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.

With less than two weeks remaining until the All-Star break, fantasy managers have a chance to bolster their rosters for the second half of the 2021 campaign. Several starters have been quite effective at limiting run production recently, while teams from both the National League and the American League have had new primary closers emerge during the last week. Among position players who tend to be available in mixed leagues, there are plenty of players with immediate potential, as well as some options to stash ahead of their potential debuts during the second half of the year.

Starting Pitcher

Cole Irvin, Athletics: Although Irvin has been relatively inconsistent throughout the first half of 2021, he's been more effective recently and has posted quality starts in three of his last five outings. The southpaw's 17.3 percent strikeout rate hasn't jumped off the page this year, but he's recorded a 2.64 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 30.2 innings across his last five appearances. Irvin is coming off his best start of the season in which he held the Giants scoreless across eight innings, and he's been a more reliable fantasy option since the start of June. FAAB: $7

Joe Ross, Nationals: Ross has also been slightly inconsistent, but he's turned things around in the last month. While he gave up five runs against the Mets on June 19, he hasn't allowed any earned runs in four of his last five appearances. The right-hander has been somewhat unlucky during that time, as he posted a 3-2 record across those five outings. However, Ross has been more effective at limiting runs, and he recorded a 33:6 K:BB in 32.1 innings during his recent run. FAAB: $6

Jon Gray, Rockies: Gray missed three weeks with a right elbow strain, but he's made two starts since returning and was dominant in each appearance. He struck out 10 in five innings during his return June 25, and he posted a quality start by allowing two runs in six innings in Wednesday's win over the Pirates. The right-hander has another favorable matchup against the Diamondbacks next week and warrants fantasy consideration due to his recent hot streak. FAAB: $5

Drew Smyly, Atlanta: Smyly has picked up wins in each of his last three starts, and he earned his first quality start since May 20 during his last outing. The southpaw hasn't been able to go very far into his starts this year, as he hasn't pitched more than six innings in any given appearance. However, he's posted a 1.62 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 16.2 innings in his last three outings and now has five wins in his first 13 starts in 2021. FAAB: $4

Kyle Muller, Atlanta: Muller joined Atlanta's rotation for his last two appearances and was dominant by allowing just one run while striking out 12 in nine innings. The southpaw was rewarded with his first major league win Sunday, and he's slated to make his first start at Truist Park on Saturday against the Marlins. Muller should have a chance to secure a rotation spot going forward since several of Atlanta's other starters are in the midst of extended absences. FAAB: $4

Ryan Weathers, Padres: Weathers pitched relatively well for the Padres earlier in the season with a 2.47 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 47.1 innings in 14 appearances (eight starts). He's slated to rejoin the rotation Thursday after Dinelson Lamet was placed on the 10-day injured list. The southpaw posted a lackluster 18.5 percent strikeout rate with the major league club to begin the season, but he could have the chance to earn a regular rotation spot since several of the Padres' starters are dealing with injuries. FAAB: $4

Eric Lauer, Brewers: Lauer hurled six scoreless innings at home against the Rockies on Sunday to earn his second win of the season, and he has another favorable matchup this weekend against the Pirates, who have dropped four of their last five games. The southpaw has moved between the rotation and the bullpen, but he's posted a 4.50 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 44 innings across 10 appearances (seven starts) in 2021 and could earn more starting opportunities during the second half of the season. FAAB: $3

Max Kranick, Pirates: Kranick had mixed results in the minors to begin the year, as he posted a 4.37 ERA in 35 innings in seven starts at the Double-A and Triple-A levels. However, he struck out three in five perfect innings to earn the win in his major league debut Sunday. The right-hander was sent back to the minors following his strong debut, but he could return to the big leagues at some point since the Pirates plan to use a six-man rotation through at least the All-Star break. He could be worth stashing in deeper leagues. FAAB: $2

Relief Pitcher

Amir Garrett, Reds: Since both Lucas Sims and Tejay Antone are slated to miss several weeks due to injuries, Garrett has had the chance to work in the ninth inning recently. He hasn't allowed a run in 4.1 innings across his last six appearances, and he's earned two saves in his last four outings. The southpaw has a 7.61 ERA this year following several shaky appearances early in the season, but he should be the primary closer in the near future, and he could have the chance to secure the long-term job if he can continue to perform well. FAAB: $6

Jose Alvarado, Phillies: Alvarado was recently named the Phillies' closer, and he picked up his third save of the season Tuesday. However, he's given up four runs (three earned) in 3.2 innings across his last three appearances. The southpaw has fantasy value since he's officially a primary closer for now, but he has a somewhat murky long-term outlook since the Phillies could turn elsewhere if Alvarado continues to struggle with limiting run production. FAAB: $3

Jose Cisnero, Tigers: Cisnero is likely the short-term favorite for saves after Michael Fulmer was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday, though he could still compete for some ninth-inning work with Gregory Soto. However, Cisnero earned his third save of the season Saturday and hasn't allowed an earned run in his last 11.1 innings. The right-hander is a viable option in deeper leagues and for teams in need of short-term save opportunities. FAAB: $3

Catcher

Mike Zunino, Rays: Zunino makes the column for a second consecutive week since he's seen relatively consistent playing time recently and has now homered in six of his last 10 games. The 30-year-old is only hitting .210 this year, but he's continued to flash impressive power and has been in the lineup for each of the last four games. Zunino now has 18 home runs in 2021 and has been incredibly hot at the plate across the last few weeks. FAAB: $6

Alejandro Kirk, Blue Jays: While Reese McGuire has been quite effective at getting on base recently, Kirk has been on a rehab assignment recently and is eligible to be reinstated from the 60-day injured list as early as Thursday. Kirk slashed .225/.326/.475 with three home runs, eight RBIs and seven runs in 17 games prior to his injury. While he could have to compete for playing time with McGuire and Danny Jansen once he returns, the 22-year-old displayed impressive power earlier in the year and could be a valuable fantasy contributor if he can remain healthy during the second half of the season. FAAB: $3

First Base

Keston Hiura, Brewers: Hiura is also included in the column for a second straight week since he's gotten into a rhythm at the plate since returning to the majors. He's recorded hits in five of his seven games since rejoining the Brewers, and he's totaled three home runs, 10 RBIs and six runs during that time. The 24-year-old should continue to serve as Milwaukee's primary first baseman with Daniel Vogelbach slated to miss extended time, and he could have plenty of value the rest of the year if he continues to find success at the plate. FAAB: $8

Christian Walker, Diamondbacks: Walker is in the midst of a seven-game hitting streak, during which he hit two home runs and two doubles. While the 30-year-old has just two RBIs during his hitting streak, he's recorded six runs across that span and has hit .407 in those seven appearances. Walker's ability to produce runs is relatively limited while hitting in Arizona's lineup, but he's had little trouble reaching base recently, and he's displayed modest power. FAAB: $3

Second Base

Enrique Hernandez, Red Sox: Hernandez went hitless in Wednesday's win over the Royals, but he had put up multi-hit performances in each of his previous three games. During that time, the 29-year-old went 6-for-12 with a home run, four RBIs and three runs. Hernandez has been somewhat streaky to begin the 2021 campaign, but he's swung a hot bat recently while returning to the top of the order. FAAB: $4

Jace Peterson, Brewers: Peterson has recorded hits in each of his last five appearances, and he had doubled in each of the three games leading up to Wednesday's blowout win over the Cubs. While he didn't have any extra-base hits Wednesday, he went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, a run and a walk. Although Kolten Wong could return to the lineup Thursday and take over as the primary second baseman, Peterson's recent hot streak could earn him a larger role. FAAB: $1

Third Base

Jon Berti, Marlins: Berti got a rare day off Wednesday while Joe Panik made his team debut at the hot corner, but the 31-year-old has gone 7-for-14 with a homer, three runs, two RBIs and three stolen bases in his last four appearances. He now has four home runs, 31 runs and seven stolen bases this season and should have some modest job security, even after Miami acquired Panik. FAAB: $3

Shortstop

Willy Adames, Brewers: Adames played a key role in Wednesday's improbable comeback against the Cubs with a grand slam in the fourth inning, which was the third time that he had homered in the last six games. In those six appearances, the shortstop has gone 7-for-21 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, six runs, a stolen base and seven walks. While shortstop is a relatively deep fantasy position, the 25-year-old has held his own and has hit .280 with seven home runs, 28 RBIs, 20 runs and two stolen bases in 37 games since he joined Milwaukee. FAAB: $8

Josh Rojas, Diamondbacks: Rojas is hitting .262 to begin the season, and he's scored runs in five of his last six games. He's gone 8-for-23 with a home run, five RBIs and five runs during that time, and he's had a regular spot at the top of Arizona's order. While he has just 26 RBIs in 2021, his effectiveness at getting on base has allowed him to score 41 runs. The 27-year-old has 10 home runs and three stolen bases this year and has been a solid fantasy contributor with eligibility at multiple positions. FAAB: $6

Bobby Witt, Royals: While Wander Franco made headlines with his major league debut last week, Witt is another elite shortstop prospect who could debut at some point in the second half of the season. The 21-year-old performed well in spring training this year and has slashed .292/.359/.547 with 12 home runs, 35 RBIs, 35 runs and 12 stolen bases in 47 games at Double-A Northwest Arkansas. While he could require time with Triple-A Omaha prior to making his major league debut, Witt is certainly worth stashing for fantasy managers who can spare a spot on their bench. FAAB: $4

Outfield

Adam Duvall, Marlins: Duvall hit 16 home runs during the abbreviated 2020 season, and he already has 18 homers in 71 games this year, which marks his highest total since 2017. The 32-year-old has gone 4-for-9 with two homers, a double, four runs and three RBIs across his last two appearances, and he's brought his batting average up to .224. He's had a regular spot in the heart of the order and is tied for fifth in the league with 56 RBIs despite his somewhat lackluster batting average. FAAB: $8

Hunter Renfroe, Red Sox: Renfroe has swung a hot bat recently with three home runs across his last three games. He's also recorded nine RBIs and a double across his last six appearances and is now hitting .272 with 12 home runs, 43 RBIs and 41 runs in 2021. The 29-year-old has reached base safely in each of the last 10 contests, and he has plenty of potential to produce runs while hitting mainly near the heart of Boston's lineup. FAAB: $6

Jarren Duran, Red Sox: The Red Sox have been adamant that they don't plan to rush Duran to the majors. The 24-year-old played for Team USA during the Olympic qualifying tournament, and he could join the team in Tokyo for the Olympics in the near future. Even though he's spent some time away from the team, he's been dominant in June and has slashed .286/.378/.607 with eight home runs, three doubles, 19 runs, 18 RBIs and four stolen bases across 19 games. He homered twice in Wednesday's game and could force Boston's hand if he continues to rake in the minors. Even if Duran plays in the Olympics, he's still worth stashing ahead of his potential debut in the second half of the season. FAAB: $4

Harrison Bader, Cardinals: Bader has been sidelined since late May due to a right rib hairline fracture, but he's expected to be reinstated from the injured list Thursday. Although the 27-year-old hit just .217 prior to his absence, he displayed modest power and speed with four home runs, nine RBIs, eight runs and three stolen bases in 22 games. He should take over as the Cardinals' primary center fielder upon his return and could be a viable fantasy contributor, especially in deeper leagues. FAAB: $3