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 fantasy baseball season is winding down, but there are plenty of players who have become late-season options given their success in recent weeks. A pair of starting pitchers for the Rangers have impressed early in their major-league careers, while several closers on struggling teams have provided value recently. Among position players, several players who have largely underwhelmed in 2021 are strong options down the stretch given their recent production at the plate.

Starting Pitcher

Eric Lauer, Brewers: Lauer had lasted longer than six innings just once across his first 18 appearances of the season, but he's lasted seven innings in each of his last two starts. During that time, the southpaw posted a 0.64 ERA and 0.64 WHIP in 14 innings. Lauer has been effective at limiting run production for most of the season with a 3.18 ERA in 2021, but his 8.50 K/9 hasn't turned many heads. However, his recent ability to go deep into games makes him worth a pickup for the final few weeks of the season. FAAB: $8

Rich Hill, Mets: Although Hill hasn't earned a win since June 23, he's been quite productive across his last three starts. During that time, he's recorded a 1.59 ERA, 20:2 K:BB and 0.88 WHIP in 17 innings. The southpaw has generated quality starts in each of his last two appearances despite having to settle for no-decisions in each of those outings. He lines up to make starts against the Cardinals and Phillies next week and is a strong fantasy option given his recent output. FAAB: $7

Glenn Otto, Rangers: Otto made his major-league debut in late August and has allowed two runs while striking out 11 in 9.2 innings across his first two appearances with the Rangers. The right-hander's results were strong enough to keep him in the rotation, even though Spencer Howard and Dane Dunning will return from the COVID-19 injured list soon. Otto posted a 2.70 ERA in four starts at Triple-A Round Rock after he was traded from the Yankees to the Rangers, and his minor-league success has translated to the big leagues so far. FAAB: $5

A.J. Alexy, Rangers: In addition to Otto's strong start, Alexy has been effective in his first two big-league outings for the Rangers. The 23-year-old has struck out 11 in 11 scoreless innings across starts against the Rockies and Angels. While Alexy is slated to face a tougher opponent at home against the Astros early next week, he's a viable fantasy option since he's been effective with the Rangers after he recorded a 1.66 ERA across 16 appearances (10 starts) with the Double-A and Triple-A clubs to begin the year. FAAB: $5

Adrian Houser, Brewers: Houser gave up five runs in five innings during his last start in August, but he was dominant Saturday when he tossed the first complete-game shutout of his career. The right-hander has put together some sustained success in the last month and a half, as he's recorded a 1.76 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in 30.2 innings across his last six appearances. Houser has a lackluster 18.2 percent strikeout rate in 2021 but has been quite effective at limiting run production recently. FAAB: $3

Relief Pitcher

Scott Barlow, Royals: The Royals haven't been in many save situations across the last week, but Barlow has remained the team's clear closer recently. The right-hander has allowed just one run in 8.1 innings across his last eight appearances, and he's converted five of his six save opportunities during that time. While Barlow's upside is somewhat limited given the team's lack of save situations, he's pitched well in a high-leverage role. FAAB: $5

Dylan Floro, Marlins: Floro was charged with a loss Sunday when he gave up an unearned run against the Phillies, but he had picked up saves in each of his three outings prior to Sunday's matchup. The right-hander has made seven appearances since Aug. 15 and has earned a win and four saves while posting a 1.42 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 6.1 innings during that time. Floro has established himself as Miami's clear closer and should continue to see high-leverage work if he remains effective down the stretch. FAAB: $4

Rowan Wick, Cubs: Wick has benefited from the Cubs' recent stretch of wins, as he's converted saves in three of his last five outings. The right-hander has generated a 1.29 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in seven innings during that time. While Codi Heuer and Manuel Rodriguez may remain in the mix for ninth-inning work, Wick has certainly earned the opportunity for more save chances and provides decent fantasy value as a result. FAAB: $3

Catcher

Alejandro Kirk, Blue Jays: Kirk has split time behind the dish recently, but he's in the midst of a power surge in which he's hit three home runs in his last three appearances. The 22-year-old has started as the designated hitter in each of the last two games as a result, and the Blue Jays will presumably try to find ways to keep him in the lineup if he continues to display increased power. Although his season-long production has been inconsistent, Kirk warrants consideration while he's swinging a hot bat. FAAB: $2

First Base

Frank Schwindel, Cubs: Schwindel has cooled off across the last two games by going 0-for-7 with a walk and a strikeout, but his potential was on full display last week when he earned NL Player of the Week honors. Across the eight games prior to Tuesday's matchup, the 29-year-old hit .441 with six home runs, 14 RBI and nine runs. His recent power surge makes him worth considering for most fantasy teams in a playoff push. FAAB: $6

Second Base

Jonathan Villar, Mets: Villar had a murky outlook for playing time given the Mets' efforts to strengthen their infield at the trade deadline, but he has still had consistent at-bats and has served as the leadoff man in each of the last 11 games. The 30-year-old has recorded five multi-hit performances during that time and has hit .370 with three home runs, a triple, three doubles, 10 runs, seven RBI and a stolen base across that span. Villar has had plenty of playing time in the Mets' infield and has been a versatile fantasy contributor recently. FAAB: $6

Third Base

Jeimer Candelario, Tigers: Candelario has displayed increased power recently and has posted six extra-base hits across the last eight games. During that time, the 27-year-old has hit .333 with two home runs, a triple, three doubles, eight runs and seven RBI. He's been an everyday player for the Tigers, and his recent production has backed up his plentiful playing time. Although Detroit has had lackluster offensive production this year, Candelario has maintained a consistent spot in the heart of the order. FAAB: $7

Leury Garcia, White Sox: Garcia has continued to see consistent playing time since Tim Anderson landed on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring injury, and Anderson still doesn't have a timetable to return. The 30-year-old has been productive as a replacement and is in the midst of a seven-game hitting streak. During that time, he has four multi-hit performances and has hit .500 with four doubles, four RBI, three runs and a stolen base. Garcia hasn't produced many runs during his hot streak, but he provides plenty of on-base value with the potential for counting stats if the heart of the order performs well. FAAB: $3

Shortstop

Alcides Escobar, Nationals: Although Escobar's .242 batting average in the last eight games has been much lower than Garcia's, the former has had plenty of opportunities to cross the plate while hitting near the top of Washington's order. Across his last eight appearances, he has a home run, a triple, two doubles, 11 runs and five RBI. Although the 34-year-old's on-base stats haven't jumped off the page, he offers a slight boost for fantasy teams in need of runs. FAAB: $3

Outfield

Austin Hays, Orioles: Hays has put together a strong stretch in the last two weeks, as he's recorded hits in each of the last 15 games. During that time, the 26-year-old has slashed .357/.390/.643 with three homers, a triple, five doubles, 13 RBI and 11 runs. While Hays saw his playing time dip near the end of August, he's been in the lineup for each of the last 10 games and has produced at a high level. While his season long .298 on-base percentage leaves something to be desired, he's produced a strong mix of on-base ability and counting stats recently. FAAB: $6

Kevin Pillar, Mets: Pillar has served as the Mets' primary center fielder while Brandon Nimmo has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, and the 32-year-old has performed well while starting six of the last seven games. Across that span, he slashed .364/.440/.727 with two home runs, two doubles, eight RBI, four runs and a stolen base. Although Nimmo is ahead of schedule in his recovery, he still doesn't have a clear timetable for his return, which should keep Pillar in the lineup in the coming days. FAAB: $4

Jo Adell, Angels: Adell has been an everyday player for the Angels across the last month, and he's put together a hitting streak in his last six appearances. He has two multi-hit outings during that time and has hit .450 with three home runs, eight RBI, four runs and a stolen base. The 22-year-old has had somewhat lackluster results since he was called up in early August, but his potential has been on full display during the last week. FAAB: $3

Lane Thomas, Nationals: Thomas has been Washington's primary center fielder since Victor Robles was sent down, and he's been a strong contributor by driving in runs in seven of the last 10 games. During that span, the 26-year-old has slashed .286/.354/.524 with three homers, nine runs, seven RBI and a stolen base. Thomas hasn't displayed much power throughout the season, as his recent home runs have been his first three of the year. However, he's had plenty of opportunities to cross the plate while hitting at the top of the Nationals' order recently. FAAB: $3

Josh Lowe, Rays: Lowe's fantasy value would be much higher if he had a clear path toward playing time or an established spot on the active roster, but ESPN's Jeff Passan reports the 23-year-old's time with the major-league club could be brief while Randy Arozarena is on the paternity list. However, the team's top prospect went 1-for-1 with a stolen base and a walk in his big-league debut Wednesday and should remain in the lineup for several days while Arozarena is away from the team. His FAAB value increases if the Rays keep him on the active roster once Arozarena returns, but his playing time in the outfield will likely be limited even if he remains with the major-league club. FAAB: $2