FAAB Factor-NL: LoMo in N.O. NoMo

Starting Pitchers

Miguel Batista - The Mets called up Batista, who was 3-0 with a 4.24 ERA in 10 games (eight starts) for Triple-A Buffalo, from the Bisons on Friday. Prior to the rainouts on Saturday and Sunday, Batista was probably available out of the bullpen and was the top candidate to start against the Marlins either Monday or Tuesday. The Mets have to reshuffle the rotation given the days off due to Hurricane Irene, meaning that Batista may now only pitch out the pen. Mixed: No; NL: $0

Brad Lincoln - Lincoln made manager Clint Hurdle's decision to keep him in the Pirates' rotation look good by tossing six innings of shutout ball against the Cardinals on Saturday to pick up his first win of the season. This strong outing comes on the heels of Lincoln shutting down a dangerous Milwaukee offense for six innings Monday in his first start after three weeks in the bullpen. His ability to limit walks at the major league level will go a long way toward determining his success, as he held a nearly 4:1 K:BB ratio in the minors. Mixed: $2; NL: $7

J.A. Happ - Happ was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday and started Friday's game after spending a couple weeks at Triple-A attempting to salvage his season. Prior to his demotion, Happ had really been struggling, leading the majors with 14 losses on the season. He had allowed at least five runs in eight consecutive outings, the longest such streak in the majors in 60 years. Happ had a solid return to the majors, allowing just one run off four hits through six innings Friday as the Astros fell to the Giants 2-1. He struck out two and walked four while throwing 60 of his 96 pitches for strikes. Happ still has a long way to go to get back to respectability, but hopefully Friday's outing was a step in the right direction. Mixed: $2; NL: $7

Erik Surkamp - Surkamp was promoted from Double-A to start Saturday's game against Houston. The 24-year-old Surkamp has been pretty dominant for Richmond this season, with a 10-4 record, 2.02 ERA and 165 strikeouts in 23 appearances. The team needs a spot starter because Jonathan Sanchez still isn't ready to return from an ankle injury. He took on Houston's Brett Myers on Saturday, with the luxury of having made his major league debut against the league's weakest squad. He has an average to above-average fastball, but his best pitch is his curveball. That's what he gets a lot of strikeouts with – "That thing is nasty. It doesn't matter what level he's playing on. He's going to get a lot of people out with that curveball." That was from former minor league teammate Brandon Belt. This year as a Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrel, Surkamp is 10-4 with a 2.02 ERA, 165 strikeouts and 44 walks. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Relief Pitchers

Santiago Casilla - Casilla struck out two en route to a scoreless inning of relief and his second save of the season Friday. It looks like Bruce Bochy will run with the hot hand while Brian Wilson is out as Casilla was given another opportunity after converting his first save of the season Wednesday.  There is still no word as to when Wilson will be back and with Sergio Romo just coming off the DL, Casilla could continue to rack up some saves for your fantasy team. However, keep in mind that Bochy could turn to Romo, Ramon Ramirez or Jeremy Affeldt if a save situation arises. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Steve Cishek - Cishek earned his second save of the season Wednesday against the Reds with a perfect two-thirds of an inning in relief of Edward Mujica, who was pulled from the save chance after giving up a two-run homer. At the time, it was thought that Cishek got the save because Leo Nunez had the day off after allowing nine runs in his last three outings. Cishek followed that outing up by getting the nod again and saving his third game of the season Friday despite allowing two hits and a run. Cishek's ERA is still a shiny 2.79, and his 45:12 K:BB ratio is nice as well. While Nunez hasn't officially been removed from the closer role, he is likely on thin ice and Cishek could be first in line to get the call if Nunez's struggles continue. Mixed: $3; NL: $9.

Kenley Jansen - Jansen, out since July 27 with cardiac arrhythmia, was activated from the 15-day DL on Wednesday with Josh Lindblom sent down to Double-A to make space on the roster. Although Javy Guerra has done nothing to suggest he's undeserving of the closer role, Jansen, who lowererd his ERA from 6.43 on June 17, when he was called up from the minors, to 3.65 when he was sidelined, presents the greatest internal long-term threat to taking over that role. Mixed: $1; NL: $4

Bobby Parnell - Parnell picked up his first save of the year in the Mets' 7-4 win over the Phillies on Wednesday. Parnell walked two and struck out two in the scoreless ninth, retiring Carlos Ruiz, who was the potential tying run, on a groundout to end the inning. Still, he picked up his second MLB save -- the first one a three-inning job back in 2009. Parnell, who hit his customary triple-digits on his fastball, topping out at 102, is still struggling with his control and command, seen in his 3.92 BB/9 rate. Despite his struggles, he still has a 3.92 ERA that is somewhat artificially spiked due to his .377 BABIP, but he has a .315 FIP. Given that the Mets are looking forward to 2012, Parnell should get the majority of the save chances the remainder of the season, though Jason Isringhausen may still factor in the mix. Mixed: $5; NL: $14.

Huston Street - Street, who had been sidelined since August 8 with a sore triceps, was activated off the disabled list Friday. Despite Street coming off the DL, Rafael Betancourt will stay in closer role for now. Prior to Saturday's blown save, Betancourt had allowed one unearned run in his prior 20 outings over a span of 17.2 innings, while converting three saves in Street's absence. Street, who had a 4.06 ERA but a 49:8 K:BB ratio in 51 innings, had converted 29 of 32 saves before getting injured, so it's not like the team needs to make up excuses to keep him out of the closer's role. Street did throw a scoreless inning Saturday but allowed two hits and a walk. That may be enough to get him back the close role, though it would not be surprising for manager Jim Tracy to give him a few more outings to ease back into the role. (should still be owned in all formats).

Catchers

A.J. Ellis - With Dioner Navarro designated for assignment, the Dodgers have called up Ellis. This is Ellis's third stint this year with the Dodgers and he should back up Rob Barajas, seeing the occasional start. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Corner Infielders

Nick Evans - Evans had a big day Wednesday, starting at first base and going 3-for-4 with a three-run homer and an RBI double in a win over the Phillies. Evans, who started against a lefty Tuesday, got the start against a right-handed pitcher, which is nice, too, for a guy who's struggled to establish himself in the major leagues, and at just 25 years old, was designated for assignment three times just this year. Evans got the start again Friday and it appears as if manager Terry Collins will give him a chance to play regularly at first base with Lucas Duda shifting to right field. Evans has failed to make the most of opportunities in the past, but his solid minor-league numbers make him an intriguing addition for the last five weeks of the year. Mixed: $4; NL: $13.

Taylor Green - Green was called up Saturday from Triple-A Nashville, where he was hitting .336/.413/.583 with 21 home runs and 85 RBI in 420 at-bats this season. It's doubtful that he'll displace Casey McGehee as the starter at third base, but he could split time. Green is slugging only .376 against left-handed pitching at Triple-A this season, so the Brewers could use a bit of a platoon. The timing of this decision is also a bit odd, considering that they could have waited a week when the rosters expanded to do it. This final month could go a long way towards Green, who was a one-time Milwaukee Minor League Player of the Year before injuries derailed his 2009 season, getting a starting job at third in 2012. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (higher in keeper leagues)

Kevin Kouzmanoff - The Rockies called up Kouzmanoff, who they acquired on Tuesday from Oakland, from Triple-A Colorado Springs on Wednesday. Kouzmanoff hit just .221 in 46 games with the A's earlier this season, the third straight year his numbers declined. With the Rockies out of contention, Ian Stewart not the answer at the hot corner and Ty Wigginton struggling, Kouzmanoff figures to get a good look at third base over the next few weeks, although it remains to be seen how effective he will be. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Chris Marrero - The Nationals promoted Marrero from Triple-A Syracuse to take the roster spot of the injured Ryan Matheus. Marrero, who is hitting .300, with 14 home runs and 69 RBIs, will get starts at first base, while Michael Morse will see action in left field. Though he was a former first-round pick, Marrero has had a hard time kick-starting his professional career. This is a good chance for him to demonstrate that he should be more of the picture at first base next year than Adam LaRoche. Mixed: $3, NL: $10.

Middle Infielders

Aaron Hill - In a surprising move, Hill was dealt to the Diamondbacks along with John McDonald in exchange for Kelly Johnson. Hill had a few solid seasons, including 2007, but exploded for 36 HR in 2009. He fell back to earth somewhat in 2010, posting a .205 batting average, though he did have 26 home runs. This year, the batting average was still weak and it came with a stark drop in power, as he had just six home runs in 45 RBI. Hill is expected to take over as Arizona's second baseman in place of Johnson. The move to Chase Field doesn't help him since he is coming from playing at the Rogers Center, but he should be in the lineup daily. NL: $18

John MacDonald - McDonald, who came over to Arizona with Aaron Hill for Kelly Johnson, started and went 0-for-4 Wednesday against Washington, will share time at short with Willie Bloomquist.  Neither player will bring much to the table offensively, but McDonald fields his position very well and ultimately, that could lead him to the larger share of the at-bats come playoff time as the D-Backs have plenty of other offensive weapons at their disposal anyway. Mixed: $0; NL: $3

Ruben Tejada - Tejada, who had three hits Friday and is 22-for-58 in 17 games since returning August 8 from Triple-A Buffalo, could be elevated to the two-spot in the lineup. Tejada, whose days at shortstop this season should be numbered with Jose Reyes likely to return after a weekend rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton, could shift to second base for the remainder of the year. He won't provide much power, but has done a job of getting on-base, posting a .370 OBA this season. Mixed: $3; NL: $9.

Rickie Weeks - Weeks, out since July 27 with a third-degree sprained ankle that included ligament damage, ran the bases and on a treadmill Monday. Weeks needs to pass some lateral movement tests before he's cleared, which may take some time.  If he is cleared in the next week then the Brewers may decide to send him on a rehab assignment until rosters expand on September 1.  (go the max if he is available).

Chase d'Arnaud - D'Arnaud, who missed nearly a month with a fractured right pinky finger, was activated off the disabled list on Wednesday. Manager Clint Hurdle likes the energy d'Arnaud brings the team and will deploy him at second base as well as on the left side of the infield.D'Arnaud will have about five weeks to prove that he should be the starting shortstop in 2012, which will allow Pittsburgh to walk away from the $3 million club option that have on the current starter, Ronny Cedeno. Mixed: $0; NL: $3

Andy Parrino - The Padres promoted Parrino to the majors Thursday after hitting .315/.393/.511 with 12 home runs and 56 RBI in 88 games between Double-A and Triple-A this season. Expect him to serve as a utility infielder in his first stint as a big leaguer. Mixed: No; NL: $0

Jose Reyes - Reyes, who has been on the disabled list since Aug. 8 with a strained/tight left hamstring is scheduled to complete a rehab stint with Double-A Binghamton on Saturday and be activated Monday. Manager Terry Collins has spoken about resting Reyes periodically to keep his legs healthy, but when he is in the lineup, look for him to continue to be the disruptive force on the basepaths. (go the max if available, though doubtful he will be)

Orlando Hudson - Going into Friday night's contest, Hudson has been as been on a tear. In his last 16 games, he is batting .375 (21 for 56) with five extra base hits, including a home run. He has stolen three bases and has been and has collected twelve RBI and scored sixteen runs. Unfortunately, on the season, he is batting just .259 as he's been collecting strikeouts at close to a 20% rate which is around 5% higher than his norm. He's been a solid source of speed throughout the year (17 stolen bases) but with an ISO of just .099, his current hot hitting won't last. He's a decent choice at second base in NL leagues for sure and is respectable in deeper mixed leagues especially when he has been as hot as he has been. Just don't expect this current streak to go as he will cool off soon enough. Mixed: $5; already owned in NL leagues.

Hanley Ramirez - Ramirez, who has been on the disabled list since Aug. 3 with a left shoulder sprain, could be activated as early as Monday when the Marlins are in New York. But manager Jack McKeon said it might be smarter to have Ramirez play in several games for the Hammerheads, making certain the shoulder is healed before bringing him back to the Marlins. McKeon said it might be better to just wait until rosters can be expanded on Sept. 1 to add Ramirez to the roster. If you have to ask ..

Outfielders

Carlos Beltran - Beltran, who has been nursing a strained right hand since Aug. 7, was activated off the DL on Tuesday. Beltran, who has been nursing a strained right hand since Aug. 7, was activated off the DL on Tuesday. He pinch-hit in his first game back but was then reinserted to his right field spot and position in the batting order. If for some reason he was waived in your league, snatch up now. (just an FYI, as should be owned in all formats)

Logan Morrison - Morrison was called back up to the majors Wednesday after spending just the minimum 10 days at Triple-A New Orleans after the Marlins demoted him for reasons that clearly weren't related to his on-field performance. Prior to his demotion, Morrison was hitting .249/.327/.464 along with 17 home runs and 60 RBI. Asssuming his abnormally low .271 BABIP rises to the norm, Morrison should see a spike in batting average while benefitting from hitting behind Mike Stanton. Mixed: $12; NL: $30

Andres Torres -  Torres, on the 15-day disabled list with a contusion on his lower right leg, hit .275 (11-for-40) with two doubles, two triples, three home runs and 10 RBI in a nine-game injury rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Fresno. He is expected to be activated Sunday and should take over for Cody Ross in center field. Mixed: $5; NL: $16.

Alex Presley - The Pirates activated Presley, who had been out with nerve injury to the webbing of his left hand near his thumb since last-July, from the disabled list Wednesday. Presley, who hit .304 innhis rehab stint, picked it up towards the end, hitting .498 in his last five rehab games with Triple-A Indy. With Ryan Ludwick out, he should play every day in left field with Jose Tabata moving to right. Presley hit .333 in 20 games with the Pirates before getting hurt and Pittsburgh hopes he picks right back up from where he left off. Mixed: $9; NL: $25

Carlos Gomez - Gomez, on the disabled list since July 21 with a fractured left clavicle, which he had repaired surgically, got the all clear and was slated to begin a rehab stint Saturday. Once he does return to action, likely in a week or so, Gomez probably will reassume his spot in the center-field platoon with Nyjer Morgan - playing against left-handed starters. This will allow Jerry Hairston Jr. to shift over to second base until Rickie Weeks is ready to come off the disabled list. Mixed: $1; NL: $4