a fastball averaging just 89 mph, down a tick from last year, Hell Boy has given the Nats way more than expected when they signed him to a minor-league deal March 15. He has benefitted from a .240 BABIP and 77.3 percent strand rate, but Hellickson, who notched a 5.43 ERA and 5.77 ERA in 30 starts between the Phillies and Orioles last season, may not fall off much if he continues to generate lots of groundballs. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

Jordan Lyles, Padres -- Lyles flamed out in Colorado and struggled last season in San Diego, enjoying some success as a Padres' reliever this season, posting a 3.66 ERA and 1.07 WHIP to go along with 16 strikeouts through 19.2 innings out of the bullpen. That strong work earned Lyles a spot in the starting rotation in place of Robbie Erlin. During his first outing Thursday, Lyles pitched well against the Cardinals, scattering five hits over five innings, allowing just one earned run, striking out six and walking one. The track record isn't particularly good, but he is pitching in San Diego, if that helps. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Freddy Peralta, Brewers -- Peralta was called up to start Sunday in place of Chase Anderson, who was scratched and landed on the 10-day disabled list due to an illness. After a rough start to his career in 2014, Peralta flipped the switch in mid-2016 and has been stellar ever since. Peralta has been impressive through seven starts for Triple-A Colorado Springs so far this season, compiling a 3.63 ERA to go with his league-best five wins and 46 strikeouts. His low-90s fastball plays as a plus pitch thanks to a deceptive crossfire delivery, and his slider and changeup serve as useful secondary offerings. Brandon Woodruff allowed seven runs on nine hits in three innings in his start Friday in place of Zach Davies. If Davies isn't ready to go by his next turn in the rotation, Peralta might get the nod to fill his spot. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Ross Stripling, Dodgers -- Stripling was called up to start last Sunday, tossing four scoreless innings. Despite the return of Rich Hill (finger) during the week, Stripling remained in the rotation for at least one more turn with Clayton Kershaw (biceps) still sidelined. Once Kershaw returns, Stripling – barring further injuries to the current staff – will likely be sent to the minors. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2

Brent Suter, Brewers –- Suter began 2017 in the bullpen but moved to the rotation in July and posted a 3.24 ERA in 13 starts the rest of the way despite a fastball that averaged 85.8 mph. When Junior Guerra was sent down this spring, Suter opened the season as Milwaukee's fourth starter. Suter posted a 5.34 ERA and 1.42 WHIP his first six starts and lost his job to Wade Miley, who was returning from a spring training injury. Miley left his start May 8 with an oblique injury that will sideline him 6-to-8 weeks and Suter received the first chance to retake his prior job. If he falters, Brandon Woodruff, who is starting with Zach Davies not ready to return, Corbin Burnes or Freddy Peralta is next in line. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Adam Wainwright, Cardinals -- Wainwright, out since April 22 with elbow inflammation, will start Sunday against the Padres. Following career-worst numbers in 2016 after missing the majority of the 2015 season with a torn Achilles, Wainwright fell apart last year, posting career-worst marks in ERA (5.11) and WHIP (1.50). Wainwright was off to a decent start this year before he was sidelined, notching a 3.45 ERA through three starts, but a weak 12:8 K:BB and an inflated 81.9 percent strand rate make regression a strong likelihood. Once a dominant starter for a long stretch of years, Wainwright has become a replacement level player since the 2015 injury. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Brandon Woodruff, Brewers -- Woodruff was promoted this week to start in place of Zach Davies, who was not ready to return from his shoulder injury. He broke camp with the Brewers but struggled in his three appearances, resulting in the demotion. Woodruff handled his demotion well, giving up just three earned runs over 16.1 innings (1.95 ERA) while posting a 1.06 WHIP, albeit with a 14:7 K:BB ratio. He has bounced between Milwaukee and Triple-A, and his current stint may only last until Davies is ready, unless Brent Suter, filling in for Wade Miley, struggles. In that case, Woodruff could remain on the team and in the rotation. However, after allowing seven runs on nine hits in three innings in his start Friday, Woodruff is unlikely to get another turn. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Injury activations/updates

Anthony DeSclafani, Reds -- DeSclafani, out since straining his left oblique in early March, will begin a minor-league rehab assignment at Double-A Pensacola on Monday. After making 31 starts in 2015, DeSclafani took a step forward in 2016, despite getting limited to 20 major-league starts due to a strained oblique. Last year was a complete loss, as he was diagnosed with a UCL sprain in spring training and made just two rehab starts. DeSclafani has progressed from bullpen sessions to extended spring training and likely will need to make several rehab starts without setbacks before joining the Reds, but the upside, despite a low K rate and HR tendency versus left-handed hitters, makes him a tantalizing fantasy bet. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3 (same early return spec bid)

Shelby Miller, Diamondbacks -- Miller, recovering from Tommy John surgery last May, threw three innings and struck out five Friday in a simulated game at extended spring training. He tossed 33 pitches in the game followed by 10 more in the bullpen. That step in his rehab process comes after two weeks of facing hitters and throwing bullpen sessions. Miller will likely make at least one more start at Arizona's spring training facility before the organization maps out a rehab assignment. The Diamondbacks will be cautious in their approach to bring Miller back, requiring him to make several rehab starts and progress slowly up the minor-league ladder. Miller might be ready to handle a starter's workload shortly after the All-Star break, as long as there are no setbacks. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (early spec return bid)

Joe Musgrove, Pirates -- Musgrove made his second rehab start Monday, needing only 34 pitches to complete four innings of one-run ball for Double-A Altoona. He then tossed 31 more in the bullpen and started for Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday, tossing 5.2 no-hit, scoreless innings, striking out six in 79 pitches. Musgrove will need at least one more start -- a six-inning/100-pitch outing -- before he's ready to join the Pirates' rotation. Acquired from Houston in the Gerrit Cole deal and recovering from a shoulder injury, Musgrove should rejoin Pittsburgh sometime in late May, sliding into the fifth rotation slot. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (slightly upped spec return bid)

Alex Reyes, Diamondbacks -- Reyes, who missed last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in February 2017, tossed 3.1 scoreless innings in which he allowed four hits and a walk while striking out six in his first rehab start at High-A Palm Beach on Wednesday, hitting 99 mph with his heat. The plan is for Reyes to make one start each at Peoria, Double-A and at Triple-A before rejoining the cardinals. The right-hander, who went 4-1 with a 1.57 ERA in 12 appearances for the Cardinals in 2016 with 52 strikeouts in 46 innings, could be installed as a starter or high-leverage reliever (closer, perhaps?), depending on how well he progresses after he returns to action. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped early spec return bid)

RELIEF PITCHER

Seranthony Dominguez, Phillies -- The recently promoted Dominguez shifted from starting to relieving this year to accelerate his timeframe to the majors and transition to his likely future role. He worked at Double-A and Triple-A as a multi-inning reliever, which is how the Phillies will likely use him. Dominguez mixes a fastball that sits at 97-to-98 mph with a slider in the high 80s to retire hitters and projects as a future possible setup man or closer who produces lots of strikeouts and either holds or saves. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Luiz Gohara, Braves -- The Braves called up Gohara, who has been profiled the past few weeks while rehabbing and pitching in the minors after spraining his ankle March 26. Unfortunately, he will pitch in long relief rather than as a starter with Sean Newcomb pitching well and Mike Soroka in the rotation. Gohara struggled in his three outings at Triple-A Gwinnett, allowing 11 earned runs on 17 hits and seven walks in 12.1 innings, surrendering five home runs. He rose through three levels to the majors last season, using his mid-90s fastball, possibly plus slider and developing changeup to make five starts in the majors. Gohara struggled against righties, but he has the stuff to retire hitters from both sides of the plate and only lacks experience and improved command. He will bide his time in the 'pen but profiles as a mid-tier starter in the future, the timing of said move depending on when an opening arises. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Adam Ottavino, Rockies -- Ottavino allowed two runs on May 8, but that brought up his ERA to a still stellar 1.65 to go a long with a 0.95 WHIP on the year at the time before he tossed another scoreless inning Friday. After struggling in 2017 and seeing his GB/FB decline by more than 60 percent and BB/9 almost triple to 6.58, Ottavino worked this offseason on improving the spin rate on his offerings. Early on, those changes have paid dividends, as he has his GB/FB while lowering his BB/9 to 3.15 and increasing his K/9 by nearly 50 percent to 15.75. Wade Davis has been a lockdown closer his first year in Colorado, but manager Bud Black has regained his confidence in Ottavino, using him as Davis' main setup man and the team's closer when Davis requires a day off. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

CATCHER

Victor Caratini, Cubs -- Caratini, who has played eight games at catcher and five at first base, could see actions at other positions during the season. His minor-league power has yet to show up in the majors, but with more at-bats, he may rediscover it. Caratini is backing up Willson Contreras, who should be in the lineup almost daily, but Contreras sometimes plays first base, which provides manager Joe Maddon another avenue in which to deploy Caratini. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Tony Cruz, Reds -- With Devin Mesoraco dealt to the Mets for Matt Harvey, Cruz is the new backup catcher in Cincinnati. His bat is nothing to write about, and he will see minimal action backing up Tucker Barnhart. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Spencer Kieboom/Pedro Severino, Nationals -- Kieboom and Severino will man catching duties for the Nationals while Matt Wieters is sidelined with a strained hamstring. Neither backstop is a particularly attractive fantasy option, but Severino should see most of the action while Wieters is out. Kieboom - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0; Severino - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2

Devin Mesoraco, Mets -- Mesoraco lost his starting job to Tucker Barnhart, largely due to injuries the past several seasons, making him expendable. On the final year of his contract, Mesoraco was dealt to the Mets this week for Matt Harvey. With Travis d'Arnaud (elbow) out for the season and Kevin Plawecki still sidelined with his fractured hand, Mesoraco should play almost daily for New York, though his production had drastically tailed off since his All-Star campaign in 2014. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Manny Pina, Brewers -- Milwaukee's starting catcher, gets a bump with the news that Stephen Vogt – who was in the midst of a rehab assignment -- will require season-ending surgery on his shoulder. Pina has struggled mightily so far this season after a breakout campaign last year. If he fails to rebound, Jett Bandy may carve away some at-bats, but he's no urgent threat to the defense-inclined Pina. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Injury activations/updates

Kevin Plawecki, Mets -- Out since April 11 with a hairline fracture of his left hand suffered when he was hit by a pitch, Plawecki went to Florida to ramp up his rehab and could begin a rehab assignment by the middle of this week. He hopes to return to action by the end of May. The Mets acquired Devin Mesoraco from the Reds to fill in as the starter with Plawecki and Travis d'Arnaud (elbow) sidelined, so it's unclear if Plawecki will start once he is activated. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

FIRST BASE

Jose Osuna, Pirates -- Osuna was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday. After spending most of 2017 with the parent club, Osuna began 2018 in the minors. Osuna hit .359/.409/.628 with three home runs and 18 runs batted over 78 Triple-A at-bats prior to his recent recall. He is stuck behind first baseman Josh Bell and right fielder Gregory Polanco, so most of hits playing time will come in spot duty or AL parks when a designated hitter is needed. Should Bell or Polanco suffer an injury, however, Osuna would immediately receive a major bump in fantasy value. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Mark Reynolds, Nationals -- Reynolds was promoted Saturday to replace Ryan Zimmerman, whose side injury finally landed him on the disabled list. After slashing .267/.352/.487 with 30 homers and 97 RBI for the Rockies in 2017, Reynolds had to settle for a minor-league deal with Washington in April. Over 10 games with Triple-A Syracuse, Reynolds hit .231/.286/.333 with one home run and four runs batted in. He'll back up Matt Adams at first base while Zimmerman is out. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2

Dominic Smith, Mets -- Smith was called up Friday to replace Jay Bruce, who was placed on the paternity list. The expectation is that this will be just a short-term stint for Smith, though it's possible he'll hang around. Smith was hitting .278/.390/.417 in 31 games for Triple-A Las Vegas but the power he showed last year has disappeared, as Smith had just two home runs on the year. He lost 20-plus pounds this offseason and has dropped seven more since the year began to get to 225 pounds, so it may take him a bit to adjust to his new physique. Smith's prospect status has also waned due to the continued rise of Peter Alonso. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2

SECOND BASE

Daniel Descalso, Diamondbacks -- Descalso posted career highs in home runs (10) and RBI (51) last season, while seeing the second-most at-bats in his career. He could exceed those numbers this season, as he already has four long balls and RBI. Descalso has nicely filled in for Jake Lamb at the hot corner. Whenever Lamb returns, look for Descalso to see time at first, second and in the outfield. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $7 (but likely owned in NL)

Alen Hanson, Giants -- Profiled two weeks ago when Joe Panik sprained his left thumb and was placed on the disabled list, Hanson earns another mention, as he grabbed a hold of the second base job in San Francisco and should hold it until Panik returns. Panik underwent surgery April 30 and will miss approximately another month. Hanson, who once was a solid prospect with the Pirates, saw his status regress the past few seasons and had little prior success in the majors. He was hot at Triple-A Sacramento, though, prompting the call up, and has continued to hit, blasting four home runs and stealing three bases. Hanson stole 36 bags in 2016 at Triple-A and could provide a nice blend of speed with some power while Panik is sidelined. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

THIRD BASE

Ryan Flaherty, Braves -- Flaherty did yeoman's work earlier this season, filling in for Johan Camargo at third base for Atlanta. Right when Camargo was returning, Jose Bautista was promoted to see full-time duty at third base. But Bautista's struggles against right-handed pitching continued, as he has .142/.246/.297 slash line against righties since last year's All-Star break, resulting in a possible change in role. Bautista may primarily draw starts against left-handed pitching going forward with Flaherty seeing most of the action against righties, against whom he has a .321 average and .872 OPS in 81 at-bats in 2018. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Wilmer Flores, Mets -- Flores is manning third base in most games while Todd Frazier (hamstring) is on the 10-day disabled list. Jose Reyes is also factoring in the hot corner mix, but Flores is the primary beneficiary for playing time. After posting .788 and .795 OPS the past two seasons with 16 and 18 home runs, respectively, Flores is off to a slow start this year with an OPS around .700 and three home runs to date. Maybe the extra at-bats will kickstart his bat. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Austin Riley, Braves -- Riley, the Braves' top prospect once Ronald Acuna hits 130 major-league at-bats, was promoted from Double-A Mississippi to Triple-A Gwinnett last Sunday. He earned that bump in levels by posting a .333/.394/.677 line with six home runs and 20 runs batted in across 109 plate appearances. Riley, a supplemental first-round pick in 2015, likely boasts the most power in the organization's farm system. If he can continue to limit his strikeouts and show a solid eye at the plate, Riley could be promoted this season. Atlanta signed Jose Bautista to a minor-league pact in April and recently promoted him to serve as its third baseman. But if Bautista struggles and Riley to rake, a change would not be out of the question. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec callup and stash bid, up substantially in keeper leagues)

Cory Spangenberg, Padres -- Promoted Saturday to replace Chase Headley, who was designated for assignment, Spangenberg opened the season with San Diego but was demoted in late April after hitting just .196/.237/.357 in 60 plate appearances. Spangenberg fared much better with Triple-A El Paso, slashing .293/.328/.534 over 13 games. He'll back up Christian Villanueva at the hot corner and remain in the mix at second base. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Injury activations/updates

Logan Forsythe, Dodgers -- Forsythe, out since April 14 with right shoulder inflammation, began a rehab assignment at High-A Rancho Cucamonga over the weekend. Because Forsythe has missed a month, he likely will need several rehab games. When he returns, Chase Utley's playing time at second base takes a strong hit. Still, Forsythe's production fell off dramatically last season, and he will need to prove last year was an aberration to keep the job. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

SHORTSTOP

Luis Guillorme, Mets -- Guillorme was promoted this week to replace Nick Franklin, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a slightly strained hamstring. Defense is Guillorme's calling card, but he posted an .847 OPS at Triple-A Las Vegas prior to the callup. Gillorme's glove might keep him in the lineup at times in the future, but he will have to continue his recent gains at the plate to have a starting role, and that looks like a stretch. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Tyler Saladino, Brewers -- Saladino was promoted this week to replace Nick Franklin, who was injured in his first game following his callup. After hitting a career-worst .178/.254/.229 while stepping up to the plate 281 times last season for the White Sox, Saladino was traded to Milwaukee in mid-April and assigned to Triple-A Colorado Springs. He slashed .268/.375/.415 with six RBI and five stolen bases over 12 games at Triple-A club to earn the promotion. Saladino will serve as a backup infielder behind Jonathan Villar and Orlando Arcia. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

OUTFIELD

Matt Adams, Nationals -- Adams' run of playing time will continue for at least a little while longer, as Ryan Zimmermann's side injury finally landed him on the disabled list and Adam Eaton not expected to return until sometime after the All-Star break. Adams should play first base in nearly every game with Mark Reynolds called up to provide support, especially against tough lefties. Adams has even seen additional action in the outfield, where he now should also qualify in most leagues, making his hot stretch likelier to help his value for at least a few more weeks. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: owned

Gregor Blanco, Giants -- San Francisco's outfield injuries have afforded Blanco consistent playing time. Hunter Pence and Mac Williamson remain sidelined while neither Austin Jackson nor Gorkys Hernandez has done anything of consequence offensively this year. Blanco, despite only slashing 262/.303/.381 through 89 plate appearances, has been the most productive of the center field trio. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5

Mark Zagunis, Cubs -- Zagunis got the call this week when Jason Heyward landed on the disabled list with concussion symptoms. A catcher turned outfielder, Zagunis was hitting .298/.412/.436 with three home runs, two steals and 18:17 K:BB in 115 plate appearances at Iowa when he was promoted. Zagunis won't see much action, but he has been productive in each stop up the ladder, and his solid on-base skills and all-around ability should earn him a full-time roster spot in the near future. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

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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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