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 $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 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.

AL FAAB | NL FAAB

STARTING PITCHER

Cole Hamels, Cubs: Hamels was traded to the Cubs for Eddie Butler, Rollie Lacy and a player to be named later. The lefty has hit a rough patch, posting a 10.23 ERA his last five starts after notching a 3.41 ERA his first 15 outings of the season. Hamels should benefit from a move back to the NL, as he spent the first nine-plus years of his career in Philadelphia. He shouldn't lack for motivation, stepping back into a pennant race in the final season of the six-year extension he signed with the Phillies in July 2012. Hamels might end up the most renowned pitcher that moves from the American to National League. 12-team Mixed: Owned; 15-team Mixed: Owned; 12-team NL: $75

Dereck Rodriguez, Giants: Rodriquez continues to surprise and excel in the San Francisco rotation. Following his no-decision Thursday, Rodriguez is 5-1 with a 2.75 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 47:15 K:BB in 59 innings. Rodriguez, who originally was thought to be heading back to Triple-A Sacramento when either Jeff Samardzija (shoulder) or Johnny Cueto (elbow) returned from the disabled list earlier this month, remained in the San Fran rotation and is locked in with both of those arms sidelined. Rodriguez, not considered a top prospect by the team when the year began, posted a 3.40 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 53 strikeouts in 50.1 innings at Triple-A to earn the original callup. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: owned

Joey Lucchesi, Padres: Lucchesi jumped from Double-A San Antonio to the majors thanks to a solid spring training. The second player from the 2016 draft to play in the majors, the fourth-round pick received the chance to start due to the season-ending elbow injury to Dinelson Lamet. Lucchesi logged just 60.1 innings in Double-A last season and probably needs more seasoning, but he didn't look out of place his first nine starts in the majors, posting a 3.23 ERA with a 3.2 K:BB ratio in 47.1 innings. He missed a month with a hip strain, and after returning to action, pitched just 20 innings over five starts before he sent to the minors on July 12. The 6-foot-4 lefty has a unique delivery that hides the ball well, and he repeats that delivery consistently. Lucchesi, who projects as a No. 3 or 4 starter, made a successful return to a majors Monday, allowing two runs on six hits with no walks and six strikeouts in 5.1 innings to defeat the Mets. 12-team Mixed: $4; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $16

Sandy Alcantara, Marlins: Alcantara, the Marlins' top pitching prospect, came over from St. Louis in the Marcell Ozuna trade and made his debut as a starter for Miami at the end of June. He allowed one run on three hits and five walks with two strikeouts in five innings to pick up the win against the Mets. A few days after that outing, Alcantara was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a right axillary infection. When he was acquired, questions existed over his future role, but Miami decided to develop Alcantara as a starter, though there is still the outside possibility he becomes a late-inning reliever. Alcantara can touch triple digits with his fastball, but he has shaky command and inconsistent secondary offerings, making him potentially fit better as a reliever. Alcantara, who posted a 3.71 ERA and 64:34 K:BB in his 85 Triple-A New Orleans innings prior to his callup, is scheduled to increase his work load in his second rehab outing to 75 pitches for High-A Jupiter on Saturday. Look for Alcantara to make 1-to-2 more rehab starts before he rejoins the Marlins. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (up slightly in keeper leagues)

Daniel Poncedeleon, Cardinals: Poncedeleon had a debut to remember, tossing seven no-hit innings against the Reds before being lifted at 116 pitches. He has fully rebounded from getting hit in the head with a line drive while at Triple-A Memphis last May and subsequent brain surgery. Poncedeleon earned the callup, where he replaced Luke Weaver, by posting a 2.15 ERA and 103:48 K:BB in 92 innings for Triple-A Memphis. Despite the brilliant outing, Poncedeleon was sent down the next day to make room for Austin Gomber to make his first MLB start Tuesday. He clearly earned a second start, but with the Cardinals reshuffling their pitching staff, Poncedeleon will pitch out of the bullpen after getting recalled Friday. Still, he could join the rotation if the Cardinals have a need in the coming weeks. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (in case he starts)

Austin Gomber, Cardinals: Gomber, like Poncedeleon, made his first start for the Cardinals this week and then was moved to the bullpen. After 15 appearances as a reliever with a 3.77 ERA for St. Louis this season, allowed two runs on two hits and two walks with six strikeouts in 6.1 innings in a no-decision Tuesday against the Reds. Gomber posted a 3.42 ERA and a 76:20 K:BB in 68.1 innings as a starter for, Memphis and if any of the St. Louis starters falter, especially John Gant or Luke Weaver, Gomber and Poncedeleon are next in line. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (in case he starts)

Ranger Suarez, Phillies: Suarez was called up to make his debut this week and was sent back to the minors after that outing. He posted a 2.76 ERA and 1.12 WHIP across 75 innings for Double-A Reading to earn a promotion in late June to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He recorded a 0.57 ERA in three starts for Lehigh Valley to earn the call up. Suarez notched the win despite allowing four earned runs over five innings and then was optioned down. His next outing could come after rosters expand in September, but he's a decent stash candidate. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (stash candidate)

Tommy Milone, Nationals: Milone started for the injured Stephen Strasburg (pinched neck nerve in neck), tossing five innings of eight-hit, three-run ball with six strikeouts and no walks. While Strasburg is sidelined, Washington plans to keep Milone in its rotation. Seeing how poorly he pitched in 2016 and 2017, use Milone at your own peril. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Injury activations/updates

Clay Buchholz, Diamondbacks: Buchholz made the most of his first seven starts for Arizona, notching a 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 31:7 K:BB in 38 innings before he was sidelined with a strained left oblique. His injury coincided with the return of Shelby Miller from Tommy John surgery, allowing Miller to step back into the rotation. Miller now is dealing elbow inflammation, creating an opening as the team's fifth starter. Buchholz, making his first start since June 24 and pitching in Miller's spot, allowed just one run on six hits over 6.2 innings Tuesday against the Cubs. Buchholz joined Arizona on a minor-league deal in early May after being let go by the Royals, posting a 2.93 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 27.2 innings (five starts) between Double-A Jackson and Triple-A Reno to earn the promotion. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: $18 (upped bid)

Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers: Ryu, sidelined since May 2 with a strained groin, threw a two-inning simulated game Wednesday and will pitch a three-inning simulated game Saturday. If all goes well, Ryu will begin a rehab assignment this week. Ryu likely will need at least four starts before he is ready to rejoin the Dodgers, who might switch to a six-man rotation when that occurs. Prior to being sidelined, Ryu had pitched extremely well, posting a 2.12 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 36:10 K:BB in 29.2 innings pitched. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (early spec return bid)

Max Fried, Braves: Fried, sidelined since July 6 with a left middle finger blister, was expected to be promoted to start Tuesday after tossing 4.2 no-hit innings for Triple-A Gwinnett in his rehab start July 18. Instead, Fried, who has a 3.38 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 34:16 K:BB in 32 innings across seven career starts in the majors, made one more rehab start, striking out 10 in 6.2 scoreless innings for Double-A Mississippi. With Brandon McCarthy still sidelined with a knee injury and Mike Soroka out with a shoulder injury, Fried, who has two plus pitches in his fastball and curveball, could stick in the Atlanta rotation if he pitches well. He got off to a good start Saturday, allowing one run on two hits and three walks while striking out seven in five innings against the Dodgers. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 (slightly upped bid)

Zach Davies, Brewers: Stop us if you have heard this before, but Davies is in yet another rehab assignment. Shock of shocks, he did have another setback but started for High-A Wisconsin on Friday, striking out four in 2.1 scoreless innings. Sidelined since June 1 with both a shoulder and a back issue, Davies hopefully will complete his minor-league rehab with a pair of starts for Triple-A Colorado Springs and rejoin the Brewers. After a poor first half of 2017, Davies finished strong, showing his 2016 numbers were no fluke. Once/if healthy, he should provide solid across-the-board numbers save for a middling strikeout rate replacing either Wade Miley or Freddy Peralta in the Milwaukee rotation. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Julio Urias, Dodgers: Urias may pitch in a simulated game at Chavez Ravine this week as L.A. prepares him for a role as a reliever in the last two months of 2018. He was used occasionally in that spot in 2016. Urias could be ready to return from the 60-day disabled list in 2-to-4 weeks and may serve as a weapon from the bullpen down the stretch. When Urias faced hitters recently, his fastball sat at 88-92 mph, a tick below his 93.1 average in the majors before he was sidelined. He projects to be a starter in the future, but this is the quickest path to the majors this year. L.A.'s top pitching prospect when he was promoted in 2016, Urias showed flashes of what made him so special in his 77 innings pitched that season. After opening 2017 in the minors, Urias got the nod early in the year, pitching well his first few starts. But after he struggled and was sent to the minors, shoulder soreness shut him down, and he underwent successful left anterior capsule surgery June of last season. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (lowered bid due to projected usage)

Homer Bailey, Reds: After being sidelined with right knee inflammation since the beginning of June, Bailey returned to the majors Tuesday, tossing 6.2 innings of two-run ball against the Cardinals while allowing five hits with two walks and eight strikeouts. This outing came after seven rehab appearances -- six starts -- for Triple-A Louisville. For now, the Reds are using a six-man rotation, but they are expected to deal Matt Harvey before Tuesday's trade deadline, which will result in Bailey remaining in the rotation. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (upped bid)

Drew Smyly, Cubs: Smyly tossed a pair of sim games last Sunday and Thursday, possibly positioning him for a minor-league rehab stint. He missed all of 2017 after suffering an elbow injury during the spring that ultimately required Tommy John surgery in June of that year. The Cubs signed Smyly to a two-year deal in December, knowing he likely would miss this season and be ready for 2019. As noted in our preseason outlook, "his respectable career marks of a 3.74 ERA and 8.7 K/9 make him worth holding onto in deep keeper leagues." Smyly could join Chicago sometime in August, but the acquisition of Cole Hamels will allow the Cubs to be cautious with his return and might result in Smyly only working as a reliever when activated. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (stash candidate)

Jason Vargas, Mets: Vargas, sidelined since June 20 with a strained right calf, returned to action to start Friday against the Pirates. He allowed two runs on three hits and three walks while fanning three across 4.1 innings and 84 pitches. Vargas pitched well in his two outings for Brooklyn of the New York-Penn League, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out in six innings on July 14 after tossing six scoreless innings while struck out nine on July 9 for Brooklyn. Vargas replaced Corey Oswalt as the team's fifth starter, but that switch isn't set in stone. But as noted the past few weeks, if you are a glutton for punishment and just haven't had enough of Vargas this year, this post is for you. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (same bid as prior weeks)

RELIEF PITCHER

Will Smith, Giants: Smith reminded all of us he is closing for the Giants, notching San Francisco's first save in 17 days Tuesday. He's a perfect 4-for-4 since taking over that role and sports a sterling 1.45 ERA and 0.84 WHIP on the season. Sam Dyson, Mark Melancon and Tony Watson are looking up to Smith in the SF bullpen. But Hunter Strickland (broken finger) was given the green light to start throwing Friday and could be back August 19. Smith's hold on the job could last just three more weeks, though he deserves to keep the job. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team NL: owned

Anthony Swarzak/Jacob Rhame/Drew Smith, Mets: Initial reports had Robert Gsellman seeing at least the majority of save opportunities for the Mets, but Swarzak notched the save Wednesday and manager Mickey Callaway said that Rhame and Smith could get chances to close games. Seth Lugo was unavailable, and Gsellman was used to record two key outs in the seventh, resulting in Swarzak going two innings for the save. Before that outing, Swarzak had been scored upon in four of his previous five appearances, so let's temper our enthusiasm. Rhame and Smith, acquired last season in trades by New York, are likely the third and fourth options. Swarzak - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11; Rhame/Smith - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Archie Bradley, Diamondbacks: Bradley has allowed 16 earned runs in 49.1 innings on the year. But if you take away the six earned runs he allowed in two-thirds of an inning against the Cubs on July 20, he surrendered just 11 earned runs in the other 48.2 innings he tossed this year. Bradley has 28 holds, three runs and a 48:14 K:BB, giving him value even if Brad Boxberger is closing -- though Bradley is next in line. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: owned

Joakim Soria, Brewers: Soria gained 20-plus games in the standings and moved to a playoff contender following his trade from the White Sox to Brewers for Kodi Medeiros and Wilber Perez but lost his closer job. In 40 appearances with the White Sox this year, he logged a 2.56 ERA and 1.16 WHIP to go along with 16 saves in 19 opportunities. Since May 21, he allowed just two runs across 24.1 innings of relief, posting 12 of his 16 saves. For Milwaukee, Soria will set up Corey Knebel, adversely impacting his fantasy value. 12-team Mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: $5

Corbin Burnes, Brewers: Profiled in recent editions, Burnes gets another mention as it looks like he will stick in Milwaukee. However, his usage will likely remain in relief, though he is viewed as a starter long-term. The first part of that prior sentence could change if Zach Davies has another setback in his attempt to rejoin the Brewers. Burnes, a fourth-round selection in 2016, burst on the scene last season, dominating at High-A Carolina and Double-A Biloxi. He began 2018 as a starter but was moved to the bullpen in mid-June, prepping him for a role in majors. Burnes posted a 5.15 ERA and 1.45 WHIP over 78.2 innings at hitter-friendly Triple-A Colorado Springs but notched a respectable 3.69 ERA and 1.19 WHIP on the road this season. After just three weeks in the pen at Triple-A, Burnes was called up July 8 and has excelled in his role out of the 'pen. He won't see may saves but will be utilized as a multi-inning reliever. 12-team $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (up in keeper leagues)

Tyler Glasnow, Pirates: Glasnow, who was a starter in the minors, has settled into a bullpen role. He has been used in a variety of settings, ranging from long reliever to setup man. Glasnow has 72 strikeouts in 56 innings, but his 34 walks remain an area of concern that Glasnow needs to improve to take the next step in his career. He likely will get another chance to start this year, and despite his improved velocity as a reliever, Glasnow still projects as a starter in the future, though he could become a high-leverage bullpen arm down the road. 12-team $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Matt Andriese, Diamondbacks: Arizona added depth to its bullpen, acquiring Andriese from Tampa Bay. Andriese appeared in 27 games (four starts) for the Rays this season, posting a 4.07 ERA and 1.22 WHIP to go along with a 59:18 K:BB across 59.2 innings. The right-hander can be used as a starter or reliever but for now will pitch in middle relief for the D-backs. 12-team No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (stash starter candidate)

Seung Hwan Oh, Rockies: Colorado lengthened their bullpen, acquiring Oh from the Blue Jays. After a brilliant start and then flaming out in St. Louis, Oh resurrected his career in Toronto, posting a 2.68 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 55:10 K:BB in 47 innings. He will be used as part of the bridge to Adam Ottavino and Wade Davis, seeing most of his action in the seventh inning. 12-team No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Dakota Hudson, Cardinals: Hudson was called up to the majors Friday but will pitch out of the bullpen initially for the Cardinals. Despite posting a 2.50 ERA in 19 starts at Triple-A, Hudson's first big-league exposure will come in relief. St. Louis has a bevy of starting pitching options, including Daniel Poncedeleon and Auston Gomber along with the five pitchers currently in the rotation, resulting Hudson joining the aforementioned two in the 'pen. Hudson, the 34th overall pick in 2016, lacks the stuff to generate a ton of whiffs in the big leagues and relies primarily on keeping the ball on the ground (57.5 percent groundball rate at Triple-A), which makes his ceiling as a No. 3 or 4 starter in the future. 12-team $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 (keeper league stash starter candidate)

CATCHER

Andrew Knapp, Phillies: Knapp splits time behind the plate with Jorge Alfaro, but his solid performance lately could result in an uptick of at-bats. His improved production traces back to the steady rise of his flyball rate from between 20 and 30 percent in Knapp's first 25 games to above 40 comfortably since. If Knapp can maintain that rate, he could further eat away at Alfaro's playing time. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

FIRST BASE

David Freese/Jose Osuna, Pirates: Starter Josh Bell (oblique) landed on the 10-day disabled list Saturday, creating playing time for Freese and Osuna, who was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move. Colin Moran and Sean Rodriguez will also be options to get starts at first base while Bell is out. Freese had a big game Friday and seems to have found his stroke lately, while Osuna, who started at first Saturday, had done similar in the minors, albeit with no power. Freese - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Osuna - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3

Peter Alonso, Mets: Alonso was promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas in mid-June after slashing .315/.442/.574 with 15 home runs and 52 RBI over 269 plate appearances for the Rumble Ponies. He struggled initially and was 5-for-45 to start July but has somewhat found his stroke following his monstrous home run in the Futures Game. Alonso blasted three home runs in a four-game stretch and could be a post-July 31 callup, though he'll likely earn a September promotion. Alonso still needs to improve against right-handed pitching and work on his defense, which has been a bit better this year. If he reels off an extended hot streak with the 51s, the Mets will have little choice, despite their reluctance, to bring him up to the majors. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (early spec bid)

Injury activations/updates

SECOND BASE

Jeff McNeil, Mets: McNeil was promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas in mid-June following a dominant run at Double-A Binghamton. He hit .327/.402/.626 with 14 home runs and 43 RBI over 57 games for the Rumble Ponies to earn the callup. McNeil showed those numbers were no fluke, batting .368/.427/.600 with five home runs and 28 RBI in 31 games with 51s to earn a callup this week. A 12th-round pick back in 2013, McNeil should start at either second or third base now that Asdrubal Cabrera has been dealt to the Phillies. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Adam Frazier, Pirates: Frazier was called back up this week to the majors, where he will once again be used in a utility role. He slashed .239/.323/.355 with three home runs and eight RBI during his 58 games with the parent club earlier in the season. Frazier wasn't much better at Triple-A Indianapolis, and he could head back down once Pittsburgh's injured players return. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Injury activations/updates

Joe Panik, Giants: Panik, on the disabled list since July 7 with a left groin strain, began a rehab assignment Thursday. Injuries have limited Panik to 54 games, and he has struggled at the plate in that limited action. If Panik responds well to batting practice and other baseball activities, he'll likely begin a minor-league stint early next week, with a potential return coming in early August. Alen Hanson is filling in at second base for Panik, who should regain his job when he returns, especially since Hanson has had his own issues at the dish lately. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

THIRD BASE

Mike Moustakas, Brewers: Moustakas joined the list of big-name players who went from the AL to NL, as he was traded Friday from the Royals to the Brewers for Brett Phillips and Jorge Lopez. Moose batted .249 with 20 homers and 62 RBI through 98 games with Kansas City, and several scouts believe his recent struggles were due to the poor lineup around him. This will not be an issue in Milwaukee, where Moustakas figures to take over as the everyday starter at the hot corner, with Travis Shaw likely shifting to second base. (Shaw also gets a bump in value if he is able to qualify at the keystone.) Moose took groundballs at second base before his Milwaukee debut Saturday and could see some games at that position. 12-team Mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: $88

David Bote, Cubs: Bote is back in Chicago, once again replacing the injured Kris Bryant on the Cubs' 25-man roster. He won't start daily but should team at second and third while he is with the parent club. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Cory Spangenberg, Padres: He was promoted last Sunday to provide depth in the outfield with Manuel Margot banged up. Spangenberg saw extended playing time for a spell in June but will be used as a utility player, with most of his action coming at second or third base and against righties. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

Phillip Evans/Luis Guillorme, Mets: Evans was promoted this week to rejoin the Mets. He provides depth at second, third base and left field. Guillorme replaces Asdrubal Cabrera on the middle infield depth chart. He slashed .172/.250/.207 with four RBI and one stolen base in 29 games in his early stint this season in the majors. Both - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $2

Injury activations/updates

Evan Longoria, Giants: Longoria, profiled the last two weeks, gets another mention as he was activated Thursday after a short minor-league rehab assignment at Triple-A Sacramento. He was previously deactivated since June 14 with a fractured fifth metacarpal on left hand suffered when hit by a pitch, necessitating surgery on June 19. Pablo Sandoval filled in for Longoria, who despite a subpar season when he was sidelined will be welcomed back with open arms by the Bay. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: $35 (upped bid)

Todd Frazier, Mets: Frazier, out since July 8 with a rib cage strain, began a rehab assignment with High-A St. Lucie on Saturday and should rejoin the Mets this week. After playing in at least 147 games the last five years, Frazier has been limited to just 61 contests due to a pair of injuries. Following a strong start to the year, Frazier plummeted at the plate and sits at just 217/.300/.385 to go along with the 10 homers and 32 RBI. Once he is activated, Frazier should see some starts at first base against tough righties while primarily playing third base otherwise. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (spec return bid)

SHORTSTOP

Eduardo Escobar, Diamondbacks: Arizona bolstered its lineup Friday, acquiring Escobar from the Twins for right-handed pitcher Jhoan Duran and outfielders Gabriel Maciel and Ernie De La Trinidad. With Jake Lamb (shoulder) landing back on the disabled list, the D-backs needed a starting third baseman and got a good one. Escobar will play daily at the hot corner and already qualifies at shortstop, having logged 21 games there this season. Escobar slashed .274/.338/.514 with 15 home runs and 63 RBI over 408 plate appearances. Once Lamb returns, Escobar should still play almost daily, seeing time at short, second and third base. 12-team Mixed: owned; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: $92

Orlando Arcia, Brewers: Arcia is back for another kick at the can in Milwaukee after batting 346/.424/.494 in 21 games at Triple-A Colorado Springs. After slashing just .190/.215/.190 without a single extra-base hit in June, Arcia was sent down to the minors for the second time this year to work on his swing. Milwaukee is still looking to bolster its middle infield before Tuesday's trade deadline but missed out on Eduardo Escobar and Asdrubal Cabrera, which could allow Arcia to hold onto the shortstop job, at least in the short term. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Injury activations/updates

J.P. Crawford, Phillies: Crawford, out since late April with a Grade 1 right flexor pronator strain, was activated in early June. After less than two weeks of play, Crawford suffered a fractured left hand when a pitch hit him, which was to sideline him 4-to-6 weeks. Crawford resumed fielding grounders and playing catch last Friday and took batting practice Thursday. He could be close to starting a minor-league rehab assignment, but with Philly obtaining Asdrubal Cabrera, Crawford could remain in the minors once he is activated. Crawford, who slashed just .194/.312/.333 when he was sidelined, also might be called up as a platoon or utility player, but that may depend on whether Scott Kingery, who has found his stroke at the plate recently and had been starting at shortstop, remains hot. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same early spec return bid)

OUTFIELD

Michael Conforto, Mets: Your window to add Conforto is likely gone. His ownership percentage has rocketed up in many formats, considering his hot streak since the All-Star break. Since the midseason spectacle, Conforto collected a base knock in seven of his last eight games, going 11-for-31 with five extra-base hits and nine RBI. With Asdrubal Cabrera dealt to Philly and Yoenis Cespedes out for the year, Conforto is a primary bat in the Mets' lineup. 12-team Mixed: $45; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

Manuel Margot, Padres: I profiled Margot to start July and highlight him to end the month. Margot, who held his own as a rookie with 13 home runs, 17 stolen bases and .722 OPS, was brutal to start 2018. His struggles last April and May, but when the calendar flipped to June, Margot looked like the hitter of last season. He has carried that success into July. Heading into Saturday's contest, he had posted a .295/.362/.467 mark in his last 30 games, notching three of his four homers on the year over that span. Margot has a stranglehold on a starting outfield spot, which looked to be in severe doubt at the end of May. 12-team Mixed: $25; 15-team Mixed: owned; 12-team NL: owned

Nick Williams, Phillies: The Phillies demoted Aaron Altherr to the minors this week, locking in Williams as the Phillies' starting right fielder at least against righties. Williams' overall numbers are down compared to what he posted in 83 games as a rookie last season, though he does have 14 home runs compared to 12 in 2017. The good news is that Williams has been hot in the plate in July, upping his average from .232 to .257 on the month. 12-team Mixed: $8; 15-team Mixed: $16; 12-team NL: owned

Magneuris Sierra, Marlins: Sierra, who played in 22 games as a Cardinal last year, was called up this week to make his Marlins major-league debut. Acquired this past offseason in the Marcell Ozuna trade, Sierra had played exclusively for Triple-A New Orleans this season, producing a .260/.287/.341 slash and chipping in 14 steals on 19 attempts. The overall numbers aren't great, but Sierra was excelling in July, likely earning him the promotion with Garrett Cooper (wrist) landing back on the disabled list. He needs to work on his plate discipline, evidenced in his poor BB% and low OBA, so his floor may be a Billy Hamilton-type player with a bit less speed. But at just 22, there is time for Sierra to improve that aspect of his game. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Austin Meadows, Pirates: Meadows rejoined the Pirates on Saturday while replacing Corey Dickerson, who landed on the disabled list with hamstring tightness. Dickerson may only miss the minimum, meaning that Meadows' stint in the majors could be short. Promoted earlier this Meadows hit .298/.333/.477 in his first stint with the parent club. But he was squeezed out of playing time with Dickerson, Gregory Polanco and Starling Marte all healthy. Jose Osuna, called up with Josh Bell landing on the DL with a strained oblique, can also play the outfield, but he likely will man first base. This creates playing time for Meadows against righties and Jordan Luplow versus lefties while Dickerson is out. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Austin Jackson, Mets: With Yoenis Cespedes (heel) out for the year and Jay Bruce sidelined for who knows how much longer, the Mets' outfield is thin. As a result, New York signed Jackson to a major-league contract, designating Matt den Dekker for assignment. Jackson slashed .242/.309/.295 with 13 RBI, eight extra-base hits and two stolen bases in 59 games with the Giants before he was traded to the Rangers in early July. After the deal, he was designated for assignment and subsequently released. Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo are locked into a pair of the outfield positions, but Jackson, who is known for his defense and has a fan in manager Mickey Callaway (they were both were in Cleveland last season), should see ample playing time in center field. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Roman Quinn/Mason Williams: The fourth and fifth outfielder callups this week were in Philadelphia and Cincinnati, respectively. Quinn was hitting .296/.349/.439 with two home runs and 13 steals (on 14 attempts) in 98 at-bats at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, with injuries once again cutting into his availability. His elite speed makes him a worthwhile add in deeper leagues for those chasing steals with his usage limited to pinch-hitting and -running duty along with occasional start. Williams slashed .280/.341/.418 with six home runs, 30 RBI and five stolen bases in 87 games with Triple-A Louisville prior to his promotion this week. His arrival provides Cincy with depth with Jesse Winker (shoulder) out for the year and Scott Schebler (shoulder) on the DL. Williams will split time in right with Phillip Ervin while Schebler is out, and Ervin gets a bump in value since he should see a rise in playing time. Quinn/Williams - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

Injury activations/updates

David Dahl, Rockies: Dahl, who was to miss 6-to-8 weeks when he was placed on the DL following a broken foot in late May, was activated from the 10-day disabled list Friday and optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque. With the Colorado outfield healthy, this move isn't a huge surprise, and Dahl will now need to wait for an injury or Sept. 1 to arrive before he rejoins the Rockies. Dahl hit .315/.379/.500 with seven home runs and five stolen bases in 237 plate appearances after his promotion in July 2016 and looked primed to take the next step forward last year, but injuries and roster limitations have held him back. He could get a chance to visit that upside later this season should a steady role open up. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (keeper stash bid)

Jarrod Dyson, Diamondbacks: Dyson, out since July 5 with a strained groin, resumed baseball activities last weekend but has yet to incorporate baserunning into his workouts. Once Dyson is able to run, look for Arizona to activate the speedy outfielder. Dyson will then slide back into his role as a backup outfielder and pinch runner. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (stolen base potential)