NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

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.

STARTING PITCHER

Steven Brault/Nick Kingham, Pirates: Brault and Kingham will move into the Pirates' rotation with Jameson Taillon (elbow) placed on the injured list Saturday and Chris Archer (thumb) already on the IL. Both Brault and Kingham pitched out of the bullpen, so neither is stretched out to go deep. In terms of pedigree, Kingham is much more thought of than Brault, though neither pitched particularly well last season. Taillon will miss at least a month while Archer should be back this week. If betting on one to stick in the rotation, take a flier on Kingham. Brault - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3; Kingham - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Taylor Clarke, Diamondbacks: Clarke was promoted to start Sunday. His mediocre 4.40 career ERA in 38 starts for Triple-A Reno doesn't exactly make a great case for him claiming the role outright, but he could potentially be given the chance to do so with Zack Godley banished to the bullpen. Jon Duplantier likely will get the role when he is stretched out, but Clarke could see a handful of starts before then. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Jon Duplantier, Diamondbacks: Duplantier might end up replacing Zack Godley in the Arizona rotation. Godley is moving to the bullpen, creating an open spot. Duplantier pitched four scoreless innings last Sunday and then was sent to Triple-A Reno to get stretched out as a starter. Duplantier, a 2016 third-round pick, is one of the more skilled pitchers in the minors, when healthy. His slider, fastball and command all are above average at a minimum. After spending most of the 2018 season with Double-A Jackson, compiling a 2.69 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 68:28 K:BB in 67 innings (14 starts), Duplantier won't be promoted immediately, but he could fill Godley's role by the end of the month. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (spec bid, up when promoted)

Cal Quantrill, Padres: Quantrill, another in a long line of Padres' pitching prospects, got the call to the show starting Wednesday against the Braves. He surrendered two runs on six hits and a walk with three strikeouts in 5.2 innings. This may have been just a one-off start, as the addition of Quantrill temporarily gave the Padres a six-man rotation, allowing an added day off between starts for Chris Paddack and Matt Strahm, who are both facing undisclosed innings limits this season. But Quantrill will make at least one more start. Since surrendering eight runs in his season debut for Triple-A El Paso, Quantrill posted a 2.86 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 22:8 K:BB in 22 innings in his subsequent four starts. He posted a 5.15 ERA with 101 strikeouts in 117 innings with Double-A San Antonio last season before making six starts at El Paso to close the season, his first full year after Tommy John surgery in 2015. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (up in keeper leagues) 

Injury activations/updates

Carlos Martinez, Cardinals: Martinez, profiled last week and sidelined with a shoulder injury, gets another mention, as he began a rehab assignment as a reliever with Low-A Peoria on Sunday. That's the role Martinez will fill when he's activated from the injured list. Martinez bounced between the starting rotation and the bullpen during the 2018 campaign, posting a 3.11 ERA with 117 strikeouts in 118.2 frames. If he can build up the strength in his shoulder, Martinez could possibly make a handful of starts in the second of the season. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same as prior)

Jimmy Nelson, Brewers: Nelson, who missed all 2018 recovering from shoulder surgery due to an injury suffered while running the bases late in 2017, is finally beginning a rehab assignment. He threw several simulated games and will start for Triple-A San Antonio on Sunday. Nelson was originally scheduled to begin his rehab assignment at San Antonio last weekend, but the premature birth of his twin daughters brought about a change of plan. When healthy in 2017, Nelson posted a 12-6 record with a 3.49 ERA, 10.2 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 in 175.1 innings. He likely will need several rehab starts, possibly returning by the third week of May, and his velocity may take a bit of time to get back to his pre-injury mark of 94.6 mph, but he is worth the risk due to pedigree. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9  (early spec return bid)

Freddy Peralta, Brewers: Peralta, who missed two-and-a-half weeks with a shoulder injury, was activated off the injured list to start Thursday against the Rockies. Prior to being sidelined, Peralta had mixed results in his four starts, struggling in three. The good news is Peralta's fastball velocity is up from 90.8 mph last season to 92 mph this year. If he can maintain that uptick along with the deception in his delivery, Peralta might be in line to build on the success he had after his promotion last season. However, he was rocked by Colorado, allowing six runs on eight hits and three walks in four innings, which might cost him his rotation spot. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

RELIEF PITCHER

Luke Jackson, Braves: Jackson, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he notched the save in relief of an ineffective A.J. Minter last Sunday. That effort was his 12th consecutive scoreless appearance during which he has posted a 15:4 K:BB in 13 innings with a pair of holds. With Minter, who did throw a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday, still struggling, look for manager Brian Snitker to use Jackson in high-leverage situations, including some save opportunities. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

CATCHER

Tomas Nido/Stephen Vogt: The names in bold were the backup catchers added in New York and San Francisco. Nido was promoted last Sunday with Travis d'Arnaud designated for assignment. Known for his defense, Nido will see the occasional start behind Wilson Ramos. Vogt is now the second catcher in San Francisco, behind Buster Posey with Erik Kratz placed on 10-day injured list Friday (retro to May 1) with a left hamstring strain. He will see occasional action behind the plate. Both - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Injury activations/updates

Alex Avila, Diamondbacks: Avila, out since April 6 with a strained left quadriceps, said he's shooting to return by early to mid-May. When Avila is activated, look for him to resume his role as part of a timeshare behind the plate with Carson Kelly and possibly John Ryan Murphy. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Chris Iannetta, Rockies: Iannetta, sidelined three weeks with a lat injury, was activated from the injured list Friday. He started seven of 16 games prior to going on the injured list and should be in line for a similar split with Tony Wolters now that he's back. Look for a low batting average and decent power from Iannetta, especially playing half his home games in Coors Field. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

FIRST BASE

Matt Beaty, Dodgers: Beaty, in his fifth year with the Dodgers, was called up Tuesday to take the roster spot of the injured A.J. Pollock (elbow). He had gotten off to a solid start at Triple-A this season, batting .277 with two homers and 10 RBI over 22 games. Beaty, who doesn't hit for much power, could see a handful of games at first base, giving Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger the occasional day off when David Freese isn't in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 

Peter O'Brien, Marlins: Garrett Cooper, out since late March with a calf issue, was activated Tuesday and then injured again when he was hit by a pitch, landing him back on the IL. O'Brien who was up a few times earlier in the season, gets another chance to stick with the team and will back up at first and both corner spots. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $5

SECOND BASE

Greg Garcia, Padres: Garcia is in line for a small uptick in playing time with Fernando Tatis Jr. sidelined with an injured hamstring. If Manny Machado remains at third base, then Garcia will play short. But, as we saw Wednesday, there is good chance Machado will move to short with Ty France playing the hot corner. Even when Garcia is in the lineup, don't expect much production. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team NL: No; 12-team NL: $3

Keston Hiura, Brewers: Hiura, the Brewers' top hitting prospect, continues to rake at Triple-A San Antonio. Triple-A pitchers have had little success against Hiura in his first stop at the level, as he owns a robust .309/.346/.680 slash line with eight home runs and 18 runs batted in. Hiura had some struggles making contact early on, striking out 24 times in San Antonio's first 15 games, but he has shown rapid progress in that area, striking out just eight times in his last 12 games. Hiura, drafted in the first round in 2017, has hit at every level up the ladder. He could force Milwaukee's hand, but with Mike Moustakas at second base, unless Travis Shaw is benched and Moose moved to the hot corner, Hiura may need to bide his time in the minors. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team NL: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (early spec bid)

Howie Kendrick, Nationals: Kendrick may be the last man standing in the short term at first base for Washington. Matt Adams jammed his shoulder Saturday and is slated for an MRI while Ryan Zimmerman is already out with plantar fasciitis. Kendrick won't hit for much power but should post a solid slash line thanks his strong batting average and doubles power. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team NL: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Josh VanMeter, Reds: VanMeter, acquired from the Padres by the Reds as part of the Luis Torrens trade, was called up from Triple-A on Sunday. Not originally thought of as a prospect, VanMeter notched 12 home runs between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A last season and carried that forward this season. Through Friday's game, the 24-year-old batted .346/.432/.757 with 13 homers, 31 runs batted in and five stolen bases in his first 29 games. VanMeter has seen the most action at second base but can play all over the infield, which will be his role with the Reds, though it's possible he could take over from the struggling Jose Peraza. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team NL: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Injury activations/updates

Jed Lowrie, Mets: Lowrie, sidelined with a left knee capsule sprain since spring training, began a rehab assignment for High-A St. Lucie last Sunday and reported to Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday. Oft-injured throughout his 11-year playing career, Lowrie played 153 and 157 games the last two seasons. Signed to a two-year deal by the Mets, Lowrie, should be able to join the Mets in mid-May. Once healthy, Lowrie, a switch-hitter who is stronger from the left side, should see most of his playing time at the hot corner with the occasional game at second game. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (same as prior)

Nick Senzel, Reds: Senzel, the Reds' 2016 first-round pick, was called up Friday. He appeared ready for a promotion last season, but vertigo was an issue for the second consecutive season – he missed the final week of 2017 with the condition and it cost him most of May last year. Senzel, drafted as a five-tool third baseman, also missed the final two months of 2018 with a broken right index finger. He sprained his ankle earlier this year and after 35 at-bats at Triple-A Louisville is finally getting his chance. Senzel has played second base, but even with both Jose Iglesias and Jose Peraza struggling offensively, the Reds are sticking with their plan to play Senzel in the outfield. He immediately has taken over as the team's starting center fielder, displaying Scott Schebler, who was hitting .123 with 27 strikeouts in 95 plate appearances. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (upped bid from prior)

THIRD BASE

Ty France, Padres: Padres is in line for a small uptick in playing time with Fernando Tatis Jr. sidelined with a strained left hamstring. Wednesday, Manny Machado moved from third base back to his prior shortstop position with France manning the hot corner. If this arrangement remains in place, France, who batted .423/.500/.885 with seven doubles, nine homers and 28 RBI in 19 games for Triple-A El Paso, will start most games at third base. But San Diego could opt to have Machado stay at third base, which would result in Greg Garcia playing shortstop. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team NL: $1; 12-team NL: $5

SHORTSTOP

Adeiny Hechavarria, Mets: Hechavarria was promoted Friday to give the Mets a true backup shortstop behind Amed Rosario. His main value is in his glove, which should provide Hechavarria occasional playing time. In addition, Hechavarria, who played for Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh last season, could see some at-bats at both second and third base. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Jose Iglesias, Reds: Iglesias was signed to back up Jose Peraza, but with Scooter Gennett injured in spring training and out 8-12 weeks with a strained right groin, Iglesias is starting at shortstop with Peraza moving to second base. Even though Nick Senzel was promoted Friday, Iglesias will still start. Igleisas has been solid at the plate and might provide double-digit steals as a starter, though he has yet to swipe a bag this season. His run as a starter should last until Gennett returns. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Injury activations/updates

Kevin Newman, Pirates: Newman, placed on the 10-day injured list with a laceration on his right middle finger on April 11, was activated from his rehab assignment Saturday. He originally seemed set to break camp as the starter but lost the job to Erik Gonzalez. Newman has hit for average and stolen bases at a decent clip in the minors, but his dearth of power and a lack of high-end speed might always put him at risk of losing playing time. Even though Gonzalez (collarbone) might miss two months, Newman might be relegated to just a utility role if Cole Tucker continues to show he can handle the starting shortstop role. However, Newman started in center field and left field during his rehab, adding to his potential versatility. 12-Team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5

OUTFIELD

Alex Dickerson, Padres: Dickerson, who had back surgery in 2017 and Tommy John surgery in 2018, was called up Friday. He posted a .257/.331/.448 slash line in 95 games for the Padres in 2015 and 2016 and hit .360/.462/.593 in 24 games for Triple-A El Paso prior to his promotion. Dickerson will back up both corner outfield spots and see the occasional start while also serving as a pinch-hitter. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Mike Gerber, Giants: Gerber, a 15th-round pick in 2014 by the Tigers, was claimed by the Giants off waivers this offseason. He hit .095/.170/.119 in his 18-game debut for Detroit last season but batted .357/.402/.655 with six homers in 21 games for Triple-A Sacramento to earn a callup Friday. To make room on the 40-man roster for Gerber, Gerardo Parra was designated for assignment, which also frees up left field for Gerber. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Andrew Stevenson, Nationals: Stevenson was promoted with Juan Soto heading to the injured list with back spasms. He'll likely fill a fourth-outfielder role during his time on the roster, though he could see consistent playing time if Michael Taylor's jammed wrist, which he suffered Saturday night and will require an MRI, sidelines him. In addition, Matt Adams is due for an MRI on his jammed shoulder, which likely will result in Howie Kendrick palying first base as Ryan Zimmerman also is out, potentially opening playing time for Stevenson. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Alex Verdugo, Dodgers: Verdugo, who plays all three outfield positions, should be in line for increased starts with A.J. Pollock (elbow) placed on the injured list Tuesday. Pollock will undergo surgery Thursday to have the growth plate and screws removed from his right elbow and will be sidelined indefinitely. After hitting 10 home runs in 91 games the minors last season, Verdugo has already blasted four taters for Los Angeles. Thanks to his excellent plate discipline and solid batting average, Verdugo, a 2014 second-round pick, should start almost daily in center field for the Dodgers as long as Pollock is out. Verdugo projects as a .300 hitter in the majors with 15-18 HR power down the road. 12-team Mixed: $11; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $35

Injury activations/updates

Lonnie Chisenhall, Pirates: Chisenhall, who missed most of 2018 with a lingering calf issue, signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal with Pittsburgh in November. At that time, he was expected to see a healthy amount of action due to Gregory Polanco's September shoulder surgery. A broken right index finger suffered late in the spring was to sideline Chisenhall 4-6 weeks. He kicked off a rehab stint at Triple-A Indianapolis but was then sidelined with calf tightness. Chisenhall was cleared Wednesday to resume light baseball activities, though it's unclear when he will return to game action. He will play first and third base in addition to his normal duties in the corner outfield. With Polanco and Starling Marte (abdomen) active, even though Chisenhall might end up beating Corey Dickerson (shoulder) to the majors, his playing time could be minimum.  12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5