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.

A group of five starting pitchers for teams who aren't in contention for the postseason have performed well recently and have racked up wins while limiting runs, while several teams have shifted their ninth-inning duties heading into the final few weeks of the regular season. There are plenty of outfielders who have been productive at the plate recently, while several infielders should help to provide a slight boost to ratios and counting stats during the fantasy playoffs.

Starting Pitcher

Jordan Lyles, Rangers: Lyles was roughed up against Cleveland on Aug. 26 when he gave up eight runs in 3.2 innings, but he's righted the ship recently and has recorded quality starts in each of his last three outings. During that time, the right-hander has posted a 1.74 ERA and 0.77 WHIP in 20.2 innings, and he's been rewarded with wins in each of those appearances. He tentatively lines up to face a tough opponent in the White Sox this weekend, but he's been much more effective at stifling production recently. FAAB: $6

Michael Pineda, Twins: Pineda missed approximately three weeks with an oblique strain and didn't make any rehab appearances before he was activated in early September. Although he hasn't lasted more than five innings in either of his two starts since he rejoined the Twins, he's earned a pair of wins while allowing just one run in eight innings across his last two outings. The 32-year-old lines up to face the Blue Jays in each of his next two starts, but he's been quite effective since he returned to full health. FAAB: $4

Joe Ryan, Twins: Ryan's value depends on his injury status after he was hit by a comebacker in his start against Cleveland on Tuesday, but early results are encouraging since X-rays came back negative. The right-hander made his major-league debut at the beginning of September, and he's recorded a 2.12 ERA and 0.53 WHIP in 17 innings across his first three starts with the Twins. As long as he's cleared to make his next start, Ryan has limited runs since he joined the big-league club and has fantasy value for the final few weeks of the year. FAAB: $4

Paolo Espino, Nationals: Outside of Espino's Sept. 7 start against Atlanta in which he allowed five runs in five innings, the right-hander has been quite effective recently and has limited opponents to no more than two runs in three of his last four starts. During that time, Espino has generated a 3.80 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 25:6 K:BB in 21.1 innings. He has a favorable matchup at home against the Rockies on Sunday and will attempt to continue his hot streak. FAAB: $3

Taylor Hearn, Rangers: Hearn hasn't been as effective at limiting runs as some of the other pitchers in this week's column, but he's taken care of business with wins in each of his last four starts. The southpaw allowed at least two runs in each of those four outings, and he posted a 4.01 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 24.2 innings. His struggles stem from his inability to limit the long ball, as he's given up seven home runs in his last four appearances. He'll attempt to extend his win streak to five in his next start and has plenty of potential if he can limit home runs. FAAB: $3

Relief Pitcher

Chris Stratton, Pirates: Stratton currently appears to be entrenched in the closer's role, and he should maintain ninth-inning duties since David Bednar is on the injured list with an oblique injury. The right-hander has converted saves in each of his last three appearances, and he's given up one run in three innings during that time. Stratton has struggled in some portions of the season, but he's performed at a high level since Bednar landed on the injured list. FAAB: $7

Andrew Kittredge, Rays: Kittredge has given up at least one run in three of his six appearances in September, but he still earned a save in a perfect inning Tuesday against the Blue Jays. Although the right-hander has been slightly less effective recently, he still has a career-best 1.57 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 68.2 innings across 53 appearances (four starts) this year. Even though the Rays have used a committee-based approach in the ninth inning this year, they have the best record in the American League, and Kittredge has been fairly reliable in 2021. FAAB: $5

Drew Steckenrider, Mariners: Steckenrider picked up a save last weekend before he earned a save in Monday's series opener against the Red Sox. However, he struggled in his last outing and gave up three runs on a hit and two walks in a third of an inning Tuesday. The 30-year-old has a 2.11 ERA and 1.01 WHIP across 54 appearances this year, and he's converted nine of his 12 save chances. While the Mariners have Paul Sewald and Diego Castillo available to handle ninth-inning duties, Steckenrider should continue to see high-leverage work. FAAB: $4

Andrew Chafin, Athletics: Chafin has had more ninth-inning work recently since Lou Trivino has struggled, and the 31-year-old has converted saves in three of his last seven appearances. During that time, he's generated a 2.25 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in eight innings. The southpaw's 25.0 percent strikeout rate isn't what most would expect from a traditional closer, but he performed well with the Cubs earlier this year and has been trusted with more high-leverage opportunities recently following his trade to Oakland. FAAB: $3

Catcher

Elias Diaz, Rockies: Although the Rockies have been on the road for most of the last week, Diaz's power has been on full display, as he's gone 8-for-21 with two home runs, two doubles, six runs and five RBI across his last six appearances. The 30-year-old has been on the bench in two of the last four games while Dom Nunez sees some time behind the dish, but Diaz has drawn the majority of the starts recently and has been productive, even during the team's current road trip. FAAB: $2

First Base

Brandon Belt, Giants: In leagues where Belt is still available, he's certainly worth picking up, given his recent production at the plate. The 33-year-old has been relatively productive all season, but he has hit .429 with five home runs, four doubles, 12 runs and 11 RBI across his last eight appearances, and he's had six multi-hit performances during that time. Belt has had a prominent role in one of the most talented lineups in baseball, and he's capitalized on his opportunities recently. FAAB: $9

Ji-Man Choi, Rays: Diaz is an option at first base who is more widely available, and he's back in action after he missed about two weeks with a hamstring injury. Although his .158 batting average across six games since he returned hasn't done many favors for managers looking to improve their ratios, he's been slightly more effective at producing counting stats since he has a home run, two doubles, four RBI and two runs across the last six contests. The 30-year-old has worked in the strong side of a platoon at first base and has produced his fair share of counting stats recently. FAAB: $2

Second Base

Garrett Hampson, Rockies: Although Hampson snapped a six-game hitting streak in Wednesday's loss to Atlanta, he's still been quite productive across his last several appearances. In his last seven games, the 26-year-old has hit .346 with three home runs, a triple, seven RBI, five runs and a stolen base. Hampson has been moved around the lineup recently, but he's had consistent production in spite of his inconsistent placement in the batting order. FAAB: $5

Luis Garcia, Nationals: Although Garcia received a day off Wednesday, he's had consistent playing time at the keystone for Washington recently. The 21-year-old has hit near the bottom of the Nationals' order, but he's displayed plenty of power recently by hitting .250 with two home runs, a triple, two doubles, five runs and three RBI across the last 10 games. Although his run-producing abilities have been lower than most would expect given his recent power surge, he has still performed well in his everyday role. FAAB: $3

Third Base

Evan Longoria, Giants: Longoria has also displayed plenty of power in recent games, and he's had the run-producing stats to match his power. Across his last eight appearances, the 35-year-old has slashed .333/.438/.708 with two home runs, three doubles, 14 RBI and eight runs. Longoria has had a lower position in the batting order recently but has continued to produce plenty of runs, and should have plenty of playing time down the stretch as the Giants attempt to secure the No. 1 seed in the postseason. FAAB: $8

Shortstop

Nicky Lopez, Royals: Even though Adalberto Mondesi has been back in action recently, he's mainly served at third base and as the designated hitter, which has allowed Lopez to keep a consistent spot in the lineup at shortstop. The 26-year-old has earned his playing time through his production at the plate, and he's now reached base safely in each of the last 24 games. During that time, Lopez has slashed .396/.455/.475 with a home run, five doubles, 19 runs, nine RBI and five stolen bases. He's made up for his lack of home runs with plenty of run production while showcasing his speed. Fantasy managers in need of runs and stolen bases can find a reliable contributor in Lopez. FAAB: $5

Outfield

Jesus Sanchez, Marlins: Sanchez has experienced some growing pains in his first season with consistent major-league playing time, but he's been quite reliable during the last week and has recorded hits in five of his last six appearances. During that time, the 23-year-old outfielder has posted a 1.426 OPS with five home runs, a triple, 10 RBI and five runs. Sanchez is still available in plenty of leagues and is worth rostering for teams in need of a hot bat down the stretch. FAAB: $7

Andrew Benintendi, Royals: Benintendi is rostered in more leagues than Sanchez, but the 27-year-old has also been dominant recently and is worth adding in leagues where he's still available. He's recorded multi-hit performances in six of his last nine appearances and has hit .568 with three home runs, four doubles, 18 RBI and five runs during that time. He's coming off a 5-for-5 performance in Wednesday's high-scoring loss to Oakland, and he offers plenty of value in fantasy leagues where he's still available. FAAB: $6

Anthony Santander, Orioles: Santander hasn't had as many bursts of production as Benintendi has had recently, but the Orioles' outfielder has still been a reliable contributor in the heart of the order. The 26-year-old has reached base safely in eight of the last nine games and has slashed .313/.353/.625 with three home runs, a double, nine runs and eight RBI during that time. Santander has been a steady contributor at the plate recently and is worth adding in leagues where he's still available. FAAB: $5

Lane Thomas, Nationals: Thomas was called up by the Nationals in mid-August, and he's been quite productive in 15 appearances since the start of September. During that time, the former Cardinal has slashed .306/.389/.581 with four home runs, a triple, three doubles, 15 runs, 13 RBI and a stolen base. The 26-year-old's output hasn't matched some of the other outfielders on the list, but he's available in plenty of leagues and has had fairly reliable production this month. FAAB: $2