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.

Plenty of players have been hot following the All-Star break, while early-season contributors like Mitch Garver have returned to action following stints on the injured list. Some players carry risk ahead of the trade deadline at the end of July, but there are still ample opportunities to pick up players who could perform at a high level for the remainder of the season.

Starting Pitcher

Eric Lauer, Brewers: Lauer dealt with a fingernail issue earlier this week, but he returned to the mound Wednesday and allowed two unearned runs in a no-decision against the Royals. He hasn't allowed more than one earned run in any of his last four outings, and he's recorded quality starts in three of those appearances. During that time, the lefty has posted a 0.77 ERA in 23.1 innings. Lauer's overall results this year have been skewed by some rough performances to begin the month of June, but he's righted the ship recently and has been a reliable fantasy option. FAAB: $8

Wily Peralta, Tigers: Peralta has pitched quite effectively outside of a lackluster outing in mid-June, and he's posted a 1.64 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in 33 innings across seven appearances (six starts). The right-hander has been especially dominant recently, as he's earned wins in three of his last four outings and has given up just two runs (one earned) in 24 innings during that time. Peralta's 15.9 percent strikeout rate leaves something to be desired, but he's been consistently effective at limiting runs in 2021. FAAB: $7

Luis Patino, Rays: Patino had a strong start to the season with a 1.54 ERA across his first four major-league appearances of the season, but he gave up at least four runs in each of his last two outings. However, he'll be called up to start Thursday's game against Cleveland, and manager Kevin Cash has said that the right-hander could remain in the rotation if he performs well. While Patino's recent results in the big leagues have been discouraging, he's demonstrated the ability to perform at a high level and has some long-term potential if he's able to remain in the Rays' rotation. FAAB: $5

Madison Bumgarner, Diamondbacks: Bumgarner missed a month and a half due to left shoulder inflammation, but he was reinstated from the injured list following the All-Star break and has made two strong starts since then. Across his last two outings, he's allowed five runs (two earned) while striking out seven in 11 innings. The southpaw hasn't recorded a win since May 11, but he's been relatively effective at limiting earned runs recently. FAAB: $4

Tanner Houck, Red Sox: Houck returned to the major-league mound Friday and struck out three in three scoreless innings of relief. Although the right-hander is expected to be utilized in a versatile role during his time in the majors, he'll make a start Thursday. He's recorded a 3.38 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in four appearances (two starts) this season and could develop into a long-term fantasy option if he can maintain a rotation spot once Chris Sale returns from the injured list. FAAB: $3

Josiah Gray, Dodgers: Gray made his major-league debut as a reliever Tuesday and allowed four runs on four hits and a walk while striking out seven in four innings. He'll make his first major-league start Sunday and should have a favorable matchup at home against the Rockies. While Gray had a shaky debut, he warrants consideration in deeper leagues since several of the Dodgers' starters are currently unavailable. FAAB: $2

Relief Pitcher

Pete Fairbanks, Rays: Fairbanks' role this season has been fluid as part of the Rays' closer-by-committee approach, but he's earned two saves and a hold across three appearances since the All-Star break. The right-hander has tossed seven scoreless innings across his seven outings in July, and he appears to be in strong consideration for save chances on a team that figures to be in the hunt for a postseason spot. FAAB: $7

Gregory Soto, Tigers: Soto has also been dominant since the All-Star break and has converted saves in each of his last three appearances. The southpaw now has a 2.77 ERA and 1.31 WHIP this season, and he's converted on 10 of his 11 save chances. It would seem as though Soto has performed well enough to keep the closing role once Michael Fulmer returns from the injured list, but he's also a trade candidate ahead of the deadline at the end of July, which makes his season-long outlook slightly murky. FAAB: $6

Joakim Soria, Diamondbacks: Soria was charged with a blown save in his first appearance after the All-Star break when he gave up three runs in one inning against the Cubs, but he's turned things around across his last three outings by tossing three scoreless innings en route to three saves. The right-hander has now picked up saves in five of his last six appearances, and he has six saves since July 1. Soria is the clear favorite for ninth-inning duties in Arizona, although he carries some risk if he's dealt ahead of the trade deadline. FAAB: $6

Michael Fulmer, Tigers: Fulmer has been progressing well in his recovery recently, and he's slated to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Toledo on Thursday. Assuming he doesn't face any setbacks, the right-hander could be reinstated from the 10-day injured list sometime next week. Although Soto has served as the Tigers' closer recently, Fulmer could compete for a high-leverage role once he rejoins the team. Soto represents a more appealing trade target given his recent success, and Fulmer could be in line for ninth-inning work if the former is dealt. The 28-year-old blew a save in his most recent appearance, but his injury could have contributed to his struggles. The right-hander has converted on six of his eight save chances in 2021 and could be worth a speculative waiver pickup ahead of the trade deadline. FAAB: $2

Catcher

Mitch Garver, Twins: Garver was quite productive across the first two months of the season, but he missed a month and a half after he underwent groin surgery. He's reached base in each of his two starts since returning from the injured list, and he's gone 2-for-6 with a pair of solo home runs and two walks. The 30-year-old should serve as Minnesota's primary catcher during the second half of the year if he can remain healthy, and he was a solid fantasy contributor prior to his injury. FAAB: $6

First Base

Ty France, Mariners: Although France went hitless in four at-bats Wednesday, he's swung a hot bat recently and had recorded multi-hit performances in each of his first four games after the All-Star break. During his hitting streak, he went 9-for-17 with a home run, a double, six RBI and four runs. The 27-year-old already has a career-high 30 extra-base hits in 2021 and has had a prominent role in the heart of Seattle's lineup this year. FAAB: $4

Second Base

Enrique Hernandez, Red Sox: Hernandez has had a power surge since the Red Sox to begin the second half of the season, and he's hit three home runs and three doubles across the last four games. The 29-year-old's playing time has remained consistent even after Jarren Duran was called up last week, and he's now hitting .241 with 14 home runs, 47 runs and 35 RBI this season. Hernandez has eligibility at multiple positions and has been dominant since the All-Star break. FAAB: $8

Nick Senzel, Reds: Senzel is slated to begin a rehab assignment in the near future, and he's expected to work at shortstop and in center field prior to his reinstatement from the injured list. The 26-year-old has been sidelined since mid-May due to a knee injury, but he could be on track to return sometime in late July or early August if all goes well on his rehab assignment. Senzel hit .252 with a homer, 18 runs, eight RBI and two stolen bases in 36 games prior to his injury, and he could claim an everyday role upon his return if he finds success at shortstop. FAAB: $2

Third Base

Patrick Wisdom, Cubs: Wisdom has cooled off slightly since he hit nine home runs in 20 games to begin his time in the majors this year, but he's recorded hits in five of the last eight games with three home runs during that time. The 29-year-old is now hitting .268 with 14 home runs, 25 RBI, 25 runs and three stolen bases across 49 games this year. Wisdom has had a consistent spot in the lineup recently and could maintain a spot in the starting nine throughout the second half of the year, especially if Kris Bryant is ultimately traded prior to the end of July. FAAB: $4

Shortstop

Josh Rojas, Diamondbacks: Rojas is currently riding a seven-game hitting streak, and he's gone 12-for-24 with five doubles, six runs, two RBI, two stolen bases and eight walks during that time. He suffered a dislocated left pinky finger in Wednesday's win over the Pirates, but it's not yet clear whether he'll miss additional time. As long as his injury isn't serious, the 27-year-old has been quite effective at reaching base recently and warrants fantasy consideration. FAAB: $4

Outfield

Akil Baddoo, Tigers: Baddoo's results have been somewhat streaky this season, but he's been hot since the All-Star break. The 22-year-old has gone 6-for-21 with two homers, a triple, eight RBI, five runs and a stolen base across the last five games. Baddoo has demonstrated modest power with eight home runs in his rookie season, and his 14 stolen bases are tied for 12th in all of baseball. The outfielder's playing time has been relatively consistent throughout the year, and he has solid power and speed potential. FAAB: $6

Brandon Marsh, Angels: Marsh is one of the Angels' top prospects, and he made his major-league debut just after the All-Star break. The 23-year-old has performed relatively well since joining the big-league roster, as he's gone 4-for-11 with a double, an RBI, a stolen base and a walk across three games. Marsh will lose out on his starting role in center field once Mike Trout returns from a calf injury, but he should see relatively consistent playing time across the next few weeks and could maintain a roster spot for the second half of the year. FAAB: $5

Robbie Grossman, Tigers: Another Tigers outfielder who has been quite effective recently is Grossman, who has now reached base safely in each of his last 20 games. Since the All-Star break, the 31-year-old has gone 6-for-22 with three homers, six runs and a walk across six games. His .229 batting average leaves something to be desired, but the outfielder already has a career-high 15 home runs in 92 games this season. FAAB: $5

Greg Allen, Yankees: The Yankees' outfield has been dealing with various injuries throughout most of the season, and Allen's contract was selected after the All-Star break to fill a void while Aaron Judge is on the COVID-19 injured list. The 28-year-old has recorded hits in each of his five appearances, and he's gone 5-for-12 with a triple, two doubles, five runs, three stolen bases and two RBI during that time. Allen should at least be a short-term fantasy option, but he could remain with the major-league roster going forward if he continues to perform well. FAAB: $2