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.

This week's column is not an exhaustive list of who was promoted. Instead, I have profiled those players who will either fill a substantive role on their team down the stretch or project in the future to have a key role or bright future with their team. If I missed anyone or there is someone you would like profiled, please put it in the comments section of the blog. In addition, several players were profiled the past few weeks and if you want a full list of call-ups, see here, with updates for them provided on the RotoWire site.

I profiled Amir Garrett, Lucas Giolito, Josh Hader, Tyler Glasnow, Dilson Herrera, Lewis Brinson, Manuel Margot, Hunter Renfroe, Roman Quinn and Jesse Winker last week. When/if they are promoted, they will be covered again.

Starting Pitching:

Jed Bradley, Braves – Bradley, acquired by Atlanta from the Brewers in June, was called up with the rosters expanding. After beginning his career as a starter following his selection in the first round of the 2011 draft, Bradley moved to the bullpen last year due to lack of progress but shifted back to starting after he was acquired by the Braves, posting a 2.35 ERA in 65 IP at Double-A Mississippi and 1.50 in three starts at Triple-A Gwinnett along with a solid FIP at each level, earning the promotion. In addition, he struck out 88 batters, albeit with 34 walks, in a combined 83 innings pitched in the Atlanta minors. For now, he is pitching out of the bullpen, notching the win Saturday, but could contend for a spot in the Atlanta rotation next year. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2.

Jose De Leon, Dodgers – De Leon, profiled several times over the previous weeks, gets another mention, as he finally received a promotion and started Sunday against the Padres. I know that several readers were tired of the weekly De Leon update, but he is finally in the majors, so run, don't walk to get him. De Leon posted a 2.61 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 111 strikeouts in 86.1 innings at Triple-A this year and has been even more dominant that those numbers recently. He attacks hitters with his low-90s fastball and judicious use of plus-plus changeup and slider. De Leon is the second-best pitching prospect for LA, right behind Julio Urias. He tossed 114,1 innings last season, striking out 163, and by missing the first month of the year and only tossing 86.1 innings to date, he could remain in the rotation the rest of the 2016 campaign without needing to be shut down. 12-team mixed: $12; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: $35 (upped call up bid)

John Gant, Braves – Gant, who has been working out of the bullpen his return from the disabled list after he was sidelined with oblique injury, started Saturday. He posted a 3.38 ERA in his prior four starts, but allowed three earned runs on five hits and a walk with six strikeouts in five innings. Gant struggled a bit while working out of the bullpen. but could remain in the rotation the remainder of the season, as Atlanta plays for the future. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $2.

Robert Gsellman, Mets – Gsellman, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he allowed just one run on six hits, three walks and four strikeouts over six innings to earn the win Saturday against the Nationals. He was promoted to originally shadow Jon Niese on Monday. When Niese's knee injury forced him from the game, Gsellman went 3.2 innings to get the win and with Niese out for the year, Gselllman took his spot. Gsellman posted a 5.73 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 40:16 K:BB in 48.2 innings over nine starts for Triple-A Las Vegas but had a 2.71 ERA and 1.09 WHIP through 11 starts at Double-A Binghamton. He is filling in for Steven Matz, who could possibly return before the end of the season, but with Jacob deGrom also dealing with an injury, Gsellman could remain in the rotation. 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11.

Reynaldo Lopez, Nationals – Lopez was promoted to start Sunday night against the Mets, giving Max Scherzer an extra day of rest. He has been up-and-down in the majors as our latest updated noted, posting two very strong starts in mid-August, both against the Braves, and failing to make it through the fifth inning in his other three starts. It's possible that this will just be a spot start if Stephen Strasburg is ready to return to the rotation next week. However, once Washington clinches the division, which looks to be a foregone conclusion, Lopez could see a start or two later this month. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (upside potential)

Seth Lugo, Mets – Lugo, who has been solid in his three starts since earning a starting role, going 2-1 with a 2.55 ERA, will remain in the Mets' rotation. With Steven Matz possibly out for the rest of the year due to shoulder discomfort and Jacob deGrom dealing with forearm tightness, joining Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler on the sidelines, there are precious few options for the Mets. Lugo, a 34th round pick in 2011 whose bread-and-butter pitch recently has been his curveball , is now the team's third of fourth starter with Robert Gsellman the fourth or fifth, as the Mets look to remain in the pennant race. 12-team mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14.

Shelby Miller, Diamondbacks – Miller, who had flamed out so badly in Arizona this year that he earned a Triple-A demotion, is back with the parent club. He went 2-9 with a 7.14 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 50:34 K:BB ratio in 69.1 innings. Miller righted the ship somewhat at Reno, posting a posting a 3.91 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 55 strikeouts in 50.2 innings to earn a call back up. He had a solid first start against the Giants, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk while notching three strikeouts in six quality innings. Miller still has a ways to go, but if he can build off that start and have a solid September, he will at least head into the off-season on a positive note. 12-team mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (up if a believer)

Rafael Montero, Mets – Montero is likely to start Tuesday in place of the injured Jacob deGrom (forearm stiffness). This would be the second fill-in start Montero will make in place of deGrom for the Mets, shutting out the Marlins for five innings on two hits with three strikeouts last Monday despite allowing six walks. Montero posted a 4.60 ERA in 16 starts with Triple-A Las Vegas resulted in a demotion to Double-A Binhamton. With his prospect status diminished and his career possibly hanging by a thread, Montero turned it around with the B-Mets, notching a 1.70 ERA in eight starts, albeit with 19 walks in 47.2 innings pitched. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4.

Cody Reed, Reds – Reed, despite leaving his last Triple-A start with a back injury, was promoted Friday. He will serve as a reliever in this stint. Reed struggled in his 10 games, all starts, in the majors, posting 7.36 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and 2.3 HR/9 ratio, all ugly numbers. His minor league pedigree shows that there is substantive upside there and worth a stash in keeper leagues; but he is likely to lose rookie eligibility as needs just 2.1 innings to hit 50 for the year. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (keeper league stash candidate)

Alex Reyes, Cardinals – Reyes moved into the Cardinals' starting rotation in place of Mike Leake (shingles) two outings ago and should remain there the balance of the season, as he improved from his first to second start. His 50-game suspension for marijuana ended in May and he made 14 starts for Triple-A Memphis prior to his promotion early last month to first work out of the bullpen. As we wrote in our pre-season outlook: "last season, Reyes posted a 2.49 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and an eye-popping 151 strikeouts in 101.1 innings across three levels, finishing with a strong eight-start showing with Double-A Springfield. Reyes pumps gas that can touch 100 mph, but he also boasts a plus curveball and a changeup that should be average or better in time." Reyes still needs to work a bit on his control but that is nit picking, so if he is available, grab him, especially since he should also be a part of the 2017 Cardinals rotation. 12-team mixed: $14; 15-team Mixed: $28; 12-team NL: $40 (if not owned).

Robert Stephenson, Reds – Stephenson, who has struggled at Triple-A Louisville, with a 8-9 record, 4.41 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 24 starts, was promoted September 2. He has shown an inability to make adjustments but didn't pitch badly in two starts in the majors this year and finished his minor-league season strong. Stephenson is getting a chance right away to show that his struggles are due to the level he is in and that he needs the challenge of the majors, as he is starting Monday against the Mets. Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (upped bid from last week).

Julio Urias, Dodgers – Eventually Urias will either move to the bullpen or get shut down, but for now, he remains in the LA rotation. He was moved to the pen for a spot in August, but has made four straight starts, partially due to all the injuries in the team's rotation. Over his 12 starts this season prior to Friday, Urias had allowed 23 runs in 57.1 innings and been much better since the All-Star break. Friday, he gave up two runs on three hits and a walk with six strikeouts in 5.2 innings. Urias threw 70.1 innings last year and is already at 113.1 this season, so look for him to be shut down before too long. But until that happens, ride the wave. 12-team mixed: $12; 15-team Mixed: $21 (bid limited solely by expected innings cap); 12-team NL: owned

Injury activation/updates:

Matt Cain, Giants – Cain missed the minimum with his back injury, as he was activated Friday. However, he lost his spot in the starting rotation to Albert Suarez. That comes as no surprise, as Cain notching a 5.81 ERA and 1.55 WHIP while surrendering 16 home runs in 83.2 innings. Cain will pitch out of the bullpen. Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0.

Tyler Chatwood, Rockies – Chatwood, out with back spasms, was activated off the disabled list and started Saturday against the Diamondbacks, allowing five earned runs on seven hits and a walk with three strikeouts in five innings. He tossed 73 pitches (40 for strikes) in Monday's rehab start with Double-A Hartford, allowing zero earned runs on four hits and a walk while striking out three over 4.1 innings. Chatwood had left his August 14 start with the ailment, so he didn't miss much more than the required 15 days. His return to the Rockies' rotation likely means the team will go with a six-man rotation the rest of the way or someone will get bumped. Mixed: $14 (if waived); 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

Junior Guerra, Brewers – Guerra, sidelined since his August 3 start with an elbow injury, rejoined the Brewers rotation Friday following a one-start rehab outing last Saturday with Triple-A Colorado Springs. It's a bit surprising Milwaukee brought him back after one start, as it looked like he would need 2-3 starts before rejoining the Brewers in mid-September. Guerra fired 3.1 shutout innings against the Pirates, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out three but lasted just 70 pitches. He has been an out of the blue godsend for Milwaukee, posting 7-3 with a 2.93 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 90 strikeouts in 107.1 innings before he was sidelined and prior to Friday's start. 12-team mixed: $22 (in case he was waived); 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers – Kershaw, out since his back pain flared up after a simulated game on July 16, tossed a two-inning simulated game Tuesday. He made a rehab start at High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday, pitched three scoreless innings, striking out five and giving up one hit while throwing 34 pitches. LA could opt to have Kershaw make one more start at that level since the team qualified for the playoffs so that he gets stretched out a bit more or have him rejoin the Dodgers rotation next week. If Kershaw's next start is with the Dodgers, look for him to begin with a lower pitch count. 12-team mixed: $45; 15-team Mixed: $55; 12-team NL: $65 (in case he was waived, you believe he was healthy and he is back in early-September)

Brandon McCarthy, Dodgers – McCarthy, limited just to eight games, in which he has posted a 3.63 ERA, and out with a hip injury, is working his way back. He tossed a five-inning simulated game Tuesday and will head out on a rehab assignment. McCarthy could return in early-to-mid September, though it's unclear if he will be a starter or reliever. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team NL: $7

Williams Perez, Braves – Perez, out since June 6 with a strained rotator cuff, was activated off the disabled list Friday. He posted a 4.91 ERA in his three starts, but that's a bit deceiving, as he surrendered six of the runs he allowed in a game for Low-A Rome and tossed five hitless innings Thursday for Triple-A Gwinnett. Perez was 2-2 with a 4.62 ERA in nine starts before going on the DL and should make several starts for Atlanta the rest of the way. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3.

Relief Pitchers:

Fernando Salas, Angels – Salas, serving as the Halos' closer, was traded Wednesday to the Mets for the Erik Manoah. His overall numbers – 4.47 ERA and 1.26 WHIP – aren't impressive, but he posted a 2.93 ERA and 3.47 FIP in the second half and gives New York a needed bullpen arm. Look for Salas to mainly pitch in the seventh inning as a bridge to Addison Reed and Jeurys Familia, so he could notch several holds. 12-team mixed: owned, though probably waived; 15-team Mixed: likely still owned; 12-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Jacob Barnes, Brewers – Barnes, out since late-July with elbow soreness, was activated off the disabled list Friday. He showed he was ready by making three rehab appearances with Double-A Biloxi in late August. Barnes had posted a 3.71 ERA and 18:4 K:BB over 17 innings before he was sidelined. He could join Corey Knebel in setting up Tyler Thornburg. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Hector Rondon, Cubs – Rondon, out since Aug. 17 with a right triceps strain, threw a simulated game Saturday instead of making a rehab appearance with Triple-A Iowa. He may be activated Monday, which is markedly earlier than the targeted mid-September return. Look for Rondon to resume his role as a sixth/seventh inning set-up man and possibly get some holds. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No 12-team NL: $2.

Catchers:
 
Tom Murphy, Rockies – Murphy was promoted Friday and could be Colorado's starting catcher next season. He earned that call up by hitting .327/.361/.647 with 19 homers in just 80 games (322 plate appearances). The main knock on Murphy is that he is injury-prone, missing time with shoulder and oblique issues. But when he plays, he hits. With Nick Hundley a free agent after the season, Colorado could give Murphy, who played 11 games in the majors last year, most of the playing time the final month of the season to see what they have heading to the off-season. 12-team mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up in keeper leagues)

Hector Sanchez, Padres – Sanchez was called up to replace the injured Christian Bethancourt on the Padres roster, homering in his first game Thursday. His best year in the majors was 2012 with SF, but with Derek Norris suffering through a nightmarish season, Sanchez, by virtue of his .324/.392/.636 line in 55 games in the minors, could carve out additional playing time. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No 12-team NL: $4.

Tomas Telis, Marlins – Telis was called up to be the Marlins' third catcher after posting a .310/.362/.429 line at Triple-A New Orleans. He has struggled during his major-league stints but could see some at-bats behind J.T. Realmuto over Jeff Mathis. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

A.J. Pierzynski, Braves – Pierzynski, out since Aug. 17 with a strained left hamstring, was activated Thursday. Prior to being sidelined, Pierzynski was hitting .218 with a .305 on-base percentage in 113 games played while splitting time with Tyler Flowers. With Flowers signed for next year and hitting better than AJ, look for Pierzynski to see spot action in September. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $0.

First Basemen:
 
Stephen Cardullo, Rockies – Cardullo, profiled last week, gets another mention after homering twice on his birthday earlier this past week. As noted last week when he was promoted, Cardullo was a 24th round by Arizona in 2010, who played four years in the independent league before returning to affiliated play. He posted a .308/.367/.522 line at Triple-A Albuquerque, including 328/.401/.632 against lefties. Cardullo should see time at first and in the outfield. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (slightly upped bid)

Darin Ruf, Phillies – Ruf, who hit .294/.356/.529 with 20 homers at Triple-A Lehigh Valley following his demotion, was one of the Phillies' post-September 1 call ups. With Philadelphia looking to the future, Manager Pete Mackanin may only use Ruf in a pinch-hitting capacity. There is some speculation that Ruf will head to Japan next year; another reason why the Phillies may not give him many at-bats down the stretch. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Injury activation/updates:

Matt Adams, Cardinals – Adams, out for three weeks due to his shoulder injury, was activated Friday, rejoining the big club for the stretch run. Matt Carpenter and Brandon Moss are fairly entrenched at first base, so Adams will be a spot-starter and lefty pinch-hitter off the bench. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Justin Bour, Marlins – Bour, out since early July with high right ankle sprain that he suffered during a game against the Braves on July 2, faced Wei-Yin Chen (elbow sprain) in a simulated game in Jupiter on Friday and could finally be activated next week. It's been a slower than expected return to action for Bour, who will be limited to pinch-hit duty when he first rejoins the Marlins. Xavier Scruggs has been solid since his promotion, so Miami can ease Bour back into game action. Prior to being sidelined, Bour slashed .268/.347/.526 line with 15 home runs and 46 RBI over 213 at-bats. 12-team mixed: $8 (if not still owned); 15-team Mixed: $12 (if waived), 15-team NL: likely still owned

Lucas Duda, Mets – Duda, out since May with a stress fracture in his lower back, recently began hitting soft toss and could graduate to full batting practice soon. If Duda does not suffer a setback, which is no guarantee, as he had one in July when he looked to be inching closer to returning, he could return before the end of the season. James Loney got off to strong start before reverting to prior form, so Duda's return would give New York a solid power bat in the middle of the order. Before his injury, Duda was hitting .231 with seven homers over 130 at-bats. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (early spec return bid)

Mark Reynolds, Rockies – Reynolds, out since the second week of August with a broken hamate bone in his left hand, was activated Thursday. He originally was to miss up to eight weeks, so he clearly made a quicker than anticipated recovery. That does mean the hand has full strength, which is the last component to return recovering from the injury. With Colorado looking to the future, look for Reynolds to be limited to spot starts and pinch-hitting duty. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2.

Second Base:

Wilmer Flores/Kelly Johnson, Mets – Neil Walker's season-ending back injury means Flores and Johnson will man second base. Each was already seeing significant playing time, but will be the beneficiary of Walker's absence. Flores is splitting time at first, against lefties while James Loney sits, and second, when Kelly Johnson sits, and may end up qualifying at those two positions while he already does so at third. Flores has raked against lefties but now will see time versus righties. Johnson has excelled since coming back to the Mets, posting a .278/.344/.486 line with eight home runs and 20 RBI in 160 PA. He has worked with Kevin Long on driving the ball more, trying to mirror Daniel Murphy's rise from the end of last year. Flores - 12-team mixed: $22; 15-team Mixed: $35; 12-team NL: Owned; Johnson - 12-team mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $15; 12-team NL: Owned.

Adam Frazier, Pirates – Frazier, optioned to the minors last Sunday, was called back up Friday, His defensive versatility, as he can play second base, third base, right field and left field , should afford him some at-bats over the final month of the year. That doesn't take into account his .300 or better average at Double-A, Triple-A and the majors and excellent plate discipline, each of which adds to his value. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2, 15-team NL: $7.

Alen Hanson, Pirates – Hanson got his first exposure to the majors earlier this month, as he was called up when Sterling Marte was placed on paternity leave. When Marte returned, Hanson was as expected sent back to the minors. Hanson was to be a September call up, despite minimal improvement as he spent a second year in Triple-A (.707 OPS, .701 OPS in 2015), but was promoted Tuesday. He will back up Josh Harrison at the keystone spot. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1, 15-team NL: $4.

Ryan Schimpf, Padres – The batting average is ugly, but the power is real and the OBA is solid, due to his strong walk rate. But when your second baseman hits 16 home runs in slightly over 200 at-bats and has blasted 20+ in each of the past five years, you can live with the weak BA. That's Schimpf in a nutshell, but enjoy the pop and kick yourself if you passed on him, as I did as a free agent in the Rotowire Staff League. 12-team mixed: $35; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

Injury activation/updates:

Derek Dietrich, Marlins – Dietrich, out Aug. 18 with a knee contusion, was activated Saturday. He held down the fort at second, when Dee Gordon was suspended, and first base, with Justin Bour (ankle) out, hitting .276/.369/.403 over 308 at-bats. Now, he will see some time in a first base platoon with Xavier Scruggs until Bour comes off the DL, at which point he will likely return to a utility role. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5

Shortstops:

Jung Ho Kang, Pirates – Kang, on the 15-day DL since Aug. 19 because of a left shoulder injury he suffered when sliding into second base, recently kicked off a rehab stint at Triple-A Indianapolis. He is not expected back for at least another week, as he needs more at-bats to be ready. After a solid rookie year, Kang struggled this season and also has the specter of a sexual assault case that is still unresolved. When he does return, Kang could see time at short and third. 12-team mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9.

Jose Peraza, Reds – Peraza, who was called up two weeks ago to give the Reds some much-needed versatility with Zack Cozart and Adam Duvall banged up, has been seeing consistent playing time since his promotion. He is 22-for-50 with four steals in the 16 games since the call up and may finish the season qualifying at second, short and the outfield. If Cincy can find a taker for Brandon Phillips or moves on from Cozart, Peraza could enter 2016 as a starter. 12-team mixed: $22; 15-team Mixed: $35; 12-team NL: $50 (upped bid from prior, speed value)

Injury activation/updates:

Aledmys Diaz, Cardinals – Diaz received the greenlight to escalate his baseball activities from a team physician this past Monday. A scan taken of Diaz's right thumb revealed enough healing in the hairline fracture for Diaz to begin swinging a bat and he was able to take batting practice Friday. Diaz could report to Double-A Springfield for a rehab assignment in the near future, making a mid-September return possible. Starting a rehab assignment would indicate that Diaz is not only able to grip and swing a bat, he also can throw, as he had lacked a bit of strength in the area of the thumb Diaz fractured at the end of July. 12-team mixed: $25 (in case not owned); 15-team Mixed: owned, 15-team NL: owned

Third Basemen:

Hernan Perez, Brewers – Despite the presence of Scooter Gennett, Jonathan Villar and Orlando Arcia on the infield, Perez continues to get playing time and produce. He is now up to .270/.303/.456 with 12 doubles, a pair of triples, 13 homers and 48 RBI on the year while qualifying at third and the outfield. Most of Perez's playing time has come in right field and his production means that he shouldn't cede any action there any time soon. 12-team mixed: $20; 15-team Mixed: owned, 15-team NL: owned

Injury activation/updates:

Outfielders:

Socrates Brito, Diamondbacks – Brito was called up Friday for his third stint with Arizona this year. He has hit well in the minors, but posted just a .230/.239/.391 slash line with two home runs and three steals in 88 career big league plate appearances. Brito should see a start or two weekly over the season's final month. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $3

Michael Conforto, Mets – Conforto rejoined the Mets' as a post-September 1 call up Thursday, He earned this stint with the team, After a productive three-week stint in the minors, batting .493 (33-for-67)/.541/.821 with six home runs and 13 RBI in 17 games following his August 12 demotion. The numbers overall at Triple-A Las Vegas have been staggering, but he hasn't been to replicate those or the success he had last year following his promotion with the parent club. Conforto was hitting a.218 with 11 home runs and 33 RBI in 84 games with the Mets this season, adversely impacted by sporadic playing time, shifting positions and maybe the sophomore slump along with unrealistic expectations. He should see some time the final month, the amount of which will depend on how he produces along with play of Curtis Granderson and Jay Bruce. 12-team mixed: $2: No; 15-team Mixed: $7: No, 15-team NL: $11.

Destin Hood, Marlins – Hood, a career minor-leaguer, was promoted Thursday after slashing .267/.316/.435 with 15 home runs and 80 RBI for Triple-A New Orleans. He gives Miami outfield depth with Marcel Ozuna dealing with a sore wrist and started Friday in center field. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $3.

Kyle Jensen, Diamondbacks – Jensen, who has bounced from Miami to LA to Arizona the past two years, was promoted and made his major-league debut Saturday. He earned that call up by hitting .289/.350/.546 with 30 homers and 120 RBI with Triple-A Reno this year. Jensen benefitted from playing in the PCL, partially evidenced by his numbers despite a 30.5 percent K-rate and aided by a .373 BABIP. He could see the occasional start against lefties. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $2.

Jarrett Parker, Giants – Parker was promoted last Sunday to provide some depth to the Giants' outfield with Hunter Pence dealing with a hamstring injury. Pence has returned to action, so despite a big first game, Parker headed back to the bench. He will be utilized as pinch-hitter against righties, to try and take advantage of his power, which is offset by his high strikeout rate. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No, 15-team NL: $2.

Yasiel Puig, Dodgers – Puig, sent down at the beginning of August for maturity issues and his antics as much as his difficulties at the plate, was called up back Friday and started in right field. He hit .348/.400/.594 with four home runs in 19 games at Triple-A, but that was somewhat expected given his talent level. LA could use an offensive boost since Josh Reddick has failed to produce since he was acquired while Andrew Toles may be playing slightly over his head. At a minimum, Puig should play against southpaws and maybe more if he gets hot with this possibly his last chance to remain with the team. 12-team mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9, 15-team NL: $15 (up if think he starts daily)

Raimel Tapia, Rockies – Tapia, the Rockies' top prospect following the promotion of David Dahl, was called up Friday. He began the season at Double-A Hartford, hitting .323/.363/.450 to go with eight homers and 20 doubles to move up a level to Triple-A Albuquerque in early-August. Tapia, who has an extremely odd stance, posted a .346/.355/.490 line at Triple-A, making him worthy of a promotion, With David Dahl, Charlie Blackmon and Carlos Gonzalez locked into regular roles, Tapia will be limited to spot starts and pinch-hitting but could get a full-time spot in 2017. 12-team mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1, 15-team NL: $4 (up in keeper leagues)

Injury activation/updates:

Chris Coghlan, Cubs – Coghlan missed the minimum 15 days with a rib contusion and was activated Thursday. He will see some starts in left field and as a pinch-hitter, but his numbers this year leave a lot to be desired. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0.

Mallex Smith, Braves – Smith, who was expected to miss the remainder of the season with the fractured left thumb he sustained on June 18, kicked off a rehab assignment with Double-A Mississippi on Thursday. Despite resuming game action, there is no guarantee that Smith will play in the majors again this season, but he benefits from testing out the hand in a professional game. Prior to getting injured, Smith appeared in 58 games with the Braves, batting .237/.312/.379 with 14 steals. He is projected to open the 2017 season as one of the Atlanta's starting outfielders, in either center or right field. 12-team mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (possible SB if he returns to action).

Mac Williamson, Giants – Williamson, out with a strained shoulder since the beginning of August, completed his rehab assignment and was activated Thursday. He has hit .245/.345/.459 with six home runs in 98 at-bats and 113 plate appearances, which evidences his power and that's something the Giants need. Willamson could see some time in left and right in the final month, especially if Angel Pagan starts in center due to Denard Span's stiff neck. 12-team mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4