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. This week, I only covered the more significant Sep. 1 callups, but I'm happy to address any players you want me to cover in the comment section. Please see James Anderson's excellent column on possible September callups for additional information (https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/article.php?id=46761) and the MLB website for all call ups (http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/transactions/). Additional, relevant fantasy players will be included in the column once those players are added to a major-league roster during the month.
| PLAYER | TEAM | POS | GRADE |
|---|
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. This week, I only covered the more significant Sep. 1 callups, but I'm happy to address any players you want me to cover in the comment section. Please see James Anderson's excellent column on possible September callups for additional information (https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/article.php?id=46761) and the MLB website for all call ups (http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/transactions/). Additional, relevant fantasy players will be included in the column once those players are added to a major-league roster during the month.
| PLAYER | TEAM | POS | GRADE | 12-Team Mixed $ | 15-Team Mixed $ | NL-Only $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ronald Bolanos | SD | SP | D | 1 | 4 | 7 |
| Johnny Cueto | SF | SP | C | 3 | 9 | 14 |
| Rich Hill | LA | SP | C | 5 | 11 | 16 |
| Tyler Mahle | CIN | SP | D | No | 1 | 5 |
| Luke Weaver | AZ | SP | C/D | 1 | 5 | 9 |
| David Bednar | SD | RP | E | No | 0 | 4 |
| Junior Fernandez | STL | RP | D | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| Shane Greene | ATL | RP | D | 2 | 7 | 11 |
| Rowan Wick | CHI | RP | D | 3 | 9 | 14 |
| Aramis Garcia | SF | C | E | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| Austin Barnes | LA | C | E | No | 0 | 4 |
| Deivy Grullon | PHI | C | E | No | 0 | 4 |
| Tyler Heineman | MIA | C | E | No | 0 | 4 |
| Andrew Knizner | STL | C | E | No | 0 | 4 |
| Kevin Cron | AZ | 1B | D | No | No | 4 |
| Jose Martinez | STL | 1B | E | 0 | 1 | 7 |
| Asdrubal Cabrera | WAS | 2B | D | 25 | 35 | Owned |
| David Bote | CHI | 2B | E | No | No | 3 |
| Wilmer Difo | WAS | 2B | E | No | No | 3 |
| Kevin Kramer | PIT | 2B | E | No | No | 3 |
| Domingo Leyba | AZ | 2B | D | No | No | 3 |
| Jose Pirela | CIN | 2B | E | No | No | 3 |
| Corban Joseph | SF | 2B | E | No | No | 5 |
| Robinson Cano | NYM | 2B | D | 2 | 7 | 11 |
| Jed Lowrie | NYM | 2B | D | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| Johan Camargo | ATL | 3B | E | No | 0 | 5 |
| Maikel Franco | PHI | 3B | E | No | 0 | 5 |
| Seth Mejias-Brean | SD | 3B | E | No | 0 | 5 |
| Austin Riley | ATL | 3B | D | 11 | 22 | 33 |
| Gavin Lux | LAD | SS | B | 15 | 25 | 35 |
| Edmundo Sosa | STL | SS | E | No | No | 4 |
| Cole Tucker | PIT | SS | E | No | No | 4 |
| Randy Arozarena | STL | OF | E | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| Jaylin Davis | SF | OF | D | 1 | 4 | 7 |
| Adam Duvall | ATL | OF | E | No | No | 5 |
| Ben Gamel | MIL | OF | E | No | No | 5 |
| Tyrone Taylor | MIL | OF | E | No | No | 5 |
| Travis Jankowski | SD | OF | E | No | 1 | 7 |
| Gerardo Parra | WAS | OF | D | 1 | 5 | 9 |
| Nick Markakis | ATL | OF | C | 8 | 18 | 28 |
| Brandon Nimmo | NYM | OF | D | 11 | 22 | 33 |
STARTING PITCHER
Ronald Bolanos, Padres: Bolanos was promoted from Double-A Amarillo to start Tuesday. Signed to a $2 million bonus in 2016 after defecting from Cuba, he posted a 3.66 ERA and a 26.1 percent strikeout rate between Amarillo and High-A Lake Elsinore. Bolanos uses a mid-90s fastball and slider on his way to K'ing 88 hitters in 76.2 innings with Amarillo. He allowed two earned runs on five hits and two walks with four strikeouts over six innings, likely earning another start. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Injury activations/updates
Johnny Cueto, Giants: Cueto is working his way back from August 2018 Tommy John surgery. Prior to undergoing the knife last year, he had posted a 3.23 ERA in 51 innings but his fastball had dropped two MPH and his K rate had also declined, resulting in a 4.65 FIP. Cueto started his rehab appearances with the Giants' rookie-level Arizona League affiliate before progressing to High-A San Jose and then to Triple-A Sacramento for a pair of rehab starts, the final one was to be this past Saturday. He felt soreness in his upper back during his final rehab start and in a Tuesday bullpen session, pushing back his return date. Cueto threw bullpen session Saturday and could start for the Giants as early as Tuesday. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (same spec return bid)
Rich Hill, Dodgers: Hill, sidelined since Jun. 20 with a strained flexor tendon, tossed a 30-pitch, two-inning simulated game Friday. He progressed to that state following a 30-pitch bullpen session last week that included about 10 curveballs and a side session this past Monday. Hill will return from the 60-day injured list to start Thursday in Baltimore, but likely will be limited to about 45 pitches. He will likely vie with Julio Urias for the final spot in Los Angeles' four-man postseason rotation. If all goes well, Hill could give those teams that have playoffs and in contention in standard roto leagues a boost, making up to four starts down the stretch. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (upped return bid)
Tyler Mahle, Reds: Mahle, who landed on the IL on Jul. 22 due to a strained left hamstring, was optioned down to the minors following a short rehab stint in August. Prior to being injured, he posted a 4.93 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with a 106:26 K:BB over 102.1 innings this season in the big leagues. Mahle entered the rotation as a temporary sixth starter, pitching in this past Sunday's doubleheader and allowing two runs - with one of those earned - on two hits with five strikeouts over 6.1 innings in a no-decision against the Cardinals. He started Friday and replaced Alex Wood - who was sidelined with a back injury - giving up five runs on six hits and two walks with three strikeouts in 4.1 innings. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
Luke Weaver, Diamondbacks: Weaver, removed from his May 26 start with a mild flexor pronator strain and a minor UCL sprain, opted for a conservative treatment rather than undergoing surgery. He started a throwing program in mid-July and completed a 21-pitch simulated game without issues Monday, progressing from a handful of bullpen sessions. Weaver threw 30 pitches over two innings in another simulated game Friday and will make at least one more appearance - either in simulation or the minors - before coming off the injured list, likely as a reliever or as an opener/piggyback starter. Prior to being hurt, Weaver - who came over to Arizona in the Paul Goldschmidt trade - posted a 3.03 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 68:14 K:BB across 62.1 innings. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (slightly upped speculative stash bid, likely still owned in keeper leagues)
RELIEF PITCHER
David Bednar, Padres: Bednar is another upside arm out of the Padres' bullpen. Taken with the 1,004th pick in the 35th round of the 2016 draft, he rose steadily through the San Diego system to make his major-league debut this week. As we noted in our update after his promotion, Bednar earned his way to the big leagues by logging a 2.95 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 13.3 K/9 with 14 saves in 15 chances in 58 innings with Double-A Amarillo this season. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4
Junior Fernandez, Cardinals: Fernandez has risen from High-A Palm Beach to the majors this year. In the minors, he posted a combined 1.52 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 80 strikeouts covering 65 innings to earn a promotion earlier in the season. In his first major-league, Fernandez struck out seven while allowing two runs on four hits and three walks across five innings. He is being used again out of the bullpen and his elite stuff makes him worth a look. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
Shane Greene, Braves: Greene got off to a horrific start in Atlanta after coming over from the Tigers at the trade deadline, resulting in him losing the closer role to Mark Melancon. But he has righted the ship of late, reeling off 13 straight scoreless appearances with a 14:2 K:BB over that stretch and included a save on Friday - of course, after I wrote this, Greene allowed two runs in the eight inning Saturday. Whether he's set to reclaim the ninth-inning role he was originally set for when he joined the club or if he will remain Melancon's understudy isn't yet clear. At worse, Greene should pitch in high-leverage spots, as he did Saturday when he set up Melancon. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11
Rowan Wick, Cubs: Wick is once again in the save mix after Craig Kimbrel was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday with right elbow inflammation. Manager Joe Maddon will mix-and-match in the ninth inning, but Wick and has pair of games this season should be the favorite to close. Steve Cishek, Pedro Strop and Brandon Kintzler could get a look from the right side while Kyle Ryan, Brad Wieck or Derek Holland may get the opportunity when the matchups call for a lefty. Kimbrel might be back Sep. 12, when he is first eligible to return. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14
CATCHER
Aramis Garcia, Giants: Garcia was promoted for the fourth time this season. He was productive in the minors, blasting 16 home runs while driving in 55 runs in 89 games at Triple-A Sacramento. Garcia has seen most of his action at catcher, but will play the majority of his time at first base for the Giants in September. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5
Austin Barnes/Deivy Grullon/Tyler Heineman/Andrew Knizner: This week's call-ups to fill a third catcher role were in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Miami and St. Louis. Barnes opened the season as LA's starting catcher but lost his job to Will Smith. He will back up Smith and Russell Martin. Grullon had his second straight solid campaign in the minors, hitting .283/.354/.496 with 21 homers, 24 doubles and 77 RBI in 108 games. His defense sits well behind his offense, but he might have a chance to backup J.T. Realmuto next season. In September, he will serve as the third catcher behind Realmuto and Andrew Knapp. Heineman posted a .341/.397/.622 slash line with 10 home runs and 25 RBI over 48 games with Triple-A New Orleans after 25 games for Triple-A Reno, earning him a call to the show. Drafted in the eighth round in 2012 by Houston, he could see a handful of at-bats down the stretch for Miami backing up Jorge Alfaro. Knizner slashed .276/.357/.463 with 12 long balls in 66 games at Triple-A Memphis but was unable to carry over that success to the majors earlier this season. He will back up Yadier Molina and Matt Wieters in September and projects to be the Cardinals' catcher of the future. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4
FIRST BASE
Kevin Cron, Diamondbacks: Cron launched 38 homers and drove in 105 runs while slashing .331/.449/.777 for Triple-A Reno, earning a September promotion. In 64 plate appearances during several stints earlier this season, he posted a .207/.266/.534 line with five home runs and 15 RBI in 64 plate appearances with the major-league club. Cron will be limited to pinch-hit duty along with the occasional start at first base. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4
Injury activations/updates
Jose Martinez, Cardinals: Martinez, out since Aug. 12 with an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, was activated from his rehab assignment Sunday. He showed he was ready to return, playing the field the final two games of that rehab assignment. Martinez, who looked good in 2017 and 2018 - even with a decline in production against southpaws last season - struggled mightily before hitting the IL, posting a meager .628 OPS in 25 games from the All-Star break. With the rosters expanding, Martinez's playing time could be minimal after he is activated, though he will see some starts in right field and possibly first base. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7
SECOND BASE
Asdrubal Cabrera, Nationals: Cabrera has carved out a significant chunk of playing time at second base, taking at-bats away from Brian Dozier. Since coming to the Nats, Cabrera has slashed .324/.405/.559 with three home runs and 23 runs driven in over 79 plate appearances. He also needs four games at the keystone spot to retain his eligibility there for 2020, adding to his keeper league value. One caveat to keep in mind is that Cabrera seems to be sitting versus southpaws, so he is occupying the strong side of a second-base platoon but not starting daily. 12-team Mixed: $25; 15-team Mixed: $35; 12-team NL: Owned
David Bote/Wilmer Difo/Kevin Kramer/Domingo Leyba/Jose Pirela: This week's call-ups to fill a middle infield spot were in Chicago, Washington, Pittsburgh, Arizona and Philadelphia. Bote, who slashed .262/.359/.435 with 10 home runs and four stolen bases in 108 games with the Cubs earlier this season, was promoted this week with Craig Kimbrel landing on the injured list. He provides Chicago another middle infield and third-base option. Difo, hitting .300/.369/.438 with four homers, 30 RBI and 13 stolen bases over 61 games at Triple-A Fresno, was promoted Tuesday. He should occupy a utility role with Washington, seeing time at second, short and third after playing 49 games earlier in the season in the bigs. Kramer was promoted for the third time this season Wednesday. He posted a mediocre .260/.335/.417 slash line with 10 home runs and 54 RBI for Triple-A Indianapolis this season after hitting .311/.365/.492 at the same level last season. Kramer will play occasionally at second base and possibly the outfield. Leyba hit .300/.351/.519 with 19 home runs while striking out just 15.7 percent of the time in 498 plate appearances at Triple-A. Long term, he could be Arizona's starting second baseman. For now, he will fill a utility role in the Desert. Pirela was traded from the Padres to the Phillies at the end of July, and was promoted back to the majors Tuesday. He started 72 games in the minors in right field, but he's also seen time in left, center and second base and should fill a utility role for the Phillies. All - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No, 12-team NL: $3
Corban Joseph, Giants: The Giants claimed Joseph on Tuesday after he was designated for assignment by the Athletics on Sunday. Manager Bruce Bochy will use him at third base when Evan Longoria needs a day off and started him at second base Wednesday. Mauricio Dubon will see most of the action at the keystone, but Joseph could also carve out semi-regular playing time. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5
Injury activations/updates
Robinson Cano, Mets: Cano suffered a torn left hamstring at the beginning of August that was expected to sideline him the balance of the season. He progressed enough in his rehab to take live batting practice and then had a two-game rehab stint with short-season Brooklyn. Cano was activated Tuesday, and could play daily despite the Mets adding Joe Panik off waivers. Despite missing time with the injury, he has been red-hot since the All-Star break by going 27-for-86 - including a 3-for-3 performance with a home run Wednesday. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (slightly upped return bid, up more if think he has anything left in the tank)
Jed Lowrie, Mets: Lowrie may need to reintroduce himself to his teammates now that he was finally activated, as he has missed the entire season with a variety of leg injuries. He finally got on the road to return, kicking off a rehab assignment for High-A St. Lucie two weeks ago and then playing for Brooklyn in the New York-Penn League playoffs before getting activated Saturday. The Mets could use another bat off the bench and middle infield option, which Lowrie - who started playing the field on Aug. 24 - should provide. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same spec return bid)
THIRD BASE
Johan Camargo, Braves: Camargo, brilliant last year at third base for the Braves, lost his starting role to Josh Donaldson and struggled in semi-consistent playing time this season. He disappointed coming out of the All-Star break with a .191/.267/.294 slash line in 23 games before being demoted in mid-August. Camargo found his stroke at Triple-A Gwinnett and rejoined the Braves for September, serving in a utility role. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0, 12-team NL: $5
Maikel Franco, Phillies: Franco, previously the starter at the hot corner for the Phillies, was called back up to the majors this week. Scott Kingery is entrenched at third base for Philadelphia, meaning that Franco should serve as a bench piece and earn the occasional start down the stretch. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0, 12-team NL: $5
Seth Mejias-Brean, Padres: Mejias-Brean finally made the show after his eight-round selection in 2012 by Cincinnati. The career minor-leaguer slashed .316/.371/.455 with 11 homers, 66 RBI and four stolen bases over 117 matchups for Triple-A El Paso to earn the call up. Mejias-Brean could see the occasional start at shortstop or third base these last couple weeks. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0, 12-team NL: $5
Injury activations/updates
Austin Riley, Braves: Riley, originally thought to be out for the season with a partially torn LCL, began a rehab assignment with Low-A Rome on Aug. 23. After three games at that level, he advanced his rehab to Triple-A Gwinnett the following Monday and was activated this past Friday. Following a blazing hot first 30 or so games, the league caught up to Riley and exposed his contact issues, resulting in a massive slump. Prior to being sidelined, he was slashing .242/.294/.504 with 45 RBI and 38 runs scored in 255 plate appearances. Riley should see plenty of playing time in the outfield the final three weeks of the season. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33 (same aggressive bid, up substantially if you think he plays like he did when first promoted)
SHORTSTOP
Gavin Lux, Dodgers – Lux, profiled a few weeks ago, gets another mention as he was promoted to the majors on Sunday. Drafted in the first round in 2016, he took a major step forward last season by finishing the season at Double-A Tulsa. Lux started this year at that level but was promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City after slashing an impressive .313/.375/.521 with 13 home runs and seven stolen bases in 64 games for the Drillers. He has continued to rake since moving up a level, posting a .392/.478/.719 slash line with 13 home runs and 39 RBI in 49 games with Oklahoma City. Lux projects to be the Dodgers' starting second baseman of the future after being drafted as a shortstop and will start almost every game at second base against right-handers this month. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: $35
Edmundo Sosa, Cardinals: Sosa slashed .291/.335/.466 with 40 extra-base hits - consisting of 18 doubles, five triples and 17 home runs - and 62 RBI across 496 plate appearances at Triple-A Memphis to earn a September call up. He will back up Paul DeJong at shortstop. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4
Cole Tucker, Pirates: Tucker was called back up to the majors Tuesday. After getting promoted in late April, he only managed a .195/.254/.319 line in 123 plate appearances, earning a trip back to the minors. Kevin Newman is entrenched at shortstop, meaning Tucker will be limited to occasional action. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4
OUTFIELD
Randy Arozarena, Cardinals: Arozarena, who had a cup of coffee in August with the Cardinals, was promoted again Tuesday. He earned the promotion by posting a stellar slash line of .358/.435/.593 with 12 homers, 38 RBI and nine stolen bases over 64 games at Triple-A Memphis after being promoted from Double-A Springfield earlier in the year. Arozarena doesn't possess major power, but his solid plate discipline and stolen base potential makes him worth a look for the future. With the Cardinals stocked with players, he will likely be limited to bench duty and the occasional start. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (up if think he see consistent playing time in right field)
Jaylin Davis, Giants: Davis was promoted from Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday. Traded to San Francisco from Minnesota at the deadline along with right-handed pitchers Prelander Berroa and Kai-Wei Teng for Sam Dyson, he posted monster numbers between Double and Triple-A and slashed .306/.397/.590 with 35 home runs for three different minor-league clubs to earn the promotion. As we noted in our update after his promotion, Davis hits right-handed but fares far better versus righties than he does with lefties, so don't be surprised if he plays more frequently against same-side pitchers than the opposite-arm variety. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7
Adam Duvall/Ben Gamel/Tyrone Taylor: This week's call-ups to fill a fifth outfielder role were in Atlanta and Milwaukee (2x). Duvall, who slashed .241/.289/.494 with six home runs in 26 big-league games for Atlanta from late July to late August before being sent to the minors, was called back up to the majors this week and provides the Braves with outfield depth. Gamel, in Milwaukee for most of the season, was demoted to the minors on Aug. 24 but recalled a week later after four games at Triple-A San Antonio. He has resumed his role as the Brewers' fifth outfielder and seeing sporadic playing time, but mainly starting as the DH when Milwaukee plays in AL parks. Taylor was called up with Ryan Braun (back) and Lorenzo Cain (knee) both hurting to bolster the team's outfield depth. He likely won't see much action in his first big-league stint. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5
Travis Jankowski, Padres: Jankowski missed the first four-plus months of the season with a fractured wrist before returning to action for the Padres. He lasted less than a week before he was sent back down to the minors. Jankowski produced a .259/.332/.346 slash line with 24 games in 117 games with San Diego last season. He will serve as an extra outfielder and pinch-runner for the Friars, providing stolen base potential. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7
Gerardo Parra, Nationals: Adam Eaton's right knee injury created a hole in the Nationals' outfield that for the most part is being filled by Parra. Victor Robles and Juan Soto are locked in at center and left field. While Eaton was sidelined, Parra started most games in right field, ceding some starts against lefties to a combination of Howie Kendrick, Michael Taylor and Andrew Stevenson. Eaton is back now but it's possible the injury flares up forcing him to the sideline, opening the door for Parra to see more at-bats. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5, 12-team NL: $9 (if he continues to gain at-bats)
Injury activations/updates
Nick Markakis, Braves: Markakis, sidelined with a fractured wrist after getting hit by a fastball Jul. 26, will hit in a simulated game next week. He has progressed ahead of schedule, as has already thrown as well. The hope is that the Braves' starting right fielder will be back by mid-September - as early as next weekend - if he continues to progress at his current pace. Prior to being plunked, Markakis had played in 104 games and hit .284/.358/.429 with 22 doubles, nine homers and 55 runs batted in. While he was sidelined, Atlanta has relied on a combination of Matt Joyce and Rafael Ortega while Ender Inciarte and Austin Riley were also out, although Riley has not returned. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: $28 (aggressive upped spec return bid, to be upped further as he gets closer to returning)
Brandon Nimmo, Mets: Nimmo, sidelined since May 21 with a bulging disk in his neck suffered when he crashed into the wall trying to make a catch Apr. 14 against the Braves, was shut down from all baseball activities for a month on Jun. 18. He resumed regular baseball activities a few weeks ago and began a rehab assignment two weeks ago as the DH for High-A St. Lucie. After two games at that level, Nimmo moved his rehab to Triple-A Syracuse last Tuesday and was activated Sunday after progressing to playing full games in the outfield. Since returning to action, he has played nearly every day in center field and looked more like the player who enjoyed a breakthrough last year and got off to a hot start before getting injured. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $33 (upped bid)
