NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Estimate how much of your free-agent budget you should bid on them.

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

The grids, which are sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This serves as a reflection of a player's skills and role on an A-E scale. Carlos Correa 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.

Christian Bergman, Rockies – Bergman started Saturday against the Cubs after beginning the season in relief. He made four starts last year, posting a 6.89 ERA in just 15.2 innings of work. Move along, nothing to see here. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL - $0

Chad Bettis, Rockies – Bettis had his second straight strong start Friday, throwing six shutout innings while allowing only three hits and three walks, striking out four. As long as he is on the road, Bettis makes a nice streaming option. Bettis posted a 3.35 ERA in 53.2 innings on the road last year, but a 4.99 ERA in 61.1 innings at home. Keep that in mind if you pick him up. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL - $5

Zach Davies, Brewers – Davies gets the first chance at filling the fifth spot in the Milwaukee rotation. An extreme groundball pitcher, Davies made six starts in the majors last season and pitched well in his two minor-league outings this year, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out 11 in nine innings at Triple-A Colorado Springs. Matt Garza is out another month with an oblique strain, so Davies has a realistic shot at holding the job. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL - $3

Jared Eickhoff, Phillies – Eickhoff has built off last year's strong finish in his first two starts in 2016. He closed 2015 by going 3-1 with a 0.96 ERA and .170 batting average against in his final four starts in September. This season, Eickhoff has allowed two runs on nine hits and two walks with 12 strikeouts in 12 innings over his two starts. He still struggles against lefties, but has been a bit better this season, which will be the key for him to remain successful. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $12; 12-team NL - $18 (likely owned)

Brandon Finnegan, Reds – Finnegan, who came to the Reds in the Johnny Cueto deal, had a rough spring, posting a 10.29 ERA and 2.07 WHIP, putting his rotation spot at risk. He got that spot mainly because of injuries, but has earned a long leash given how well he has pitched to start the regular season. Finengan has allowed four earned runs (all four allowed Saturday were unearned) on just eight hits and 10 walks while striking out 18 in 17.2 innings. He will need to cut down the walks, a problem area in the past but one he made strides in last season in the majors, to maintain a level of success. In addition, he has benefited from a low BABIP so expect some regression, though his three-pitch arsenal is good enough for him to stick and thrive in the majors. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $8; 12-team NL - $14

Lucas Giolito, Nationals – Tanner Roark earned the fifth rotation spot in Washington, guaranteeing that Giolito would start the year in the minors. Giolito made his first of the season for Double-A Harrisburg on Tuesday, tossing four scoreless innings on one hit, three walks and four strikeouts while making 59 pitches. The Nationals may opt to keep Giolito's pitch count low, so that he can be called up and used this summer. Whether that's as a starter, replacing Roark (likely) or in the bullpen (unlikely) is unknown. Giolito profiles as a future ace, seen in our preseason outlook on him: "His combination of a plus-plus fastball and a borderline 80-grade curveball is something few pitchers on the planet can boast. He also has the potential for a plus changeup in two or three years, with above average command to boot." If available, grab and stash Giolito now, you'll thank us later. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL - $11 (early spec bid)

Drew Pomeranz, Padres – Pomeranz was profiled in the first column of the season after earning a rotation spot this spring. He has pitched well in his two starts, allowing four runs while striking out 15 in 11 innings. If Pomeranz can stay healthy (which historically has been an issue) he should rack up strikeouts, but don't expect many wins in San Diego. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $12; 12-team NL - $17

Jameson Taillon, Pirates – Taillon was to be the next big thing in Pittsburgh, but injuries robbed him of two straight years. His velocity is no longer in the mid-to-upper 90s, topping out around 90-91, but his curveball has become a more effective weapon. Taillon allowed just one earned run with six strikeouts in six scoreless innings in his first start of the year. If he can stay healthy and pitch effectively at Triple-A Indianapolis, Taillon could get a summertime promotion. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL - $7 (early spec bid)

Vince Velasquez, Phillies – Velasquez, like Pomeranz, was profiled in the first column of the season and like Pomeranz, he warrants another mentioned. He parlayed a strong spring, where he had a 24:7 K:BB ratio and 2.25 ERA in 20 IP, into a rotation spot. Velasquez has taken that opportunity and run with it, tossing 15 scoreless innings to start the season including a complete-game win Thursday, in which he became the seventh starter in MLB history to record 16 K and no walks. In my original mention of Velasquez, I said he could finish the season as the second or third starter behind Aaron Nola. Right now, he is pitching like an ace. However, be aware that he will be on an innings- or pitch-limit this year after tossing 88.2 innings last year and never more than 124.2 in a season. 12-team Mixed: $12; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL - $28

Logan Verrett, Mets – Verrett, making what was believed to be just a spot start for Jacob deGrom, threw six shutout innings Wednesday against the Marlins. He allowed just three hits while walking two and striking out six. It now looks like deGrom will land on the disabled list with lat tightness, which means that Verrett, who made four starts for NY last year, should start Tuesday against Philly and possibly remain in the rotation for as long as deGrom is sidelined. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL - $7

Injury activation/updates

Anthony DeSclafani, Reds – DeSclafani, sidelined with an oblique injury, tossed his second bullpen of the week Friday after throwing 45 pitches in his first BP session Wednesday. He should head out on a rehab assignment this week and be back in the majors after making 3-4 starts. Prior to the injury DeSclafani, who had 151 K in 184.2 innings in 2015, was slated to start Opening Day, as he looks to build on his successful first year in Cincinnati. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (likely owned)

Jon Gray, Rockies – Gray, who posted a 5.53 ERA in nine starts for Colorado in 2015 and was sidelined with a strained abdomen, made his second and what should be his final rehab start Friday for High-A Modesto. As noted last week, Gray had an 8.27 ERA and 2.03 WHIP at home (21 innings) and 2.70 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP on the road (20 innings), so use him as a streaming option away from Coors Field. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

John Lamb, Reds – Lamb, who underwent disc surgery in December, threw three innings in extended spring training Monday. He could head out on a minor league rehab assignment shortly. Lamb has a heavy injury history. When healthy, he has shown the ability to dominate in the minors, but struggled in 10 major league starts last season. He did have a 58:19 K:BB in 49.2 innings, showing his upside. Lamb will need a few minor league rehab starts before he is ready, but grab and stash him now. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Jon Moscot, Reds – Moscot, recovering from a strained intercostal muscle, make his second rehab start this week and will be activated to start Sunday. He likely will only be in the majors a short time, as Homer Bailey, Anthony DeSclafani and John Lamb are working their way back from injuries. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0

Relief Pitcher

Daniel Hudson, Diamondbacks – Hudson has moved into the role of primary setup man. Despite the signing of Tyler Clippard, it's been Hudson who has been called upon in the eighth inning in front of Brad Ziegler. After missing two years coming back from two Tommy John surgeries, Hudson had a strong rebound campaign last season, racking up 21 holds and four saves with 71 K in 67.2 innings out of the bullpen. If Ziegler falters, Hudson looks to be next in line. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

David Phelps, Marlins – Phelps, who made 23 appearances including 19 starts for the Marlins last year, has carved out a role as a long reliever for the team this season. Prior to Friday's game, he had thrown seven scoreless innings with a 7:3 K:BB over three appearances to start the year. Despite Friday's rough appearance, Phelps could still be a nice add in deep and NL-only leagues for his strikeout potential. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7

Hunter Strickland, Giants – Strickland gets another mention, as he now is one step closer to gaining the closer role in San Francisco. Sergio Romo landed on the disabled list with a flexor strain, making Strickland the primary setup man to Santiago Casilla. While Casilla has gotten off to a good start, Strickland (who has a high-90s fastball and made strides with his breaking pitch last year) still has a better skill set than him. For now, Strickland will only be a source of holds and strikeouts. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Ryan Vogelsong, Pirates – Vogelsong made a spot start for Francisco Liriano (hamstring), allowing one run on four hits and no walks while striking out five in five innings. He was brought in originally to be the fifth starter, though Vogelsong lost that role to Juan Nicasio and his brilliant spring. If Liriano's hamstring sidelines him any longer or either Jeff Locke or Nicasio flame out before Tyler Glasnow or Jameson Taillon are ready for a promotion, Vogelsong could see more starting opportunities. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

Catcher

Trevor Brown, Giants – Brown has filled in nicely for Buster Posey behind the plate whenever he has gotten the nod. Now that Posey's foot is healed, Brown will go back to the occasional spot start, but he showed enough that he is a decent option in daily fantasy leagues on days he starts. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Dustin Garneau / Tony Wolters, Rockies – Garneau surprisingly lost out to Wolters in his battle to open the year as the Rockies' backup catcher. His stint in the minors was shorter than expected, though, as he was called up Thursday with Charlie Blackmon (toe) landing on the 15-day DL. Garneau and Wolters will split the action behind the dish with Nick Hundley landing on the 7-day DL due to a concussion. Garneau/Wolters - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

First Base

Brandon Moss, Cardinals – Moss has just 26 at-bats on the season, but already has blasted four home runs and driven in 10 runs, including a jack and two RBI on Saturday. Matt Holiday has been seeing lots of action at first base with Jeremy Hazelbaker in left, but Holiday was in left, Moss at first and Hazelbaker on the bench Saturday. Hazelbaker can play center, giving Randall Grichuk a break, which would open more time for Moss. The same could be the case if Hazelbaker slumps, as he has benefited from a high BABIP. 12-team Mixed: $6; 15-team Mixed: $12; 12-team NL: $18

Ben Paulsen, Rockies – Charlie Blackmon (toe) landed on the 15-day DL this week, creating a hole in center field. Geraldo Parra has moved from left to center, which has afforded Paulsen playing time in left. Paulsen was on the shorter end of the action at first base as Mark Reynolds has carved out more time than first thought there, but he now gets the shot in left where he played 19 games last year. Brandon Barnes and Ryan Raburn will also factor in the mix, but Paulsen, who should provide solid averages and runs, could see most of the action there. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Second Base

Kelly Johnson, Braves – Johnson, profiled the first week of the season, gets another mention as he has seen time at first, second and left field already. If Mallex Smith continues to struggle, he could be sent down even when Hector Olivera or Ender Inciarte return, resulting in more playing time for Johnson in left field. Jeff Francoeur and Drew Stubbs are also in the mix. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $3, 12-team NL: $5

Enrique Hernandez / Howie Kendrick, Dodgers – Hernandez is seeing playing time mainly against southpaws, as he did Friday against Madison Bumgarner and the Giants when he blasted two home runs and drove in four, but he could also see more action against righties with Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford out, even though Kendick and Trayce Thompson are also in the mix. He has already played second, third and left, a pattern that should continue for at least the near term. Kendrick played just 117 games last season due to hamstring woes and began this season on the disabled list due to a calf injury. He was activated this week and is seeing time at second (though Chase Utley looks to the primary starter right now) and left field, with Ethier and Crawford out. Kendrick last played 20-plus games in the outfield in 2011, so it's unlikely he will get much time there. Hernandez - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 12-team NL: $11; Kendrick - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9, 12-team NL: $14 (though likely owned)

Jose Peraza, Reds – Peraza opened the season at Triple-A Louisville, but he could be up before too long if Billy Hamilton continues to struggle. Like Hamilton, Peraza brings speed to the lineup, but unlike Hamilton, he has halfway decent batting and on-base averages. A swap isn't imminent, but if Hamilton remains below the Mendoza line and Peraza continues to hit, he could get a shot in center field. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5, 12-team NL: $7 (early spec bid)

Injury activation/update

Javier Baez, Cubs – Baez, profiled last week as he was out with a thumb injury, was activated Friday. He began a rehab assignment last week, in which he was to get 20-25 at-bats, but was promoted a bit earlier than expected. Now that Baez is up, he likely be the Cubs' super-utility player, seeing time at first, second and shortstop in addition to left and center field. Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (same bid as last week)

Shortstop

Orlando Arcia, Brewers – It's not a matter of if but when Arcia will be up in the majors. He tore through Double-A last season, posting a .307/.343/.453 slash line with eight home runs and 25 steals as a 20-year-old. Arcia didn't look out of place in major league camp this spring and was sent down to get Triple-A seasoning. Jonathan Villar, who came over this offseason from Houston, is starting at shortstop following the Jean Segura trade this past January, but Villar is just a place gap. Once Arcia shows he can handle Triple-A pitching, he should be called up. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7, 12-team NL: $9 (stash candidate, up bid in keeper leagues)

Trea Turner, Nationals – Turner is hitting .458/.567/.542 his first seven games at Triple-A Syracuse while Danny Espinosa is batting just .161. A change may not be imminent, but if Espinosa continues to struggle and Turner rakes, that switch could occur before too long. Turner would bring speed along with solid contact and a line-drive swing to an already potent Washington lineup. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $8, 12-team NL: $12 (stash candidate, up bid in keeper leagues)

Injury activation/updates

Jung-Ho Kang, Pirates – Kang was cleared to play in extended spring training games with no restrictions as he continues to recover from his knee injury, suffered Sept. 17 on a slide by Chicago's Chris Coghlan. Prior to that, he hit .287/.355/.461 with 15 homers and 58 RBI in 434 plate appearances in his first year in MLB. Kang could be back by the end of this month or in early May, where he most likely will be the every third baseman though he could also play short. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $15; 12-team NL: $22 (likely owned)

Ruben Tejada, Cardinals – Tejada, recovering from a quadriceps injury, began a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield on Thursday. He could be back as early as Sunday, and when he does return, should become the starter at shortstop, the role he was to have before he was sidelined. Tejada's activation will result in a loss of playing for Jedd Gyorko but it remains to be seen what happens with Aledmys Diaz, who has been excellent since his promotion. Don't expect more than possibly a decent batting average and some counting stats from Tejada. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Third Base

Alexi Amarista, Padres – Amarista failed to earn a spot on the Padres to start the season but was called up a week in due to Yangervis Solarte's hamstring injury. While Solarte has been sidelined, Amarista has played the hot corner daily. Don't expect more than some stolen bases and runs from Amarista, who could be sent back down when Solarte returns, possibly by the end of the month. Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Eric Campbell, Mets – Capmbell was promoted Saturday with Jacob deGrom landing on the bereavement/family emergency list. If deGrom lands on the full DL due to his strained lat, Campbell could stick longer than the 3-7 days he is entitled to now. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0

Outfield

Jeff Francoeur, Braves – Frenchy has seen additional playing time in left field with Hector Olivera placed on administrative leave. Originally, it looked like Francouer would play daily, but he and Kelly Johnson now look to be in a lefty-righty platoon. If that keeps up, Francouer will be on the shorter end of the situation, though Johnson will also see time at other positions, possibly opening the door for Frenchy to see more time. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Nick Markakis, Braves – With Ender Inciarte out, manager Fredi Gonzalez moved Markakis to the leadoff spot Friday. He responded with a hit and a walk and had three hits, including a home run, Saturday. Markakis had a .294 career average and .358 OBA from the leadoff spot coming into the season and posted a .370 OBP last season, so it's likely he remains in the No. 1 spot in the order until Inciarte is back, which should mean more runs scored. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (likely owned)

Peter O'Brien, Diamondbacks – O'Brien is a stash-and-hold candidate. After hitting .284/.332/.551 with 28 home runs and 107 RBI at Triple-A Reno last season, he was one of the last cuts for Arizona this spring. O'Brien came up as a catcher, but he is transitioning to the outfield. Arizona has several left field options even with Socartes Brito playing some center field in place of A.J. Pollock, so O'Brien must bide his time. But if he rakes again in the minors and can be passable defensively, the D-Backs may not hesitate to promote him. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2, 12-team NL: $4

Mallex Smith, Braves – Smith, who came to the Braves in last offseason's Craig Kimbrel deal with the Padres, has one true skill and that's speed. He had 88 steals between two levels in 2014 and 57 between Double-A and Triple-A last season. Smith had a strong spring and it looked like it was only a matter of time before he would be promoted, but he was sent down to work on his plate discipline. He got the nod after Ender Inciarte landed on the disabled list with a hamstring injury, providing a replacement in center field and leading off for Atlanta. Originally, the thought was that Smith would go back down when Inciarte returns. But Hector Olivera's legal woes could sideline him long term, so Atlanta could move Inciarte to left and keep Smith in center field. However, Smith is just 1-for-14 at the plate and has looked somewhat overmatched, which may land him back in the minors. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4, 12-team NL: $7 (up if he sticks due to SB potential)

Trayce Thompson, Dodgers – Andre Ethier's leg injury is sidelining him 10-14 weeks, opening up left field. Carl Crawford initially looked to be the primary beneficiary with Scott Van Slyke seeing time against southpaws. Now, both Crawford and Van Slyke are on the disabled list, prompting LA to use Thompson, Enrique Hernandez and Howie Kendrick, who just came off the disabled list, in left field. In addition, Joc Pederson's struggles against lefties has Thompson seeing time in center against southpaws, adding to his value. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $13