The Boston Red Sox made a significant trade, sending Rafael Devers, the last member of their 2018 World Series team, to the San Francisco Giants. This move is poised to bolster the Giants, who boast the fifth-best record in the National League. In fantasy baseball, Week 12 presents several key hitter pickups. Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies, currently 29% rostered, has been on fire at home, slashing .291/.426/.544. Sal Frelick from the Milwaukee Brewers is also worth a look, batting close to .300 and excelling in stolen bases. Alejandro Kirk of the Toronto Blue Jays is performing like a top-10 catcher, hitting .370 over the last two weeks. J.P. Crawford of the Seattle Mariners is consistently hitting well, while Max Muncy of the Athletics, although less rostered, is showcasing his power and versatility, making him an intriguing option for fantasy lineups.

Shohei Ohtani is making strides in his recovery from a torn ulnar collateral ligament, with Los Angeles Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts suggesting a positive outlook for his return to the mound before the All-Star Break. Despite the injury, Ohtani continues to dominate as a hitter, leading the National League with 25 home runs and maintaining a .290 batting average with a 1.023 OPS. His teammate, Max Muncy, emphasizes the importance of Ohtani's health over rushing his return to pitching, acknowledging the unprecedented nature of Ohtani's dual-threat capabilities.

When healthy, Ohtani is among the elite pitchers in Major League Baseball, boasting a 3.01 ERA and a .200 opponent batting average throughout his career. His impressive track record includes accolades such as being a World Series champion and multiple-time MVP. As the Dodgers aim for postseason success, Ohtani's eventual return as a pitcher could significantly bolster their rotation and overall chances.

The ongoing rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres has evolved into a significant clash in the National League West, especially highlighted by their recent matchup at Petco Park. The Dodgers edged out the Padres 8-7 in a thrilling game that showcased the intensity of their rivalry, marked by a series of lead changes and clutch performances. Max Muncy emphasized that rivalries are built over time, and with both teams vying for playoff positioning, the stakes have never been higher.

Historically, while the Dodgers reign supreme with eight World Series titles compared to the Padres' playoff appearances, recent playoff meetings have intensified their competition. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the rivalry's growth due to the rising stakes in their encounters, notably in last year's NL Division Series. As the season progresses, both teams are in a tight race for the division title, and upcoming matchups promise to deliver more excitement.

Jacob Wilson of the Oakland Athletics has burst onto the fantasy baseball scene, boasting an impressive .370 batting average with 8 home runs and 37 RBIs. His high BABIP of .372 and power potential make him a must-watch as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Max Muncy of the Los Angeles Dodgers is beginning to find his stride, significantly improving his performance after adopting prescription glasses, raising his batting average to .272 with a .583 slugging percentage since late April.

On the pitching side, Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks has shown signs of returning to form, highlighted by a 3.43 ERA and increased strikeout rates in recent outings. Conversely, Jesus Luzardo's recent struggles have raised concerns, as he gave up 20 runs in just 5.2 innings over his last two starts. Fantasy managers should closely evaluate these players as they navigate their respective slumps and rises to capitalize on the trends.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with a staggering number of injuries, with 15 pitchers currently on the injured list. The absence of frontline pitching threatens to derail the team's championship aspirations, prompting questions about the effectiveness of their training staff and pitching coach Mark Prior. Despite their deep pockets and capability to replace injured stars, the Dodgers face the risk of being outperformed by smaller market teams due to their reliance on injury-prone players.

Critics argue that the Dodgers should reallocate their financial resources to strengthen their lineup with All-Star offensive players instead of investing heavily in pitchers who frequently find themselves sidelined. The ongoing debate intensifies with calls for the team to part ways with Clayton Kershaw, whose performances have waned with age and injury concerns. Although Kershaw's legacy is undeniable, the sentiment grows that he may be hindering the team's progress. Meanwhile, Max Muncy is enjoying a resurgence, with his recent performances showcasing his value as a key contributor.