MLB FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

This FAAB article is in addition to the AL and NL FAAB articles that run Sunday. Bids are based on a $100 FAAB budget. Throughout the season, this column will have two goals:

1. Identify FAAB targets for fantasy managers in leagues with Thursday FAAB.

2. Offer a preview of FAAB targets ahead of Sunday's columns.

Several starting pitchers have performed especially well recently, including Spencer Turnbull, who became the fifth pitcher in the majors to throw a nine-inning no-hitter this season. Injuries to position players are also piling up, and there have been several players who have performed at a high level while filling in.

Starting Pitcher

Rich Hill, Rays: Hill allowed four runs in each of his first four starts of 2021, but he's tossed 15.2 scoreless innings in his three outings in May. In his last four starts, the southpaw has posted a 0.83 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 27:8 K:BB in 21.2 innings. While Hill had a discouraging start to the season, he's turned things around recently and has become a viable fantasy option. FAAB: $4

Spencer Turnbull, Tigers: Another week, another no-hitter (or two). Turnbull is still available in plenty of fantasy leagues, and he's been dominant in each of his last two outings. He struck out nine in his no-hitter Tuesday and allowed just one run while striking out seven in 6.1 innings during his appearance before that. Turnbull has recorded consecutive quality starts and is 3-2 this year, even while pitching behind Detroit's lackluster offense. FAAB: $3

Casey Mize, Tigers: Mize was also inconsistent early in the season, but he's settled down recently and has posted a 1.83 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 19.2 innings in his last three starts. The right-hander's 17.8 percent strikeout rate this year leaves something to be desired, but he's been effective at limiting run production in his most recent outings. Mize now has a 3.69 ERA in 46.1 innings in eight starts. FAAB: $3

Kris Bubic, Royals: Bubic has been dominant for the Royals early in the season, and he made his first start of 2021 against the Brewers on Tuesday. The southpaw tossed 17.2 scoreless innings in his last four appearances and has a 0.96 ERA and 0.96 WHIP this season. He appears to have earned a rotation spot for now, though it's possible that the Royals could turn elsewhere if Bubic struggles in the future. However, Bubic was effective as a long reliever and now has more fantasy potential as a member of the rotation. FAAB: $3

Relief Pitcher

Tejay Antone, Reds: Cincinnati's usage of relievers late in games has been difficult to predict early in 2021, but Antone is tied for the team lead in saves with Amir Garrett. While Antone has only converted on two of his four save chances, he's recorded a 2.08 ERA and 0.78 WHIP in 21.2 innings in his first 13 appearances of the season. The righty has had a versatile role for the Reds but has also been in the mix for save chances. FAAB: $5

Michael Fulmer, Tigers: Fulmer has tossed nine scoreless innings in his last seven relief appearances, and he's had plenty of high-leverage work for Detroit. The righty ranks second on the team with three saves, and he's picked up two saves in his last four outings. Fulmer appears to have taken over closing duties from Gregory Soto for now, and also has three wins and four holds this year. FAAB: $3

Stefan Crichton, Diamondbacks: Crichton was hit hard in Sunday's appearance, but he held the Dodgers scoreless in two-thirds of an inning Wednesday. The Diamondbacks haven't had excessive save chances this season, but Crichton has been the favorite for ninth-inning work when the situation arises. Crichton has converted all four of his save chances in 2021 and has been a reliable closer despite his lack of opportunities. FAAB: $2

Catcher

Mike Zunino, Rays: Zunino is included in the column for a second consecutive week since, as he continues to remain effective. Across his last four games, Zunino has gone 3-for-14 with three home runs, five RBIs and four runs. The 30-year-old could see a slight downtick in playing time now that Francisco Mejia has returned from an intercostal strain, but Zunino has still seen most of the time behind the dish since he's been hot at the plate. FAAB: $3

First Base

Josh Fuentes, Rockies: Fuentes had a fairly slow start to the season, but he's been on a tear at the plate recently. The 28-year-old went hitless in Wednesday's loss to the Padres and snapped a seven-game hitting streak. During that hitting streak, Fuentes hit .483 with two home runs, 14 RBIs and seven runs. The performance earned him NL Player of the Week honors, and he's become an everyday contributor for the Rockies recently. FAAB: $4

Second Base

Jonathan Villar, Mets: Villar has taken on an everyday role for the Mets with Jeff McNeil and J.D. Davis sidelined due to injuries, and he's been effective recently. He has hits in seven of his last eight games and has homered in each of his last two starts. Davis recently began a rehab assignment and could return soon, but Villar's recent production could earn him more consistent playing time, even when Davis and McNeil are healthy. FAAB: $3

Third Base

Miguel Sano, Twins: Sano has had trouble getting on base consistently to begin the season, but he flashed his power potential by smashing three home runs against the White Sox on Tuesday. Even though Sano has only hit .165 to begin the year, he now has six home runs, 12 RBIs and 12 runs in 2021. Sano has become available in more fantasy leagues amid his struggles early in the season, but he still has plenty of power potential and averaged 22 home runs per year the last four seasons. FAAB: $5

Yandy Diaz, Rays: Diaz has recorded hits in each of his last six starts and has multi-hit performances in three of those six appearances. The 29-year-old hasn't displayed much power, as he homered just twice in 2020 and hasn't yet gone yard in 2021. Diaz has hit in the top half of the Rays' order and has posted 15 runs and 13 RBIs in 41 games this year. While he doesn't have much power ability, Diaz could help boost average and has modest run-production skills. FAAB: $1

Shortstop

Willy Adames, Rays: Adames could lose out on his starting role at some point when Wander Franco ultimately makes his major-league debut, but he's been hot at the plate recently. The 25-year-old has reached base safely in each of the last five games, and he has three extra-base hits with five runs and four RBIs during that time. Adames is hitting just .197 this season, but he could be a short-term fantasy option at shortstop. FAAB: $1

Nick Maton, Phillies: Maton has taken on the primary shortstop job for the Phillies recently with Didi Gregorius sidelined due to an elbow injury. He wasn't in the lineup Thursday but had gone 6-for-12 with two home runs, five RBIs and four runs in his last three starts. Maton should return to a depth role once Gregorius returns from the injured list, but he's been effective as a fill-in option recently. FAAB: $1

Outfield

Adam Duvall, Marlins: Duvall has driven in runs in each of his last five starts, and he's already posted eight home runs and 30 RBIs this season. Duvall's 31.9 percent strikeout rate has been his highest since 2015, but he's compensated with his power and run production. Duvall is tied for 12th in the league with 30 RBIs in his first 40 games this year, and he's been a reliable contributor in the heart of Miami's order. FAAB: $5

Avisail Garcia, Brewers: Garcia only hit two home runs in 53 games during his first season in Milwaukee in 2020, but he's been much more productive in 2021, as he already has six home runs in 40 games. The 29-year-old's production surged to begin May and has leveled off recently, but he still has three extra-base hits in his last five games. Garcia's 22 RBIs lag slightly behind what his power numbers might suggest since the Brewers' .213 batting average as a team is tied for second-lowest in baseball. However, the 29-year-old has still been quite productive and could have more opportunities to produce runs when the Brewers return to full health. FAAB: $3

Jarren Duran, Red Sox: Duran still doesn't have a clear timetable to make his major-league debut, but he's performed well in his first taste of action at Triple-A. In 14 minor-league games, the 24-year-old already has five home runs, three doubles, nine RBIs and three stolen bases. The Red Sox have been insistent that they won't rush Duran's timetable, but he could be worth stashing in deeper leagues in case he forces the team's hand at some point. FAAB: $1