NL FAAB Factor: A Story About a Man Named Jedd

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

Starting Pitching

Manny Banuelos, Braves – Banuelos, expected to be promoted to replace Williams Perez, who landed on the 15-day disabled list with a left foot contusion, did in fact get the call to start Thursday. That outing went better than anyone could have hoped, as Banuelos tossed 5.2 scoreless innings against Washington prior to exiting with cramping and dehydration, allowing just two hits while striking out seven and not walking a single batter. Banuelos earned the promotion, dominating Triple-A with a 2.29 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 69 strikeouts in 82.2 innings. He should stick in the rotation for several more turns at a minimum until Perez is ready to return. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (upped bid, go higher if you think he'll stay in the rotation).

Clayton Richard, Cubs – Richard was acquired from the Pirates and was immediately inserted into the Cubs' starting rotation Saturday, allowing two runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out four in 6.1 innings to get the win. Chicago needed a starter to replace the injured Tsuyoshi Wada and rescued Richard, who was pitching at Triple-A Indianapolis. Richard last pitched in the majors in 2013, notching a 7.01 ERA in 12 starts for the Padres, and he missed most of 2014 with thoracic outlet syndrome. He had a 2.09 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 56 innings over nine starts with Indianapolis, albeit with a 25:13 K:BB ratio, which is not surprising since historically he has not been a strikeout pitcher. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Robert Stephenson, Reds – Stephenson was promoted to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday. After a rough start to the season, he really righted the ship, posting a 2.36 ERA over his last 10 starts to lower his overall ERA to 3.68. However, his walk rate, which was a major concern last year and a big reason for his struggles at Double-A, continues to remain high. The walk rate is offset by an outstanding strikeout rate, but an 89:43 K:BB in 78.1 innings isn't quite going to get the job done. Stephenson could see Cincinnati sometime in the season half of the season. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec call-up bid).

Injury activation/updates:

Henderson Alvarez, Marlins – Alvarez, sidelined with shoulder inflammation since May 22, has made just four starts this season, posting a 6.45 ERA and 1.57 WHIP over 22.1 innings. He's finally taking steps towards returning to the Marlins, tossing a successful 30-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, and could begin a rehab assignment shortly after the All-Star break. Alvarez broke through last season, notching a 2.65 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 187 innings. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (likely owned in NL-only leagues, but this is his second injury this season).

Brandon Beachy, Dodgers – Beachy made his fourth rehab start Wednesday, allowing one run on six hits in five innings and 80 pitches for Triple-A Oklahoma City. He is slowly working his way back from a pair of Tommy John surgeries in a span of 21 months. Beachy likely will make a few more starts before he is considered for a starting spot with the Dodgers. He could replace Carlos Frias in the team's rotation or possibly join the bullpen. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (spec return bid).

Chad Billingsley, Phillies – Billingsley, on the disabled list since May 17 with a Grade 2 lat strain, was expected to make one more rehab start before rejoining the Phillies, but was called up with Aaron Harang (plantar fasciitis) landing on the disabled list. He was hit hard in his return from the disabled list Thursday against the Brewers, allowing seven runs (six earned) on 10 hits over five innings. Prior to being sidelined initially, Billingsley struck out only seven batters and posted a 6.75 ERA over his three starts with Philadelphia, which were his first appearances in the majors since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2013. Mixed: $0; NL: $3 (same bid as last week).

Matt Cain, Giants – Cain, who had bone chips removed from his elbow last August and had been sidelined all season with a strained forearm, returned to the San Francisco rotation Thursday. He gave up five runs on seven hits and four walks over five innings, with four of the runs coming in his final inning. Cain posted a 19:5 K:BB over 19.1 innings in his four rehab starts and did hit 98 pitches in his final start, though he may not have been fully stretched to pitch five innings in the majors. He should get better in his subsequent starts and remain in the Giants' rotation, where he replaced Tim Lincecum, who was placed on the DL with a forearm injury. Mixed: $5; NL: $14 (same bid as last week).

Patrick Corbin, Diamondbacks – Corbin, recovering from 2014 Tommy John surgery, was expected to make one more rehab start before rejoining the Diamondbacks' rotation. That plan changed, as Corbin skipped that additional start and got the ball Saturday for the Diamondbacks. Corbin, who pitched better as his rehab went along, hitting 94 mph on the gun, went five innings Saturday in his first major league start since late 2013. He struck out three and walked none, but he also gave up eight hits. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (same bid as last week).

Jose Fernandez, Marlins – Fernandez made five rehab starts before rejoining the Marlins as expected on July 2 versus the Giants. It looked like he was never away, as he allowed three runs on seven hits and no walks while striking out six and helping his own cause with a solo home run. Fernandez's fastball was in the mid-to-high 90s, which is where it sat before he was sidelined. He made just eight starts last year before he needed Tommy John surgery, so don't be surprised if there are bumps in the road after such a long layoff. That said, his first outing in 2015 showed the level of starter Fernandez is and should be. Mixed: $16; NL: $46 (same bid as last week).

Raisel Iglesias, Reds – Iglesias, sidelined since June 5 with a strained left oblique, threw 43 pitches over three scoreless innings for Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday. He is expected to make two more rehab starts for Louisville before possibly rejoining the Cincinnati rotation. Iglesias should toss 60-65 pitches in his next outing then 75-80 in the next one to be ready to throw when he comes back to the majors. With the Reds going nowhere, Iglesias should remain in the team's rotation the whole second half of the year. Mixed: $0; NL: $3 (early spec return bid).

Brandon Morrow, Padres – Morrow, out with right shoulder inflammation since May 3 and shut down on June 9 due to the injury, threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and was slated to toss another one Saturday. Given his extensive injury history, it would not be shocking if he's sidelined again, but for now, it looks like he's making progress towards returning. However, he will need an extensive rehab stint before that occurs. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (early spec return bid).

Jake Peavy, Giants – Peavy, out since mid-April with a muscle strain and continued issues with the SI joint in his lower back, was activated off the disabled list and started Friday. He allowed two runs on three hits and four walks while striking out four in 6.1 innings. Peavy had a 1-0 lead heading into the seventh but walked Bryce Harper and Clint Robinson hit a two-run homer. He made seven rehab starts, including several at Triple-A Sacramento, as he worked his way back. During those starts, Peavy was able to up his pitch count and show that his back was healthy. He replaced Tim Hudson, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a minor shoulder injury, but if Peavy struggles, he could lose that rotation spot due to the starting pitching depth the Giants have. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (lowered bid).

Wily Peralta, Brewers – Peralta, out since May 25 with an oblique injury, threw 36 pitches off a mound Thursday, the second time he has done so since the injury. He likely will need a few bullpen sessions and then head out on a rehab stint, which may last the full 30 days. The original timeframe for Peralta's return was 4-6 weeks, and it looks like the absence will end up being more than two months before he returns. Last season, Peralta led Milwaukee with 17 victories and 154 strikeouts in 198.2 innings, so his absence can't be overstated. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (though likely owned in NL-only leagues).

Jerome Williams, Phillies – Williams, on the disabled list since May 17 with a strained left hamstring, will begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Reading on Sunday. Prior to being sidelined, Williams was 3-7 with a 6.43 ERA in 14 starts this season. He will likely rejoin the Phillies after the All-Star break, though that doesn't mean he needs to be on your team. Mixed: No; NL: $0 (early spec return bid).

Relief Pitching

Tyler Cravy, Yohan Flande, David Goforth, Mitch Harris, Marcus Hatley, Bryan Morris, and Josh Osich – The only one of this week's key middle-relief call-ups/activations with any substantial value is Cravy, who had a 3.79 ERA, 4.00 FIP, 7.6 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 for Triple-A Colorado Springs in 78.1 innings and could see a spot start for Milwaukee. All other than Cravy - Mixed: No; NL: $0; Cravy – Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo, Giants – Lopez and Romo are candidates to close while Santiago Casilla is sidelined with a fatigued arm. Lopez has the better numbers this year, posting a 1.59 ERA and 0.75 WHIP, but he's thrown just 22.2 innings over 40 appearances, as he has mainly been a lefty specialist. Romo hasn't recorded a save all season, but tallied 75 from 2012-2014 before losing the closer role to Casilla. He struggled in June, posting a 5.87 ERA, but before that Romo had been solid setting up Casilla. Lopez should close against lefties while Romo does the same against righty-dominated lineups. Lopez - Mixed: $1; NL: $4, Romo - Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Jason Motte, Cubs –The Chicago bullpen has been very good lately, led by the performance of Motte, who seems to be the latest flavor closing out games. Motte, who earned 42 saves with the Cardinals in 2012, has manager Joe Maddon's endorsement due to his experience in the role. Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop are still there, while Rafael Soriano looms in the minors, but for now, Motte may be the one to own for saves on the north side of the Windy City. Mixed: $8; NL: $22.

Injury activation/updates:

Cory Luebke, Padres – Luebke, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he had his rehab assignment moved up to Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday. After three successful outings with High-A Lake Elsinore -- he allowed one hit over three scoreless innings -- Luebke made three more at Double-A San Antonio. Luebke, who hasn't pitched in a major league game in more than three years due to a pair of Tommy John surgeries, allowed two runs in three innings there. He likely will make three appearances at Triple-A and rejoin San Diego in their bullpen, but could ultimately see a spot start or two. Mixed: No; NL: $0 (spec return bid).

Jordan Walden, Cardinals – Walden, out with right biceps inflammation since May, 3, is making progress but will be sidelined through the All-Star break. He has been throwing off a mound and is scheduled to throw three bullpen sessions next week and then will likely have a short rehab stint. Prior to getting injured, Walden had a 0.87 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 12:4 K:BB over his first 12 appearances, covering 10.1 innings. Kevin Siegrist has filled in more than ably for him, so when Walden does return, he'll probably share setup duties with Siegrist. Mixed: $0; NL: $3 (early spec return bid).

Catcher

Taylor Teagarden, Cubs – Teagarden was called up to fill the roster spot of David Ross, who landed on the 7-day DL with a concussion. Miguel Montero will likely play every day, leaving Teagarden to mop-up duty. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Injury activation/update:

Oscar Hernandez, Diamondbacks – Hernandez, selected by Arizona in the Rule 5 draft and sidelined since breaking his left hand late in spring training, was activated Saturday. About two weeks after the injury, which required surgery, Hernandez popped scar tissue loose in his left hand, sidelining him until Saturday. Hernandez hit .249/.301/.401 with nine homers and 63 RBI in 94 games for the Rays' High-A Bowling Green affiliate in 2014 and will replace either Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Welington Castillo. Saltalamacchia is the favorite to receive a demotion, with Castillo likely to remain the starter while Hernandez serves as the primary backup. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

First Base

Justin Bour, Marlins – Bour homered for the fourth straight game Friday. After slumping for quite a while, Bour has regained his stroke and had hit safely in five straight before making an out in his only at-bat Saturday. With Mike Morse activated Saturday night, Bour could lose some playing time. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Injury activation/update:

Mike Morse, Marlins – Morse, sidelined with a sprained right ring finger since May 24, was surprisingly activated Saturday night. Earlier in the week, Morse tweaked his back and it looked like he would miss more time, but the injury must have been minor, as he was promoted with Jarred Cosart getting sent down. Prior to his finger injury, Morse was having a nightmare campaign, batting .210/.268/.289 with just two home runs in 37 games. Justin Bour, who had replaced Morse at first base, struggled for bit but righted the ship recently, so it remains to be seen if Morse will regain his spot when he returns. It's also possible that Morse, who played 55 games in right field in 2013, slides into that position with Giancarlo Stanton out several weeks with a broken hamate bone. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Second Base

Ehire Adrianza, Giants – Adrianza was called up to take the spot of Casey McGehee, who was designated for assignment. Adrianza doesn't have much offensive upside, and likely won't get much more playing time than McGehee did while backing up second and third base. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Jedd Gyorko, Padres – Gyorko, sent down on June 10 after posting a .210/.282/.311 line with 35 strikeouts in 46 games with the Padres, regained his stroke a bit in the minors. He notched a .279/.362/.492 line with four homers, nine RBI and a 7:11 BB:K in 61 at-bats at Triple-A El Paso. Gyorko got the promotion with Cory Spangenberg (left knee contusion) landing on the disabled list and is seeing consistent playing time at second base. He homered Friday, so maybe the minor league stint helped revive his bat. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Cesar Hernandez, Phillies – Hernandez, profiled last week, gets another mention after a ringing endorsement from manager Pete Mackanin, who said Hernandez "has proven that he deserves a chance to be the everyday second baseman" for the Phillies. Mackanin can say that while Chase Utley is on the disabled list with an ankle injury, but we will see if that remains the case once Utley returns. Hernandez has raked over the past month, racking up runs and steals, which is what you should expect from him while he is in the lineup. In addition, Hernandez likely qualifies at multiple positions in your league, giving him a bit more value, especially in NL-only leagues. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (upped bid).

Steve Lombardozzi, Pirates – Lombardozzi was called up last Sunday for his second stint with the Pirates. He was batting .316/.375/.368 at Triple-A Indianapolis, but don't expect the same success in Pittsburgh, where he'll serve as a utility infielder. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Injury activation/updates:

Daniel Murphy, Mets – Murphy, out since June 5 with a strained quad, was activated Tuesday off the disabled list after finishing his rehab stint at High-A St. Lucie. He is playing third base while David Wright is out, with Ruben Tejada shifting back to short and Wilmer Flores moving from short to second. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Chase Utley, Phillies – Utley, out since June 23 with inflammation in his right ankle, received a cortisone shot last week which has given him some relief from the injury. Prior to being sidelined, Utley was suffering through a nightmarish campaign and had lost some playing time at second base. Utley could start taking grounders at second base next weekend to test the ankle and might be back before the end of the month. However, Cesar Hernandez has done a fine job filling in at second base while Utley has been sidelined and he could continue to see most of the action there even when Utley returns. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (early spec return bid).

Third Base

Cody Asche, Phillies – Asche has heated up over the past two weeks, hitting .381 with two home runs and five RBI in that time. He will need to stay hot to hold off Dominic Brown and Ben Revere in left field with Maikel Franco locked into third base. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Aaron Hill, Diamondbacks – Hill is having his second straight disappointing season, but with Chris Owings unable to grab the second base job for himself, Hill has picked up some additional playing time and at-bats. Hill qualifies at second and third in most leagues, and if he can show something at the plate, Arizona likely will look to move him to a contender at the deadline. If that happens, Hill probably would be a reserve but he'll get a short-term bump. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Aramis Ramirez, Brewers – Ramirez has regained his stroke at the plate the last two weeks, hitting over .350 while blasting three home runs and driving in 14 runs. A-Ram may retire at the end of the year, but there is some speculation he could go to a contender, where he will get a chance to make the postseason. That should continue to keep his bat lively, which is something that has not really been the case since 2012. Mixed: $7; NL: likely owned.

Outfield

Michael Conforto, Mets – With every inept performance by the Mets offense, the clarion call to bring up Conforto grows louder. Conforto, selected with the 10th overall pick in 2014 out of Oregon State, blew past High-A St. Lucie and has continued to rake at Double-A Binghamton. The bat has slowed a bit since his brilliant run after the promotion, but he still has a .325/.409/.508 line for the B-Mets. GM Sandy Alderson is not yet ready to promote Conforto, but if he continues to hit and the rest of the Mets bats continue to look as if they have been put in a freezer, look for that call-up to come sooner rather than later. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec call-up bid).

Gorkys Hernandez, Pirates – Hernandez was promoted this week to take the place of Jose Tabata, who was designated for assignment. He was batting .279/.366/.407 with 23 RBI in 63 Triple-A games at the time of his call-up. Hernandez, who is excellent defensively but does little to speak of offensively, could see some starts against righties while serving as a pinch runner and defensive replacement. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Ryan Lollis, Giants – Lollis was called up Friday with Travis Ishikawa designated for assignment. Lollis has minimal power and speed, but has posted strong K:BB numbers throughout his minor league career. He'll provide depth in center and right while Norichika Aoki (leg) and Hunter Pence (wrist) are sidelined. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Tommy Pham, Cardinals – Pham was called up Friday and immediately placed into the starting lineup in center field. Injuries have limited him to 24 games this year, but during that action, Pham posted a .338/.402/.625 line with five home runs and six steals for Triple-A Memphis. Those stats build off the success he has had the past few seasons and should earn him a few starts per week in the majors while Jon Jay (wrist) is on the disabled list. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Drew Stubbs, Rockies – Stubbs, who saw extensive playing time for the Rockies last season due to outfield injuries, got off to a lousy start and was sent to Triple-A Albuquerque on May 20. He struggled there initially, but eventually rebounded and was promoted with Corey Dickerson (foot) still sidelined. Stubbs, who is mainly a center fielder but can play the corner spots, gives Colorado some versatility. He replaced Rafael Ynoa on the roster. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Injury activation/updates:

Carl Crawford, Dodgers – Crawford, on the 60-day disabled list with a strained oblique, started a rehab assignment at High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday. He moved up to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday and hopes to be back before the All-Star break. However, manager Don Mattingly does not agree with that timeframe, though Crawford might be back shortly thereafter. When Crawford does return, he could end up as a fourth or fifth outfielder, with Andre Ethier manning left field augmented by Scott Van Slyke. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (same return spec bid).

Matt Holliday, Cardinals – Holliday, out since tearing his right quad June 8, will travel with the Cardinals next week and could make his return before the All-Star break. If St. Louis opts to be cautious, Holliday will be back in the lineup right after the break. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Hunter Pence, Giants – Pence, limited to just 18 games this year and out with wrist tendinitis since early June, likely won't return to the Giants until after the All-Star break. The injury has resulted in several setbacks for Pence as he tried to return to the lineup, so the team and manager Bruce Bochy has elected to be cautious with him. Pence will need a few rehab games once he shows he can hit off a tee and take live batting practice without any recurrence or remaining pain. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.

Khris Davis, Brewers – Davis, out since May 30 with a torn meniscus in his knee that required surgery, began a five-game rehab assignment at Low-A Wisconsin on Wednesday. He is slated to rejoin the Brewers on Monday. The original estimate was that Davis would miss 4-6 weeks, so a return Monday would be right in line with that timetable. Mixed: $5; NL: $14 (upped spec return bid).

Jorge Soler, Cubs – Soler, out with a sprained left ankle since June 3, begin a rehab assignment Monday and should rejoin the Cubs early this week. He progressed steadily, going from batting practice after shedding his walking boot directly to game action. When Soler returns to Chicago, he will slide back into his spot as the team's starting right fielder. Just an FYI as he should be owned in all leagues.