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.

POST TRADE DEADLINE EDITION

STARTING PITCHER

Brett Anderson, Brewers: Anderson has posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.30 WHIP on the season while only giving up two runs across 11 innings following the All-Star break. He relies on a 58.7 percent groundball ratio to retire hitters, striking out just 38 hitters in 63 innings. In 15 starts, Anderson has only gone more than five innings twice, so don't expect much depth in his outings. But his recent few appearances bump up his value, as does his pitching for a solid Milwaukee team. 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14

Steven Brault, Pirates: Brault, sidelined since late in spring training with a left lat strain, made his third start for Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday allowing one run on four hits in four innings. He's not fully stretched out and may require one or two more rehab outings before the Pirates bring him back from the 60-day injured list. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same spec return bid) 

Wil Crowe, Pirates: Crowe has pitched well since the All-Star break with a 3.24 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 16.2 innings over three innings. He hasn't allowed fewer than two earned runs in any of his outings since Apr. 25, but has been better lately. Crowe looks like a streaming option who deserves a shot while hot but added back to the waiver wire at the first side of trouble. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Danny Duffy, Dodgers: Duffy, a California native, was traded from the Royals to the Dodgers on Thursday. He sustained a flexor strain in his left forearm Jul. 20 and isn't expected to play before September. Duffy posted a 2.51 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 61 innings across 13 appearances (12 starts) to begin the season. He'll likely take on a rotation spot once healthy, but could also fill a high-leverage, multi-inning role out of the bullpen. 12-team Mixed: No value change, 15-team Mixed: No value change; 12-team NL: $25 (based on him starting in September) 

Paolo Espino, Nationals: With Stephen Strasburg out for the season and Max Scherzer now in LA, Espino should remain in the starting rotation the remainder of the season. He's produced a 2.35 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 15.1 innings from his last three outings to solidify that spot. At 34, Espino doesn't look to have much long-term upside, but has pitched well enough to warrant a look-see in almost all formats. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Kyle Gibson, Phillies: Philly bolstered their pitching staff with the additions of Gibson and Ian Kennedy from Texas at the deadline. Gibson, in the second of a three-year deal he signed with the Rangers in Nov. 2019, is in the midst of a career year with a 2.87 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 94 strikeouts in 113 innings (19 starts). It's possible he slots right into the Phillies' rotation this weekend in Pittsburgh, perhaps in place of Spencer Howard, who went to Texas in the trade. 12-team Mixed: Rostered, 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: $65 

Josiah Gray, Nationals: Gray, LA's top pitching prospect, was traded from the Dodgers to the Nationals on Thursday along with Keibert Ruiz, Gerardo Carrillo and Donovan Casey in exchange for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner. He compiled a 2.87 ERA, 0.66 WHIP and 22:2 K:BB in 15.2 innings at Triple-A Oklahoma City before making a pair of major-league appearances. Gray - who boasts a trio of above-average to plus offerings (fastball, slider, changeup) and athleticism allowing him to command his pitches quite well – should remain in the Nationals rotation, which is now missing both Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg (neck). 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $22 (upped bid from prior) 

J.A. Happ, Cardinals: St. Louis added Happ and Jon Lester at the deadline. Acquired for John Gant, Happ has been brutal of late allowing 20 earned runs on 28 hits and six walks the last 16 innings. He's posted a 6.77 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 77 strikeouts in 98.1 innings this season, so he's hardly a prized commodity. However, Happ will provide some rotation depth for the Cardinals down the stretch and might benefit from a switch to the NL. 12-team Mixed: No value change, 15-team Mixed: No value change; 12-team NL: $6

Mitch Keller, Pirates: Keller, in the minors since mid-June, was recalled Friday. He last pitched for Indianapolis on Jul. 24 and finished the stint at Triple-A with a 3.21 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 39:13 K:BB over 28 innings. Keller's season ERA in the majors sits at 7.04 with a similarly uninspiring 1.80 WHIP, mirroring his 2019 struggles that bookend a solid short stint in 2002. He still profiles as a possible mid-rotation starter and will slot right back into the Bucs rotation starting Sunday. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Jesus Luzardo, Marlins: Luzardo was acquired from Oakland in exchange for Starling Marte on Wednesday and deepens a very young, possible future Miami rotation. A change of scenery could benefit Luzardo, as he struggled to a 6.87 ERA and 1.63 WHIP across 38 innings while with the A's this season as well as at Triple-A with a 6.52 ERA from eight starts with Las Vegas. The lefty throws 95-96 mph with his four-seamer and sinker, with both his changeup and curveball generating swings and misses. Luzardo, selected in the third round of 2016 by Washington, pitched both out of the bullpen and as a starter with his old club. Though given the lack of depth due to injuries currently in the Marlins' rotation, he figures to get a chance for significant work at some point prior to the close of the campaign. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

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 threw three perfect innings working up to 29 pitches and then got in approximately 15 more throws on the bullpen mound. Mikolas fired four scoreless innings for Memphis on Thursday allowing three hits and a walk while recording two strikeouts on 58 pitches. He ended 2019 with a sore flexor tendon which lingered into 2020 and resulted in a late start to this season. Mikolas may be ready to return to the Cardinals after one to two more starts. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid)

Huascar Ynoa, Braves: Ynoa, who fractured his hand on May 17, will begin a rehab assignment Sunday with a to-be-determined minor-league affiliate. He was scheduled to begin this Tuesday, but instead threw a simulated game since the contest was postponed. Given the length of Ynoa's 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, he 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 (same spec return bid) 

RELIEF PITCHER

Anthony Bass/Anthony Bender/Dylan Floro, Marlins: Miami dealt Yimi Garcia to the Astros this week, thereby creating a hole at closer. Any of the three players in bold could get a chance at earning saves. To me, Bender has the best stuff of the three while Bass has closed in the past and Floro might have been the most consistent of the three this season. If targeting one, go with Bender, but be aware he's been just as an opener as well as in middle relief so his role is clearly fluid. Bass - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7; Bender - 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14: Floro - 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

David Bednar, Pirates: Bednar, profiled last week with the looming trade deadline, gets another mention as Richard Rodriguez was moved to Atlanta. Bednar looks to be the next to close for the Bucs, especially with Kyle Crick released. Bednar posted a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 50:15 K:BB along with nine holds in 40 innings in his first season in Pittsburgh after coming over from San Diego. 12-team Mixed: $9, 15-team Mixed: $18; 12-team NL: $28 

Rex Brothers/Codi Heuer/Rowan Wick/Dan Winkler, Cubs: Chicago traded Craig Kimbrel to their cross-rival White Sox on Friday. The Cubs no longer have a true closer. Right now, your guess may be as good as mine as to who finishes games in the Friendly Confines. Brothers has hit a rough patch recently while Winkler was solid early on but has struggled of late. Heuer has closer-like stuff, but hasn't been able to transfer that into production this season. If looking for a favorite, Wick - solid out of the pen in 2019 and 2020 and currently rehabbing in Triple-A - might get a chance at running with the role when activated. Brothers - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Heuer - 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11: Wick - 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14; Winkler - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $7 

Stefan Crichton/Tyler Clippard/Noe Ramirez Diamondbacks: Soria, the erstwhile D-Backs closer, was traded to the Blue Jays at the deadline to create a hole again in the back end of the Arizona bullpen. Crichton, who spent part of the year as the Arizona closer, was cast off the 40-man roster in late June but rejoined the D-Backs' bullpen Friday as the team deals with a COVID-19 outbreak. The right-hander posted a 6.75 ERA in 5.1 innings across five relief appearances in the minors and could contend for a high-leverage role after the Soria deal. Clippard, profiled last week after he returned from a capsule sprain in his right shoulder suffered midway through spring training, is likely first in line to fill that role. Since returning, he's tossed three scoreless innings, including a save Wednesday and a pair of holds. Next in line may be Ramirez, who has seven holds in his 10 July appearances. His stuff doesn't scream closer, but he's been the most effective Arizona reliever this season and that could give him the edge over Clippard. But right now, Ramirez is out in COVID-19 protocol. Crichton - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Clippard - 12-team Mixed: $3, 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14; Ramirez - 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 

Kyle Finnegan, Nationals: Finnegan looks to be the main closer in Washington after Brad Hand was traded to the Blue Jays and setup man Daniel Hudson dealt to the Padres. He enjoyed a breakout year in the minors in 2019 that he credited to lowering his arm slot, and finally got his chance at the major-league level in 2020 posting a 25.2 K% leading to a .226 BAA. Finnegan notched his second save Friday and tossed 7.2 scoreless innings in his last seven outings, making him the favorite for save opportunities. 12-team Mixed: $7, 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22

Ian Kennedy, Phillies: Philly deepened their bullpen with the addition of Kennedy, who came over from Texas in a package headed by Spencer Howard going the other way. Signed this spring, Kennedy has excelled this season as a closer logging 16 saves with a 2.51 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. He will step in as Philadelphia's full-time closer over the likes of Ranger Suarez, Jose Alvarado, Archie Bradley and Hector Neris, especially with Suarez shifting to the starting rotation. 12-team Mixed: Rostered, 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: $45

Daniel Norris, Brewers: Norris, acquired by the Brewers from the Tigers, should slot in as one of Josh Hader's setup men. The 28-year-old lefty has struggled to a 5.89 ERA this season, though his underlying numbers suggest he should be more useful than that down the stretch. He's combined an above-average 25.5 percent strikeout rate and 48.5 percent groundball rate with a slightly sub-par 9.6 percent walk rate, leading to a 3.78 FIP and 3.54 xFIP. Norris should rack up holds and Ks for the Brew Crew. 12-team Mixed: No value change, 15-team Mixed: No value change; 12-team NL: $7 

Aaron Sanchez, Giants: Sanchez, who missed nearly three months with biceps tendinitis, was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Thursday. The right-hander is taking on a bullpen role for now since the Giants don't have an open spot in the rotation, though several of those starters have struggled lately and that may allow Sanchez to make a spot start or two. His fantasy value will be limited while he's serving as a middle reliever, but will rise if he starts. Sanchez produced a 3.26 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 25:10 K:BB through 30.1 innings this year. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 

CATCHER

Travis d'Arnaud, Braves: D'Arnaud, out after left thumb surgery in early May, began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday. Atlanta has run through several catchers - including Stephen Vogt lately - and will welcome TdA back when he is ready to return. Given the length of his absence, he'll likely need a fair number of rehab appearances, though Atlanta has yet to announce exactly when that will be. That being said, a mid-August return to the lineup seems within reach for d'Arnaud. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped spec return bid) 

Alex Jackson, Marlins: Jackson, traded from Atlanta to Miami in exchange for Adam Duvall, will join the major-league club once he arrives in Miami. The 25-year-old has appeared in 19 major-league games across the last three seasons and has hit .070 with a double, two runs and 22 strikeouts. With the Marlins looking to the future, Jackson could see decent playing time down the stretch and will at a minimum serve as depth in back of Jorge Alfaro behind the plate. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 

Keibert Ruiz, Nationals: Ruiz was traded from the Dodgers to the Nationals on Thursday along with Josiah Gray, Gerardo Carrillo and Donovan Casey in exchange for Trea Turner and Max Scherzer. Buried behind Will Smith and Diego Cartaya in Los Angeles, Ruiz should have the chance to make an impact with the Nationals before the end of the season and could take over as their primary catcher within the next year or two. Ruiz hit .310/.379/.624 with 16 home runs and 46 RBI across 235 plate appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early spec call up bid) 

FIRST BASE

Brandon Belt, Giants: Belt, on the shelf over a month while recovering from an inflamed right knee, reported to Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday to begin a rehab assignment. He was enjoying a strong season at the plate slashing .253/.363/.512 with 11 home runs and 28 RBI in 55 games before suffering the injury in late June. Belt made a pair of rehab appearances and will need a few more games before being ready to return in about another week. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 (if not rostered)

Lewin Diaz, Marlins: Diaz was recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville Tuesday. The 24-year-old went just 2-for-17 during his previous stints in the big leagues this season and has only slashed .221/.294/.514 - but with 14 home runs - from 201 plate appearances in Triple-A. With Jesus Aguilar entrenched at first base, Diaz is unlikely to see every day at-bats in the immediate future. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5 

Colin Moran, Pirates: Moran, on the injured list since Jul. 1 due to a fractured left wrist, began a rehab assignment Friday. Prior to being sidelined, he has gotten hot at the plate. When activated - which should be sometime this week - Moran should regain his role as the Pirates' first baseman and relegate John Nogowski to spot duty, 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Rowdy Tellez, Brewers: Tellez has been on a tear across the last seven games going .448 with four home runs, two doubles, 10 RBI and eight runs. The move to Milwaukee has been a boon for him, as he's all but taken over as the team's first baseman and has been aided by Daniel Vogelbach's hamstring injury. Eduardo Escobar, acquired from Arizona, will likely start against southpaws with Tellez going against righties. The 26-year-old Tellez now has four long balls and two doubles while batting .357/.440/.660 across 16 games since joining the Brewers. 12-team Mixed: $5, 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: Rostered (presuming he keeps the job)

Daniel Vogelbach, Brewers: Vogelbach, out with a strained left hamstring since late June, began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Nashville on Friday. 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 in early July and Eduardo Escobar from Arizona this past week. But Vogelbach was starting before being sidelined and Tellez has a minor-league option remaining. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5

SECOND BASE 

David Bote, Cubs: Bote, out since dislocating his left shoulder on May 29, blasted a home run in his return to action last Sunday. After starting the year as the Cubs' Opening Day second baseman, he hit .201/.280/.340 with five homers and 23 RBIs in 49 games prior to the injury. With Javier Baez traded to the Mets, Kris Bryant now in San Francisco and Nico Hoerner (oblique) on the injured list, Bote will likely take over as the primary second baseman, Sergio Alcantara should start at shortstop until Hoerner returns, while Matt Duffy covers third base. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Rodolfo Castro, Pirates: Called up in early July from Double-A Altoona, Castro is seeing consistent playing time at the keystone for the Pirates following the trade of Adam Frazier to the Padres. Castro hit 19 homers in 2019 while splitting time between Low-A and High-A and had 11 long balls in 212 plate appearances at Altoona before being promoted. He's managed five home runs in his seven hits, but has struggled to make consistent contact. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $9 

Michael Chavis, Pirates: Chavis, once a highly-touted prospect, was dealt by Boston to Pittsburgh for Austin Davis at the trade deadline. Through his first 168 MLB games, Chavis has struck out in 33.6 percent of his plate appearances while slashing just .234/.291/.413, but did hit 18 home runs in 2019. The move to one of the league's most pitcher-friendly parks in Pittsburgh certainly doesn't help Chavis' outlook, though he's at least now with a rebuilding organization that could give him the opportunity to work through his struggles in a regular role rather than riding the pine or sitting in the minors. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Luis Garcia/Adrian Sanchez, Nationals: Garcia, promoted Wednesday, should serve as the Nationals' starting second baseman following the trades of Josh Harrison and Trea Turner. He produced posted big numbers at Triple-A Rochester and gets a chance to translate that performance to the majors. Sanchez slashed .336/.385/.496 with four homers, 19 runs, 18 RBI and two stolen bases in 36 games at Triple-A Rochester this year. He was promoted following the trades of those two players mentioned above and will serve as a utility infielder for Washington. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Sanchez - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

Tommy La Stella, Giants: La Stella, sidelined since early May due to a hamstring strain, is expected to be activated off the 60-day injured list in the next week or 10 days. He resumed his rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento about 10 days ago after pausing for the second time. La Stella first suffered a small thumb fracture during a rehab stint in late June resulting in a two-week shutdown. Prior to being sidelined, he had struggled to a .235/.297/.353 line with a home run and five RBI over 25 games this season 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) 

THIRD BASE

Drew Ellis, Diamondbacks: Ellis, a second-round pick in 2017, was called up on Friday with Arizona dealing with COVID-19. The 25-year-old doesn't have any noteworthy tool beyond his plus raw power, but he's performed well at the Triple-A level this season going .286/.396/.554 with 13 homers in 65 games for Reno. Ellis primarily played third base with the occasional start at first and second, which is a role he will fill while with the parent club. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5

Rio Ruiz, Rockies: Ruiz, a career .214/.290/.364 hitter through 285 games at the major-league level and was even worse in 32 contests for the Orioles at the start of this season before getting released, was recalled by the Rockies on Tuesday. He replaced Matt Adams on the active roster and should fill a similar role as a spot starter. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5

Travis Shaw, Brewers: Shaw, out since early June with a dislocated shoulder, began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday. 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 current starter Luis Urias, Eduardo Escobar, and Jace Peterson for playing time at the hot corner to likely relegate him to spot duty. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $5 (same spec return bid)

SHORTSTOP

Sergio Alcantara/Andrew Romine, Cubs: Alcantara, sent down the prior week, was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Thursday. The 25-year-old returned to the major-league club after Nico Hoerner (oblique) was placed on the 10-day IL. With Javier Baez traded to the Mets and Kris Bryant now in San Francisco, Alcantara should start at shortstop until Hoerner returns, while David Bote will likely take over as the primary second baseman and Matt Duffy at third. Romine, promoted after all of the Cubs' deals Friday, joined the club after he opted out of his deal with the Twins in late March. He hit .311 with a homer, 26 runs, 11 RBI and two stolen bases in 47 games at Triple-A Iowa and should operate in a utility role. Alcantara - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $6; Romine - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team-NL: $3 

Paul DeJong, Cardinals: DeJong is 14-for-48 with three home runs, seven RBI, two walks and nine runs over his last 14 games (through Saturday's games). That hot stretch, which includes a 0-for-10 his last three games, has upped his average over the Mendoza Line (.201) for the time being. The slugging shortstop's recent surge at the plate was long overdue, considering he was hitting a miserable .157 as recently as of Jun. 24. If DeJong truly has found his stroke, grab him for a middle infield spot considering he showed his first three years he can provide solid power by blasting 74 long balls. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team-NL: Rostered (up if a believer)

Kyle Farmer, Reds: Farmer continues to mash since the All-Star break hitting .446 (25-for-56) in 14 games with three of his 10 homers. His performance has earned him a promotion to the No. 3 spot in Cincinnati's lineup the past three contests. Nick Senzel will cut into his playing time at shortstop when he returns while Mike Moustakas will make the infield more crowded when he finally rejoins the Reds. But Farmer should still start almost daily at several positions due to his hot bat. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16 

Freddy Galvis, Phillies: Who says you can't go home again? Galvis was acquired from Baltimore and is back in Philly. Out with a strained right quad since late-June, he was nearing a rehab assignment prior to the trade. Once fully healthy, Galvis will be an option to spell Didi Gregorius, Jean Segura and Alec Bohm in the infield. He was hitting .249/.306/.414 with nine home runs in 72 games prior to suffering a quadriceps injury. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early spec return bid) 

Hoy Park, Pirates: Park, traded to the Pirates from the Yankees earlier this week in the Clay Holmes deal, was promoted Saturday. He slashed .304/.455/.530 with 10 homers, 45 runs, 29 RBI and eight stolen bases at the Triple-A level this year, aided by a .388 BABIP. Signed in 2014, Park's main value is speed and has a chance to see fairly consistent playing time for the Bucs. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

OUTFIELD 

Harrison Bader, Cardinals: Bader has been red-hot since coming off the injured list at the start of July. During the month, he went 30-for-81 with five home runs, 18 runs driven in, 13 runs scored and three stolen bases while hitting safely in 10 of his last 12 starts. Bader has significantly cut down on his strikeouts, contributing greatly to his hot stretch. He's failed to hit consistently during his major-league career, but maybe it's now clicked. Bader's rostered percentage has steadily increased and is worth a spot in your lineup. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: Rostered

Bryan De La Cruz, Marlins: De La Cruz, acquired from the Astros in the trade that sent Yimi Garcia the other way, was called up by Miami on Friday. He slashed .324/.362/.518 with 12 home runs, 50 RBI, 48 runs and two stolen bases across 66 games at Triple-A Sugar Land prior to the trade. De La Cruz is getting the chance to try to carry that success down the stretch for the Marlins by starting in right field the two contests since being promoted. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Johneshwy Fargas/Brian Miller/Lars Nootbaar/Pablo Reyes: The Cubs, Marlins, Cardinals and Brewers called up fifth outfielders this week. Fargas, claimed off waivers from the Mets last week, was recalled by the Cubs on Friday. The 26-year-old provides outfield depth and appeared in seven games for the Mets this year and went 6-for-21 with four extra-base hits, three RBI and a run. Miller was called up to make his MLB debut Friday and batted eighth while playing left field. He earned a spot on the big-league roster despite his mediocre .253/.313/.329 line though with 22 steals in 68 games for Triple-A Jacksonville this season. Miller could have some fantasy value due to his speed if he winds up starting regularly. Nootbaar was called up by St. Louis on Friday. He appeared in his first 11 MLB games earlier this year, but didn't do much with his 30 plate appearances going .154/.233/.231. Nootbaar will serve in a bench role for now. The Brewers recalled Reyes from Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday as a replacement for Jace Peterson, who was placed on the COVID-19-related list. While up with Milwaukee, Reyes is once again operating as a utility man with most of his starting opportunities likely to come against left-handed pitching. All - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4 

Billy McKinney, Dodgers: McKinney is picking up work in the outfield while Mookie Betts is on the shelf. McKinney, designated for assignment two weeks ago, was traded by the Mets to the Dodgers. He's been in right field almost daily since Betts' hip issue has forced him to the injured list. Betts may be back Sunday, which will relegate McKinney to backup duty, but he looks to be next in line if Betts is sidelined again. But once the recently-added Trea Turner and Gavin Lux are each ready to return, McKinney will have a hard time seeing any playing time. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $6 

Rafael Ortega, Cubs: Ortega, profiled last week, gets another mention this week as Kris Bryant was dealt to the Giants. With Ian Happ slumping, Ortega had seen an uptick in playing time in center field. He should continue to start daily at one of the three outfield spots, as he is 17-for-41 in his last 15 games and has hit safely in 12. With the Cubs in rebuild mode, the 30-year-old Ortega doesn't figure to be a critical piece of the future, so Happ should see many at bats as they can to try and revive his game. But Ortega looks to be team's starting CF, at least against righties. 12-team Mixed: $3: 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (upped bid from prior) 

Eddie Rosario/Jorge Soler, Braves: Rosario, sidelined since early July with an abdominal strain and expected to remain on the IL for a couple more weeks, was sent to Atlanta from Cleveland along with cash considerations in exchange for Pablo Sandoval on Friday. Before being sidelined, Rosario slashed .254/.296/.389 with 46 RBI, 29 runs scored and nine stolen bases across 305 plate appearances. Once healthy, the 29-year-old should take over left field from Abraham Almonte, though he might not start daily given the additions of Soler and Adam Duvall. Soler, profiled in our MLB FAAB Factor column this week, gets another mention as he's now playing in the launching pad known as Truist Park following his acquisition from the Royals. He's demonstrated plenty of power potential in the past, highlighted by 48 homers during 2019. Soler has a .194 batting average, but he's recently rediscovered his power stroke. In his last eight games, the 29-year-old has hit .308 with six homers, a double, eight runs, seven RBIs and six walks. He joins an Atlanta team that has revamped its outfielder by adding Rosario and Duvall and should be in the lineup daily where he could offer plenty of fantasy value the last months of the season. Rosario - 12-team Mixed: Rostered: 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: $45; Soler - 12-team Mixed: Rostered: 15-team Mixed: Rostered; 12-team NL: $75

Nick Senzel, Reds: Senzel, out with a left knee injury since May 17 that required surgery a week and a half later, will soon begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville and will play both center field and shortstop as noted last week. He's 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 Eugenio 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, the position that would probably represent his clearest path to an everyday role once eventually activated. 12-team Mixed: $1: 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (upped early spec return bid)

Lane Thomas, Nationals: Thomas, recalled by St. Louis from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday this week, was traded to the Nationals for Jon Lester. If he had remained a Cardinal, Thomas was expected to serve as a fourth or fifth outfielder behind everyday starters Harrison Bader, Dylan Carlson and Tyler O'Neill. Now dealt to Washington, Thomas could see everyday duty on a rebuilding Nationals team. Over 142 career plate appearances spanning parts of three seasons in the big leagues, he's slashed .172/.289/.336 with five home runs and three stolen bases. 12-team Mixed: $1: 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7