NL FAAB Factor: May the Schwarb be with You

This is our weekly look at National League free agents. We have two goals for this article:

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

One size does not fit all, and we could never hope to encompass all league structures, so bids are based on:

• 12-team league (either NL or Mixed, we'll specify)
• 5x5 categories
• $100 FAAB budget

Happy Fathers' Day to all the dads out there, including my father, father-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Starting Pitching

Manny Banuelos, Braves – Banuelos gets another mention, as Mike Foltynewicz was sent down, opening up a rotation spot. Matt Wisler is getting the first shot, but Banuelos is likely next in line. Banuelos' ERA now sits at 2.29 with a 1.30 WHIP and 63 strikeouts in 70.2 innings for Triple-A Gwinnett, though his FIP is 3.44. Last season, Banuelos returned from Tommy John surgery to post a 4.13 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 71:31 K:BB in 26 appearances (25 starts) between the Yankees' High-A, Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. If Wisler struggles, Banuelos should get his shot. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early call-up spec bid).

Adam Morgan, Phillies – Morgan will be called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to start Sunday's game against the Cardinals, replacing Jerome Williams (hamstring). Philly already called up Phillippe Aumont to replace Cole Hamels (hamstring), who was scratched from Friday's start, so the team didn't have many more available options than Morgan, who got the nod despite going 0-6 with a 4.74 ERA and a 33:27 K:BB ratio in 68.1 innings at Lehigh Valley. The Phillies opted to go with Morgan and not call up Severino Gonzalez, who was bombed in his prior stint in the majors. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Justin Nicolino, Marlins – Nicolino was called up to start against Cincinnati on Saturday when a neck injury sidelined Tom Koehler. Nicolino made the most of that start, shutting out the Reds for seven innings on four hits and two walks while striking out two. Nicolino, who came over to the Marlins from the Blue Jays several years ago, posted a 2.87 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 45:21 K:BB in 13 starts (78.1 innings) for Triple-A New Orleans. That low strikeout rate is the major red flag against Nicolino, but he has had success at every level and should be able to carry that over to the majors to at least some extent. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Aaron Nola, Phillies – Nola was spectacular for Double-A Reading this season, posting a 1.88 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 59:9 K:BB over 76.2 innings to earn a call-up to Triple-A Lehigh Valley this week. He continued his roll in his first start, picking up a win by throwing five scoreless innings, allowing four hits and a walk while striking out seven. It's only a matter of time before he sees the majors, which could be in August or September. Nola, the seventh pick in the 2014 draft, went a combined 4-3 with a 2.93 ERA and 45:10 K:BB ratio in 55.1 innings between High and Double-A after signing with the Phillies last June. As we noted in our preseason outlook, he commands all three of his pitches very well, mixing a 91-93 mph fastball with sink, a change-up that occasionally flashes as a plus offering, and a slider. Nola likely won't be a No. 2 starter but could settle in as a three. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec call-up bid).

Robbie Ray, Diamondbacks – Ray has done everything he can to keep his starting spot when Archie Bradley (shoulder) and Patrick Corbin (elbow) are ready to go. In four starts for the D-Backs before Saturday's start, Ray allowed just three runs over 24.2 innings along with a 0.97 WHIP. In addition, Ray's velocity has averaged 93.7 after sitting at 91.3 last year, though he has just a 16:7 K:BB ratio after striking out 57 in 41.2 innings at Triple-A Reno. After struggling at Triple-A and in the majors for Detroit last year, Ray got a new lease on life coming to the D-Backs in a three-team deal with the Tigers and Yankees. He has more than made the most of it, using his fastball, change-up and improving slider to retire hitters. Mixed: $4; NL: $11 (up if you think he sticks in the majors).

Joe Ross, Nationals – Ross was dominant Friday, allowing just one run over 7.1 innings, striking out 11, and walking only one. Through his first three starts in the majors, Ross has a 2.66 ERA along with a 23:2 K:BB ratio in 20.1 innings and two wins. Unfortunately, that may not be enough for him to stick in the majors. Doug Fister just returned from his forearm strain Thursday, and Stephen Strasburg is on target to make his return from a strained trapezius muscle early next week, possibly Tuesday against the Braves, so Ross will likely end up back at Triple-A. He showed more than enough to be next in line if a spot starter is needed. Prior to the promotion, Ross, who came over to Washington in the Wil Myers deal, posted a 2.81 ERA and 54:12 K:BB ratio in 51.1 innings for Double-A Harrisburg. He has a three-pitch arsenal that includes a 91-92 mph two-seam fastball (he can touch 96 mph with his four-seamer), above-average slider and improving change-up. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (spec bid for next call-up).

Matt Wisler, Braves – Wisler, who came over to the Braves in the Craig Kimbrel trade, was called up Friday to start against the Mets, replacing Mike Foltynewicz in the Atlanta rotation. Wisler allowed just one run on six hits, walked none, and struck out two over eight innings to pick up the win. His overall numbers this season at Triple-A Gwinnett - 4.29 ERA and 6.8 K/9 – don't stand out, but he was dominant in May, posting a 1.78 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 26:6 K:BB ratio in 35.1 innings. Wisler is most known for his tremendous walk rate, which continued this season with a 1.8 BB/9 at Gwinnett. If Wisler struggles at all, look for Manny Banuelos, who has been dominant in the minors, to be the next man up. Mixed: $3; NL: $9.

Injury activation/updates:

Brandon Beachy, Dodgers– Beachy, recovering from his second Tommy John surgery in a span of 21 months, made his first rehab start, tossing 1.2 innings for High-A Rancho Cucamonga. He likely will need the full 30 days of rehab, which would consist of 4-5 more rehab starts, before being ready to join the Dodgers. Beachy, who signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers this past offseason, could replace Carlos Frias in the team's rotation. He has changed his mechanics in order to lessen the stress he puts on his elbow and we should have a better sense how successful that change will be as his rehab starts continue. Beachy will make his second rehab start Sunday for Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he plans to throw roughly 50 pitches over three innings. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec return bid).

Chad Billingsley, Phillies – Billingsley, on the disabled list since May 17 with a Grade 2 lat strain, made a rehab start Tuesday at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, throwing 46 pitches. He allowed three hits, an unearned run and one walk in three innings. Billingsley is scheduled to make another rehab start Sunday. He originally was to throw 60 pitches Tuesday, but only made 46. As a result, he'll probably only throw 65-70 pitches Sunday, rather than the original plan of 90. That likely means that he'll need to make another rehab start before he rejoins the team. Billingsley struck out only seven batters and posted a 6.75 ERA over his three starts with the Phillies, which were his first appearances in the majors since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2013. Mixed: $0; NL: $3 (early spec return bid).

Archie Bradley, Diamondbacks – Bradley, sidelined since the beginning of the month with right shoulder tendinitis, threw 54 pitches over 2.2 innings in a simulated game Thursday. After a solid start to the season, Bradley struggled mightily in his four starts after coming off the disabled list following getting hit by a line drive, causing his ERA to spike to 5.80. Bradley will likely need to complete a couple of minor league rehab starts before his activation, so look for a return right around the All-Star break. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early return spec bid).

Matt Cain, Giants – Cain, who had bone chips removed from his elbow last August and has been sidelined all season with a strained forearm, threw 74 pitches and struck out seven batters over 3.1 innings in his second rehab start with Triple-A Sacramento on Monday. That outing comes after he threw 55 pitches (36 strikes) in his rehab start for Double-A Richmond the previous Tuesday. The plan now is for Cain to make two or three more rehab starts and get up to 90-100 pitches. He could potentially rejoin the Giants around the All-Star break, which is when his 30-day rehab clock ends, but room needs to be created in the rotation. That may result in Chris Heston losing his spot. Mixed: $4; NL: $11 (upped early spec return bid).

Patrick Corbin, Diamondbacks – Corbin, recovering from March 2014 Tommy John surgery, allowed two runs on three hits in 5.2 innings Saturday for Double-A Mobile. This was his third rehab start, and he has gotten better in each one. Corbin, who is hitting 94 mph on the gun, could be back by late June or early July. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec return bid).

Jarred Cosart, Marlins – Cosart, on the disabled list with vertigo, was to make his third and final start of his rehab assignment Tuesday, but that outing was rained out. The plan was for Cosart to be activated and replace Jose Urena in Miami's rotation for Tuesday's game, though those plans may get changed due to the rainout and his struggles in his first two rehab starts. With Jose Fernandez due back on July 2 and Henderson Alvarez likely to rejoin the rotation at some point in July, Cosart may need to pitch well to hold onto his spot. Before he was sidelined, Cosart was 1-3 with a 4.08 ERA in 39.2 innings this season. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Jose Fernandez, Marlins – Fernandez gets another mention as he announced this week that he will rejoin the team and pitch July 2. He made a third start at High-A Jupiter on Wednesday, allowing a run in 4.2 innings while striking out 10. In his three starts, Fernandez has allowed six runs in 12.2 innings and will next move his rehab to Triple-A New Orleans. He is working his way back from Tommy John surgery after making just eight starts and throwing 51.2 innings last season. Fernandez's fastball has been in the 94-98 mph range, which is around where he was before he was sidelined. Remember it takes pitchers coming off of this surgery a bit of time to settle in, so don't be surprised if there are bumps along the road. Mixed: $15; NL: $42 (same bid as last week).

Doug Fister, Nationals – Fister, sidelined with a forearm strain since mid-May, returned to the majors Thursday, allowing five runs on nine hits while striking out three in 5.1 innings. He pitched well until tiring a bit in the sixth, when he surrendered four runs. Fister probably should have made one more rehab start, as he made just two - tossing 65 pitches in one and 70 pitches in the other - before getting activated. He should improve as the season moves along now that he looks to be healthy. Fister, who had a brilliant 2014 campaign in Washington, struggled to start the season, going 2-2 with a 4.31 ERA while having trouble consistently getting his sinker working, so it's possible he was dealing with an arm injury a while before he was sidelined. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Raisel Iglesias, Reds – Iglesias, out since May 30 with an oblique injury, took part in a light throwing session Wednesday. The expectation is that Iglesias will be back with the Reds before the All-Star break, though he likely will need a rehab start or two before coming back. When he does return, look for him to slot back into the rotation. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (early return spec bid).

Lance Lynn, Cardinals – Lynn, out since June 8 with a strained forearm, threw a bullpen session Saturday that went well and without incident. He is eligible to be activated Thursday, but the Cardinals may wait until the weekend so he can pitch at home against the Cubs. Lynn, who was replaced in the rotation by Tyler Lyons, likely will throw again Tuesday and could start Sunday. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Jake Peavy, Giants – Peavy, out since mid-April with a muscle strain and continued issues with the SI joint in his lower back, made his fifth rehab start at Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday, allowing three runs on five hits with five strikeouts over seven innings and 95 pitches. That pitch count is up from the 83 he tossed in his last start. He'll make sixth rehab start and could return to the Giants on June 26. However, there may not be room at the inn for Peavy, as the Giants' five-man staff has been solid and manager Bruce Bochy said he doesn't want to use a six-man rotation, Peavy could eventually slot in for Ryan Vogelsong, moving the latter to the bullpen. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (same bid as prior bids).

Wily Peralta, Brewers – Peralta, out since May 25 with an oblique injury, threw from 105 feet on flat ground Thursday, but he still hasn't gotten back on a mound since suffering the injury. The original timeframe for Peralta's return was 4-6 weeks, but it looks like he will be sidelined longer than that. Peralta still needs to throw from the mound, which may occur this week, and then have several bullpen sessions and a few rehab starts before he is ready to return. Look for that to occur around the All-Star break. Mixed: $2; NL: owned (early spec return bid, to be upped as he gets closer to return).

Stephen Strasburg, Nationals – Strasburg, sidelined since leaving his May 29 start with neck tightness, gave up two runs (one earned) on four hits and zero walks while striking out six in a five-inning, 71-pitch rehab start for Double-A Harrisburg on Wednesday, and his fastball sat in the 95-97 mph range. Strasburg has worked on improving his mechanics, which has included better aligning his foot to the plate. He did some work in the field Friday, including taking groundballs and practicing covering first, and he threw a bullpen session Saturday. It's possible Strasburg, off to the worst start of his career with a 3-5 record and 6.55 ERA in 10 starts, rejoins Washington to start Tuesday against Atlanta. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Relief Pitching

Christian Bergman, Carlos Contreras, Daniel Coulombe, Jake Diekman, Jean Machi, Yoervis Medina, Justin Miller, Seth Rosin, Logan Verrett, and Matt West - This week's key middle reliever call-ups/activations, as well as expected call-ups don't have any substantial value save for Medina and Miller, each of whom could work their way into setup roles for the Cubs (Medina) and Rockies (Miller). All except Medina and Miller - Mixed: No; NL: $0; Medina and Miller – Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Bobby Parnell, Mets – Parnell has finally made his way back from last spring's Tommy John surgery. He made a successful return to the majors this past week, notching a five-out save Tuesday along with a pair of holds. Jeurys Familia is dealing with tightness in his groin but is expected to be available this week. If Familia is sidelined at all, Parnell, whose velocity is sitting in the 91-92 mph range but has topped out at 95, likely will close for the Mets. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Kevin Siegrist, Cardinals – Siegrist's numbers plummeted last year, likely due to a forearm injury that cost him nearly half the season and may have even affected his performance when he was reportedly healthy. This year, Siegrist is healthy and it's showing in his numbers, as he has a 1.52 ERA and 40 strikeouts against just 11 walks in 29.2 innings. Trevor Rosenthal missed time this past week with a forearm injury and Siegrist notched saves on back-to-back nights. If Rosenthal, who pitched Saturday, is sidelined again, Siegrist is the clear favorite to replace him as the team's closer. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (hedge for Rosenthal injury).

Catcher

Oscar Hernandez, Diamondbacks – Hernandez, selected by Arizona in the Rule 5 draft, has been sidelined since breaking his left hand late in spring training. That break required surgery and was to keep him out 6-8 weeks. About two weeks after the injury, Hernandez popped scar tissue loose in his left hand, sidelining him even longer. He recently started a rehab assignment with Low-A Kane County and will join the D-Backs when ready. Hernandez hit .249/.301/.401 with nine homers and 63 RBI in 94 games for Rays' High-A Bowling Green affiliate in 2014 and could replace either Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Welington Castillo on the 25-man roster. Mixed: No; NL: $0 (early spec call-up bid).

Ryan Lavarnway, Braves – Lavarnway was called up from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday, replacing Christian Bethancourt on the Braves' 25-man roster and as A.J. Pierzynski's backup. At one point, Lavarnway was a solid prospect for the Red Sox, but that ship has long sailed, as he is now with his third organization. Atlanta typically rests Pierzynski against left-handed pitchers, so Lavarnway figures to get a good chunk of his at-bats against southpaws. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Kevin Plawecki, Mets – Plawecki, who was called up in late April when Travis d'Arnaud suffered a broken hand, has surprisingly remained on the Mets 25-man roster despite d'Arnaud's return two weeks ago. D'Arnaud was injured again Saturday, repeating what has become a pattern for him, this time with a hyperextended elbow. Plawecki, selected 35th in 2012 with a supplemental pick the Mets received for losing Jose Reyes, should see most of the action behind the plate for however long d'Arnaud is sidelined, though he is not expected to miss much time. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Kyle Schwarber, Cubs – Schwarber, selected with the fourth pick in last year's draft, was promoted this week to serve as the Cubs' DH for six games in American League parks. He more than deserved the call-up, as he was batting 320/.438/.579 with 13 home runs and a 49:42 K:BB ratio in 197 at-bats with Double-A Tennessee. The plan is for Schwarber to go down to Triple-A Iowa and possibly be back in the majors later this season, where he may play left field. In the future, Schwarber's position is unknown, as he may catch or play the outfield, but the bat plays in either spot. Obviously, his fantasy value is higher behind the plate, but he does possess solid value if he lands in the outfield. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (higher in keeper leagues or believe he is called up in August).

First Base

Danny Dorn, Diamondbacks – Dorn, who was flat out raking for Triple-A Reno, was called up the replace Ender Inciarte on the D-Backs roster. Dorn was batting .426/.470/.628 with four home runs and 26 RBI over 39 games with Reno to get the promotion. He can play some first and outfield, but likely will be used mostly as a pinch hitter. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Mike Morse, Marlins – Morse, sidelined with a sprained right ring finger since May 24, began a rehab assignment with Double-A Jacksonville on Wednesday. Prior to being sidelined, Morse was having a nightmare campaign, batting .210/.268/.289 with just two home runs in 37 games. Justin Bour, who has replaced Morse at first base, has struggled lately, opening the door for Morse to regain his spot when he returns, likely in about a week. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Xavier Scruggs, Cardinals – Scruggs was called up from Triple-A Memphis on Friday. This was a move rumored when Matt Adams was injured, but St. Louis decided to keep Scruggs, who had 11 home runs and was hitting .251 in 60 games with Memphis, in the minors. He could see some occasional starts at first base, spelling Mark Reynolds. Mixed: No; NL: $3.

Brett Wallace, Padres – Wallace was called up Friday from Triple-A El Paso, where in 61 games he batted .305/.380/.460 with eight home runs, 13 doubles, and 37 RBI. He will provide the Padres a solid bat off the bench while also seeing some time at first and third base. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Second Base

Derek Dietrich, Marlins – Dietrich, profiled last week when he was called up, gets another mention as Martin Prado landed on the disabled list with a shoulder injury. He hit seven home runs and had an .815 OPS at Triple-A New Orleans and should continue to see most of the action at third base. Donovan Solano will play against lefties with Dietrich in the lineup vs. righties as long as his suspect defense is up to par. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Shortstop

Greg Garcia, Cardinals – Garcia, having his third strong season at Triple-A Memphis, was promoted Friday. At the time of his call-up, Garcia was hitting .313/.405/.369 with nine steals and no home runs, but that on-base percentage stands out. With Kolten Wong and Jhonny Peralta set in the middle infield, Garcia will be limited to spot duty and pinch hitting. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Third Base

Hector Olivera, Dodgers – Olivera is profiled for the third straight week, as he continues to perform well in the minors while the Dodgers' offense is scuffling a bit. He played just six games with Double-A Tulsa, going 7-for-22 with a home run and six RBI, before getting promoted last week to Triple-A Oklahoma City. It may be a matter of a week or two before Olivera, who signed a six-year, $62.5 million deal with the Dodgers in March, is promoted. His best bet for playing time is third base, replacing Justin Turner, though he may also see time at second base and left field. Mixed: $4; NL: $11 (upped bid as he is getting closer to the majors).

Outfield

Brandon Barnes, Rockies – Barnes looked to have lost his starting job with Corey Dickerson coming off the disabled last week, but Dickerson landed back on the DL due to his plantar fasciitis and Barnes is expected to be primary option in left field. Barnes has raked against righties and should be better against lefties, so look for him to see most of the playing time in left, supported by Ben Paulsen and Rafael Ynoa. However, keep in mind that Barnes was exposed when he saw additional playing time last season, so if he scuffles, Paulsen or Ynoa could see more playing time. Mixed: $4; NL: $11.

Eury Perez, Braves – Perez failed to earn a roster spot this spring, but had solid numbers in the minors to earn a call-up Thursday. Perez posted a .296/.376/.370 line with 28 steals in 60 games at Triple-A Gwinnett and he will serve as a fourth outfielder for Atlanta, seeing time in at all three outfield spots. Mixed: No; NL: $3.

Will Venable, Padres – Yonder Alonso's injury earlier in the season resulted in Wil Myers moving to first base, opening up center field for Venable. Now, Myers' wrist injury will allow Venable to see consistent playing time the next two months. Venable has some power and speed, making him a nice option in most leagues, but his inability to make consistent contact and his weak BABIP resulted in a major drop in his production last season. He has picked it back up this year, and while Melvin Upton Jr. will see some time as well, Venable should see most of the playing time in center field. Mixed: $8; NL: owned.

Injury activation/updates:

Gregor Blanco, Giants – Blanco, out with a concussion since June 9, made it through an on-field workout Tuesday and came through feeling fine. He was activated Friday and played right field, where he likely will see most of his playing time. That will take at-bats away from Justin Maxwell, who was splitting time with Jarrett Parker (optioned to the minors Friday) in right with Hunter Pence (wrist) out. Blanco will also see some time in center field. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Marlon Byrd, Reds – Byrd's season looked to be on hold for possibly up to two months when he suffered a fractured right wrist after getting hitting by a pitch on June 2. He made a much-faster-than-expected recovery and kicked off a two-game rehab stint with Double-A Pensacola on Wednesday. Before getting hurt, Byrd was batting .212 with 10 homers and 25 RBI in his first 47 games of the season. Byrd was activated Friday and has slid back into his role as the starting left fielder while also hitting in the middle of the Reds' order. He naturally punctuated his return to the lineup with a home run. Mixed: $5; NL: $14 (in case he was waived when injured).

Jorge Soler, Cubs – Soler, out with a sprained left ankle since June 3, resumed throwing last Sunday and took batting practice Friday. In addition, he has shed his walking boot and could be cleared for a minor league rehab assignment this week. When Soler is ready to go, which should be in about a week, he will slide back into his spot as the Cubs' starting right fielder. Mixed: $4; NL: owned (early spec return bid, to be upped as he gets closer to return).

Scott Van Slyke, Dodgers – Van Slyke, out with a back injury, was activated off the disabled list Wednesday. With Yasiel Puig having returned to the lineup, Andre Ethier will see most of the playing time in left field with Van Slyke starting against most lefties. He hit .315/.415/.630 against southpaws a year ago, but struggled against lefties prior to hitting the DL. Van Slyke made up for that by homering off a lefty Wednesday. Mixed: No; NL: $2.