MLB FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

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

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

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

Wander Franco was finally called up by the Rays on Tuesday, but he's already widely rostered and isn't included in the column as a result. However, he should be rostered in most leagues, and fantasy managers should feel comfortable spending plenty of FAAB to acquire him if he's still on the waiver wire. In leagues where Franco is already rostered, there are still plenty of viable position players who have performed especially well across the last few weeks, while several pitchers have also gotten into a rhythm recently.

Starting Pitcher

Ross Stripling, Blue Jays: Stripling has posted a 2.29 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in 35.1 innings across his last six appearances, and he's allowed two or fewer earned runs in five of his last six starts. The right-hander has pitched only pitched six or more innings in three of his outings this year, but he's still posted quality starts in each of his last two appearances despite being charged with a loss and no-decision during that time. While he had an inconsistent start to the season, he's been much more effective across the last month. FAAB: $8

Jake Odorizzi, Astros: Odorizzi had his best appearance of the season Monday against the Orioles and struck out nine in five scoreless innings. While he wasn't fully stretched out, he's now tossed nine scoreless frames across his last two outings, and he's earned wins in two of his last three appearances. While Odorizzi's workload has been somewhat limited following his lengthy absences, the right-hander has been slowly building back up with strong results. FAAB: $6

Johan Oviedo, Cardinals: Oviedo was dominant against the Marlins on June 16 by tossing seven scoreless frames, but he gave up six runs in the fourth inning against the Tigers on Tuesday prior to his removal. However, he got somewhat unlucky in his most recent start and was only responsible for two of the six runs. The right-hander hasn't yet earned a win in 2021, but he's posted a 1.69 ERA in 10.2 innings across his last two appearances and is worth considering in deeper leagues. FAAB: $3

Zach Thompson, Marlins: Although Thompson hasn't pitched more than five innings in any of his three major-league starts this year, he's allowed just three runs (two earned) in 12 innings during that time. The right-hander's performance earned him another turn through the rotation at home against the Nationals on Saturday. While Thompson could lose his rotation spot once some of Miami's other starters return from injuries, he's been a reliable short-term starter. FAAB: $2

Relief Pitcher

Kendall Graveman, Mariners: Graveman blew his first save of the season Saturday, but he bounced back and picked up his first save in more than a month in Tuesday's win over Colorado. While the right-hander didn't see any save chances in his first three appearances after returning from the injured list, he still has trust in high-leverage situations. Graveman carries a 1.25 ERA and 0.65 WHIP through 21.2 innings this year, and he ranks second on the team with six saves. He appears to have reclaimed closing duties for now and has plenty of value if he can keep earning save chances. FAAB: $6 

Michael Fulmer, Tigers: The Tigers have rotated through several closers while partially using a committee to begin the season, but Fulmer appears to be the favorite for save chances once again. He had earned saves in each of his two appearances prior to Wednesday's outing, and he preserved a four-run lead in the ninth inning against the Cardinals on Wednesday. Gregory Soto and Jose Cisnero are also in the mix for closing duties, but Fulmer has the slight edge for now. FAAB: $4

Greg Holland, Royals: Prior to Wednesday's loss to the Yankees, Holland had picked up saves in two of his last three outings, and he tossed three scoreless innings during that time. He was brought in to preserve a one-run lead Wednesday, but he gave up two runs in a third of an inning to take the loss and the blown save. The Royals have used a committee approach to closing duties this year, so it's possible Wednesday's struggles could impact Holland's standing. However, he appears to be the favorite for closing duties for now and has plenty of experience in the role. FAAB: $3

Joakim Soria, Diamondbacks: Soria failed to convert on his lone save chance this year, but the Diamondbacks made the somewhat surprising decision to designate Stefan Crichton for assignment Wednesday. Crichton led Arizona with four saves to begin the year, but Soria could now be the favorite for ninth-inning duties going forward. The Diamondbacks have had the fewest saves of any team this season, but Soria could be called upon in high-leverage situations in the ninth inning. FAAB: $3

Catcher

Mike Zunino, Rays: Zunino's .195 batting average hasn't exactly jumped off the page to begin the season, but he's displayed considerable power and already has 15 home runs in his first 51 games, including two across his last four appearances. He's on pace to eclipse his career-high 25 home runs if he can remain effective. While Zunino's average won't do fantasy managers any favors, his 15 home runs rank second among all catchers to begin the year. FAAB: $4

Luis Torrens, Mariners: Torrens hasn't had very consistent playing time early in the season, but he's had a power surge of his own recently and has hit three homers across his last six starts. The 25-year-old now has five home runs across 35 games but carries a lackluster .211/.250/.404 slash line. Torrens has less upside than Zunino, but he could overtake Tom Murphy for primary duties behind the plate if he continues to display increased power. FAAB: $1

First Base

C.J. Cron, Rockies: Cron went through a rough patch early in the season, but his move to Colorado has now paid off for his power numbers. The 31-year-old hit a career-low four homers with the Tigers last year, but he already has 10 home runs and 20 total extra-base hits in 60 games in 2021. Cron has racked up five home runs and two doubles across his last nine games and has plenty of season-long power potential with the Rockies. FAAB: $5

Keston Hiura, Brewers: Hiura has largely disappointed early in the season, but he displayed improved results with Triple-A Nashville during his most recent minor-league stint, as he slashed .375/.490/.575 with two homers, two doubles, seven RBI and six runs in 11 games. Additionally, he improved his strikeout rate to 25.5 percent and brought his walk rate up to 17.6 percent during that time. Hiura should serve as the primary first baseman with Daniel Vogelbach set to miss extended time with a hamstring injury, and he's shown potential in the past if he can turn things around at the top level. FAAB: $2

Second Base

Wilmer Flores, Giants: Flores was held out of Wednesday's lineup due to hamstring tightness, but he still appeared off the bench, and the issue doesn't appear to be a significant concern. Before he went 0-for-1 on Wednesday, the 29-year-old had recorded hits in each of his last 10 games, and he had blasted four home runs with seven RBI and seven runs across his last six appearances. As long as his injury isn't serious, Flores has been quite productive recently and warrants fantasy consideration. FAAB: $6

Tony Kemp, Athletics: Kemp has reached base safely in each of his last 12 games, and he's been quite adept at crossing the plate recently as well. Across his last seven games, the 29-year-old has hit .381 with two home runs, six runs, five RBI, five walks and a stolen base while striking out just once during that time. Even though Kemp has had inconsistent placements in the batting order, he's still been reliable at producing runs due to his ability to get on base. FAAB: $3

Third Base

Ty France, Mariners: France has been somewhat cold to begin the team's series against Colorado, as he's gone 0-for-6 with a walk and two strikeouts. However, he was on a tear prior to the series and hit .389 with three home runs, four doubles, eight runs and seven RBI across 12 contests. The 26-year-old's struggles across the past two games could be due to a bone bruise in his wrist that he sustained Sunday, but he's a decent fantasy option if he can perform well in spite of the injury. FAAB: $4

Abraham Toro, Astros: Toro has been the primary beneficiary for playing time while Alex Bregman has been sidelined with a quad issue, and Bregman is still several weeks away from returning. Toro has started in six of the last seven games, and he's put together multi-hit performances in three of those appearances. He went 10-for-24 with two home runs, nine RBI and four runs during that time, and he should continue to see plenty of playing time in Bregman's absence. FAAB: $3

Shortstop

Luis Urias, Brewers: Urias had a productive week and hit .370 with a home run, six RBI, six runs, a stolen base and two walks across his last seven games. His recent uptick in production has improved his batting average to .238, and he already has a career-high eight homers, 32 RBI and 30 runs to begin the 2021 campaign. Urias should continue to see consistent playing time in Milwaukee's infield and has warranted more fantasy consideration recently. FAAB: $3

Willi Castro, Tigers: Castro had a mild power surge in mid-June by hitting two home runs in three games, and he's showcased his speed recently by stealing two bases across his last three appearances. The 24-year-old has already matched the highest home run total of his career with six to begin the season, and he's converted on three of his four attempts to steal bases. Castro has had plenty of playing time near the bottom of Detroit's lineup, and he's flashed modest power and speed across the second half of June. FAAB: $2

Outfield

Jesus Sanchez, Marlins: Sanchez was called up by the Marlins in mid-June, and he's performed much better during his limited sample than he did in 2020. Although he went 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts in his season debut, the 23-year-old then put together a five-game hitting streak in which he went 6-for-21 with two homers, three RBI and two runs. Sanchez has had some issues at the top level to begin his career, but he's been quite productive across his first several games of 2021. FAAB: $6

Steven Duggar, Giants: Duggar recorded three multi-hit games in the last week, and he's racked up six extra-base hits across the last eight games. During that time, he's hitting .458 with two homers, a triple, three doubles, eight runs, eight RBI and two stolen bases. The 27-year-old appears to be the primary option in center field over Mike Tauchman, and he's on pace for a career-best season in most categories following a disappointing 2020 campaign in which he hit just .176. FAAB: $3

Myles Straw, Astros: Straw has drawn 10 straight starts for the Astros, and he's slashing .278/.357/.472 with two homers, seven runs, four RBI and two stolen bases during that time. The 26-year-old isn't a reliable power hitter, as his recent home runs were his first since 2018. However, he's been successful on nine of his 13 attempts to steal bases and should continue to have plenty of chances to run now that he's the primary center fielder in Houston. FAAB: $2

Lars Nootbaar, Cardinals: Nootbaar was recently called up to provide an extra option in the outfield while Harrison Bader remains sidelined, and he started in each of his first two games with the team. The 23-year-old recorded his first big-league hit with a triple in Wednesday's loss to the Tigers, and he's gone 1-for-6 with a triple, a run and an RBI in his first two games at the top level. He slashed .329/.430/.557 with five home runs and 17 RBI in 22 Triple-A games this year, and he's worth considering in deep leagues while Bader is unavailable. FAAB: $1