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.

Several relievers that have earned save chances recently have the chance to earn more regular time in the ninth inning, while recent injuries to players like Travis d'Arnaud and Luis Robert have created opportunities for some position players to earn more regular playing time.

Starting Pitcher

Shane McClanahan, Rays: McClanahan makes the column for a second straight week since he's had two solid outings to begin the season and is making the case for a rotation spot. McClanahan has only lasted four innings in each of his first two appearances, but he's allowed just two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out 10 in eight innings. As he continues to build his workload McClanahan's value should continue to grow if he stays in the rotation. FAAB: $10

Cole Irvin, Athletics: Irvin got off to a shaky start in 2021 but has settled down by allowing no more than two runs in each of his last four appearances. During that time, he posted a 1.42 ERA and 29:3 K:BB in 25.1 innings. Irvin was the first Athletics pitcher this season to last at least eight innings during his last start Tuesday, and he should remain in the rotation if he continues to pitch at a high level. FAAB: $7

Martin Perez, Red Sox: Perez has yet to earn a win in 2021, but he hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in any of his last three starts. The southpaw generally doesn't go very deep into games, as he hasn't lasted longer than 5.2 innings in any of his appearances to begin the season. However, Perez could be a viable fantasy option in deeper leagues for teams in need of a starting pitcher that can limit run production. FAAB: $1

Relief Pitcher

Rafael Dolis, Blue Jays: Even though Jordan Romano is healthy for the Blue Jays once again, Dolis has still continued to handle the save chances. Dolis has picked up three saves in his last five outings and hasn't allowed a run during that time. The right-hander has struggled with command and has a 16.0 percent walk rate to begin the year, but he should continue to see the bulk of the ninth-inning duties for Toronto as long as he continues to limit runs. FAAB: $9

Yusmeiro Petit, Athletics: Lou Trivino has seen most of the save chances for the Athletics while Trevor Rosenthal has been sidelined due to a shoulder issue, but Petit has posted a 0.98 ERA in 18.1 innings and picked up his first save of the season Tuesday against the Blue Jays. Trivino hasn't been used in the ninth inning in either of his last two appearances, and he gave up five runs in a third of an inning during his appearance against the Blue Jays on Wednesday. If Petit continues to perform well, he could supplant Trivino as Oakland's primary closer. FAAB: $7

Pete Fairbanks, Rays: Fairbanks spent nearly a month on the injured list due to a right rotator cuff strain, but he was reinstated Wednesday and could serve as the Rays' short-term closer after Diego Castillo landed on the injured list with a groin injury. Fairbanks made three relief appearances early in the season and earned three holds while giving up just one run in 2.2 innings. Fairbanks should factor into late-game situations even after Castillo returns, and he's at least a short-term option for fantasy managers in need of immediate saves. FAAB: $4

Sam Coonrod, Phillies: Coonrod has posted a 1.23 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in 14.2 innings in 13 relief appearances, and he's earned saves in two of his last three outings since Jose Alvarado and Hector Neris were unavailable. Alvarado picked up the save Wednesday against Milwaukee after he was reinstated from his two-game suspension, but Coonrod could be an option to close out games in certain situations later in the season. FAAB: $1

Catcher

Tucker Barnhart, Reds: Barnhart has been quite effective at hitting for average early in the season, as his .313 batting average ranks third among catchers who have played at least 20 games in 2021. Tyler Stephenson has also performed well behind the dish for Cincinnati, but Barnhart has still seen most of the playing time. Barnhart already has three homers, 14 runs and 11 RBIs in 23 games, and he's seen plenty of playing time despite Stephenson's solid play. FAAB: $4

William Contreras, Atlanta: Contreras should see the bulk of the playing time at catcher in the coming days with Travis d'Arnaud slated to miss extended time due to a thumb injury while Alex Jackson is also out with a hamstring issue. Contreras has gotten off to a hot start, as he's gone 4-for-10 with a home run, three RBIs and three runs in three games. At the very least, Contreras is a short-term fantasy option in deeper leagues who has been swinging a hot bat recently. At best, the 23-year-old could have the chance to carve out more regular playing time at catcher this season if his performance continues. FAAB: $1

First Base

Brandon Belt, Giants: Belt has had consistent playing time in the heart of San Francisco's lineup, and he had massive production by hitting two home runs with seven RBIs in Tuesday's doubleheader against the Rockies. Belt's .226 batting average leaves something to be desired, and his 33.0 percent strikeout rate has spiked compared to last season. However, the first baseman now has six home runs, 18 RBIs, 13 runs and two stolen bases in 30 games and warrants fantasy consideration. FAAB: $3

Second Base

Jed Lowrie, Athletics: Lowrie has been reliable this season, but he's seen an uptick in production recently. In his last four games, the 37-year-old has gone 8-for-15 with three doubles, five RBIs and two walks. Lowrie has now hit .275 with 12 extra-base hits, 22 RBIs and 16 runs in 30 games this season. He's mainly hit near the top third of the order for the Athletics and has been a reliable contributor early in his 13th major league season. FAAB: $4

Josh Rojas, Diamondbacks: Rojas had a slow start to the season, as he hit just .111 with a home run, four RBIs and a run in his first 15 games. However, he's now gone 8-for-19 with four home runs, seven runs and six RBIs in his last five games. The 26-year-old has been fairly unreliable as a whole this year, but fantasy managers in deeper leagues could consider rostering Rojas while he's swinging a hot bat. FAAB: $1

Third Base

Hunter Dozier, Royals: Dozier is more widely rostered than some of the other names on the list, but he's still worth adding if he isn't already rostered given his recent surge at the plate. In his last four games, Dozier has gone 7-for-16 with three home runs, a triple, three doubles, six RBI and five runs. Dozier struggled to get things going in 2020 and has hit just .184 to begin the 2021 campaign, but he's been performing closer to his full potential recently. FAAB: $7

Shortstop

Leury Garcia, White Sox: Garcia should take over as the White Sox's primary center fielder since Luis Robert is expected to miss 12-to-16 weeks due to a hip injury. Garcia has hit just .192 this season, but his counting stats have been slightly better, as he has 13 RBIs, 10 runs and two stolen bases in 22 games. Garcia's performance at the plate has been somewhat unpolished, but he should have regular playing time with eligibility at shortstop and in the outfield in most fantasy leagues. FAAB: $2

Outfield

Mike Tauchman, Giants: Tauchman was traded from the Yankees to the Giants on April 27, and he's recorded hits in five of his first seven games with his new club. The 30-year-old has taken over as the leadoff hitter after Tommy La Stella was placed on the injured list with a hamstring injury, and he should continue to hit at the top of the order with La Stella out at least four weeks. Tauchman has already crossed the plate six times in his first seven games with the Giants, and he should continue to see plenty of at-bats. FAAB: $4

Raimel Tapia, Rockies: Tapia hit .321 in 2020, and he's had little trouble getting on base early in the 2021 campaign with a .312 batting average in 30 games. The 27-year-old has hits in each of his last six games and has recorded a home run, eight RBIs, five runs and two stolen bases during that time. Tapia's ability to cross the plate has been somewhat limited while hitting at the top of a relatively weak Rockies lineup, but he's gotten on base effectively to begin the year. FAAB: $3

Harold Ramirez, Cleveland: Ramirez was called up by Cleveland on Monday and has been in the lineup each of the last three games. He's gone 4-for-13 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs during that span and may be the favorite for playing time in center field for the time being. The 27-year-old hit 11 home runs in 119 games with the Marlins in 2019 and has carved out playing time since joining Cleveland's major league roster in 2021. FAAB: $1