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.

The trade deadline is in the rear-view mirror, and several teams have already tipped their hands regarding pitchers who are in line for increased ninth-inning duties the final two months of the season. In addition, Jo Adell was finally called up to make his 2021 debut Tuesday, and several position players have also benefited from the eventful trade deadline.

Starting Pitcher

Jameson Taillon, Yankees: Taillon has recorded wins in six of his last eight starts, and he racked up a season-high 10 strikeouts in Wednesday's no-decision against the Orioles. He posted a 5.59 ERA across his first 13 starts of the year, but he's greatly improved in his last eight appearances with a 2.20 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 45:14 K:BB in 49 innings. The right-hander has been picked up in more fantasy leagues recently, but he's worth adding in leagues where he's still available. FAAB: $6

Matt Harvey, Orioles: Harvey had a strong start to the second half of the year by tossing 18.1 scoreless frames in his first three starts after the All-Star break, winning each of those games. He gave up two runs in Wednesday's outing, but he was removed from the game with a knee injury that may have contributed to his lackluster stat line. Manager Brandon Hyde didn't sound too concerned about the injury after the game, and the righty has now posted a 0.81 ERA and 0.72 WHIP in 22.1 innings since the All-Star break. FAAB: $5

Cole Hamels, Dodgers: Hamels has only made one major-league appearance since 2019 due to shoulder issues, but he impressed enough during his mid-July showcase to earn a contract with the Dodgers. He'll require some time to build up to a starter's workload, but he'll likely be in line to make his 2021 debut sometime in late August or early September. The southpaw should provide a boost to the Dodgers' rotation, which is currently missing several starters. While he won't have immediate fantasy value, Hamels could be worth considering for teams looking ahead to a playoff run. FAAB: $3

Kyle Muller, Atlanta: Although Muller was charged with the loss in his first start after the All-Star break, he hasn't allowed more than one run in any of his last three outings. During that time, he put up a 1.29 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 14 innings. The southpaw hasn't lasted six innings in any of his seven appearances (six starts) in 2021, but he should at least have value until Ian Anderson and Huascar Ynoa return from the injured list. FAAB: $2

Relief Pitcher

Kyle Finnegan, Nationals: Finnegan hasn't allowed a run since July 17, and he now appears to be Washington's closer after the team traded Brad Hand on Thursday. The right-hander has been especially effective in his three appearances since the trade, and he's picked up a win and two saves while striking out two in three innings. Finnegan has posted a 1.42 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 12.2 innings across his 12 appearances since he returned from a hamstring injury in early July, and he has decent job security as the Nationals' closer. FAAB: $10

Dylan Floro, Marlins: The Marlins traded closer Yimi Garcia prior to Friday's trade deadline, and Floro has taken over ninth-inning duties. The right-hander has converted save chances in each of his last two appearances, and he now carries a 2.64 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP in 44.1 innings this season. If he struggles, the 30-year-old could face competition for save opportunities from Anthony Bender, but Floro is the clear favorite for ninth-inning work. FAAB: $8

Tyler Clippard, Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks also lost their closer after Joakim Soria was traded to the Blue Jays on Friday. While Arizona has several viable options who could close games in Noe Ramirez and Joe Mantiply, Clippard will have the chance to gain some stability in a ninth-inning role if he can pitch well while Ramirez and Mantiply are on the COVID-19 injured list. Clippard has dominated since he made his 2021 debut, as he's picked up two saves while allowing four hits and a walk with five strikeouts in six innings across six appearances. The right-hander has been reliable in the majors this year, and he'll have the chance to secure a stable ninth-inning role if he continues to pitch well. FAAB: $5

Alex Colome, Twins: In contrast to Clippard's reliability, Colome has been inconsistent this year with a career-high 4.58 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 39.1 innings. However, he has four saves, and he was called upon to close Tuesday's win over Cincinnati. The right-hander appears to have taken over as Minnesota's closer by default since the Twins traded Hansel Robles, and Taylor Rogers could miss the remainder of the season due to a finger injury. Colome's job security is a concern given his past struggles, but he's at least a short-term consideration for save opportunities. FAAB: $3

Catcher

Elias Diaz, Rockies: Diaz and Dom Nunez have competed for primary catching duties for most of the season, but the former has been especially dominant recently with three home runs in his last five games. During that time, he's gone 6-for-17 with three homers, a double, six runs, six RBIs and a walk. The 30-year-old should continue to share time behind the dish, but his power has been on full display this year with a career-high 12 home runs in 65 games to begin 2021. FAAB: $3

Seby Zavala, White Sox: Zavala became the first player in MLB history to hit his first three career home runs in the same game Saturday, and he's gotten on base in each of his last three appearances with seven RBIs and six runs during that time. The 27-year-old has a small sample size and is in a timeshare with Zack Collins, but he's performed well in his first few big-league appearances and is worth fantasy consideration until Yasmani Grandal is cleared to return. FAAB: $1

First Base

Miguel Cabrera, Tigers: Cabrera has a career-low .309 on-base percentage and .388 slugging rate this season, but he's reached base safely in each of his last 11 appearances. The 38-year-old has been especially proficient at producing runs recently, as he's recorded four home runs, two doubles, 10 RBIs and seven runs across his last 10 appearances. Cabrera's 2021 marks haven't been anywhere near where they were in his prime, but he's had consistent playing time and is worth fantasy consideration while he's swinging a hot bat. FAAB: $2

Second Base

Abraham Toro, Mariners: Toro was dealt from the Astros to the Mariners on July 27, and he's started seven of the eight games since he joined the club. He's reached base safely in each of his appearances with the Mariners, and he's gone 12-for-28 with three home runs, three doubles, eight runs, five RBIs, a stolen base and three walks during that time. Toro has taken over as the primary second baseman in Seattle, and his change in scenery has led to a surge in production at the plate. FAAB: $4

Third Base

Aledmys Diaz, Astros: Diaz had been sidelined since June 6 due to a fractured right hand, but he returned from the injured list July 27 and has recorded hits in each of his seven games since his activation. The 31-year-old has flashed his power during that time, as he's gone 11-for-31 with three home runs, two doubles, eight RBIs and seven runs. Diaz has claimed an everyday role while Alex Bregman has been on a rehab assignment, but he has the chance to carve out regular at-bats on a long-term basis if he remains productive. FAAB: $3

Shortstop

Brendan Rodgers, Rockies: Rodgers has been somewhat inconsistent since he made his season debut in mid-May, but he's riding a 10-game hitting streak. During that time, the 24-year-old has slashed .357/.400/.690 with four home runs, two doubles, eight runs and seven RBIs. Even though the Rockies didn't part with Trevor Story at the trade deadline, Rodgers has still had regular playing time, and he's nearly doubled his homer count in the last 10 games. FAAB: $5

Jack Mayfield, Angels: Mayfield closed July by going 0-for-9 with four strikeouts across the last three games in the month, but he's turned things around during his first four appearances in August. Across the last four contests, the 30-year-old has gone 5-for-13 with two homers, two doubles and four RBI. Mayfield should continue to see plenty of playing time during the final two months of the season since Anthony Rendon is out for the season, and he's had a significant impact at the plate recently. FAAB: $2

Outfield

Jo Adell, Angels: Adell finally received his call-up Tuesday, and he had a strong performance during his season debut in which he went 3-for-4 with two doubles, three RBIs and a stolen base. Although he went 0-for-4 in Wednesday's matchup, he was finally able to lower his strikeout rate in the minors enough to warrant a big-league roster spot. As long as he can limit his strikeouts Adell should be a regular fixture in the Angels' lineup down the stretch following a dominant season at Triple-A in which he slashed .286/.339/.588 with 23 home runs, 69 RBIs, 57 runs and eight stolen bases across 73 games. FAAB: $9

Jorge Soler, Royals: Soler received a change of scenery at the trade deadline, and he'll provide needed outfield help in Atlanta following Ronald Acuna's injury. The 29-year-old has recorded hits in each of the first four games with his new club, and he's gone 6-for-16 with two home runs, four RBIs and three runs during that time. Although Soler hit just .118 in the six games following the All-Star break, he's hit .353 with six home runs since July 25. FAAB: $8

Avisail Garcia, Brewers: Garcia has been proficient at reaching base recently, and he's recorded five multi-hit games across his last eight appearances. During that stretch, the outfielder has slashed .394/.459/.545 with a home run, eight RBIs, six runs and two stolen bases. Garcia isn't a reliable source for stolen bases since he's been successful on just six of his 10 attempts in 2021, but his 18 home runs and 66 RBIs this year put him on pace to set the highest totals of his career in those categories. FAAB: $6

Rafael Ortega, Cubs: Ortega has been thrust into an everyday role after the Cubs traded their core group of players ahead of Friday's deadline. The 30-year-old has responded with a six-game hitting streak, highlighted by a three-homer game Sunday. During his hit streak, he's gone 11-for-25 with four home runs, a double, nine runs, eight RBIs and a stolen base. Ortega has a clear path toward long-term playing time, and he's been a strong contributor recently. FAAB: $4

Yadiel Hernandez, Nationals: Hernandez rejoined the Nationals on July 29 after he made one appearance at Triple-A Rochester, and he's recorded hits in each of his seven appearances. During that stretch, the 33-year-old has gone 12-for-22 with two home runs, three doubles, seven RBIs and six runs. Hernandez is more widely available in fantasy leagues than some of the other outfielders in this week's column, and he's a strong option in deeper leagues since he's supplanted Gerardo Parra as the primary left fielder recently. FAAB: $3