As we enter Week 12 of the fantasy baseball season, astute managers have a chance to capitalize on undervalued assets. This week, five hitters shine: Willi Castro, Josh Smith, Miguel Vargas, Ryan McMahon, and Sal Frelick. Each of these players has shown potential for significant impact, making them worthy additions to your roster.

Willi Castro of the Minnesota Twins has returned from injury with impressive stats, batting .370 over his last seven games. Josh Smith's versatility and recent performance for the Texas Rangers have made him a key contributor. Meanwhile, Miguel Vargas of the Chicago White Sox is establishing himself as a reliable hitter, while Ryan McMahon is leveraging Coors Field's advantages. Finally, Sal Frelick continues to impress with his solid batting average and base-stealing skills for the Milwaukee Brewers. These players present various opportunities for fantasy managers looking to enhance their lineups as the summer months approach.

Weekly analysis brings a focus on trending starting pitchers, crucial for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Jacob Misiorowski had an impressive MLB debut, throwing five hitless innings for the Milwaukee Brewers. His fastball reached 99 mph, showcasing potential but also revealing command issues. Eury Pérez from the Miami Marlins, returning from Tommy John surgery, displayed inconsistent command in his first two starts, making him less appealing in shallow leagues.

Brayan Bello of the Boston Red Sox has evolved significantly, opting for cutters over his once-dominant changeup. His recent usage suggests he’s finding a new identity on the mound, which could impact his fantasy relevance. Lastly, Brandon Walter of the Houston Astros demonstrates a refined pitch mix, making him a potential target for deeper fantasy leagues.

Aaron Civale, who recently transitioned from the Milwaukee Brewers to the Chicago White Sox, is on the radar of the Boston Red Sox. After a shaky outing with the White Sox, concerns about the team's pitching depth have arisen, especially following the Rafael Devers trade. Civale's injury history and earlier request to move to the bullpen have raised eyebrows, yet his potential as a veteran innings-eater could prove beneficial for Boston. Reports suggest Civale is interested in joining the Red Sox, which adds intrigue to possible trade discussions before the deadline.

The Milwaukee Brewers are set to host a nostalgic event on July 25, celebrating 25 seasons at American Family Field with an alumni home-run derby following a game against the Miami Marlins. Notable former players such as Ryan Braun and Carlos Gómez are expected to participate, along with Yovani Gallardo, Bill Hall, and Eric Thames. This gathering highlights Braun's impressive legacy as the franchise's all-time home run leader, boasting 352 home runs, significantly more than Robin Yount's 251. The event will also feature affordable draft beers and brats, autograph sessions, and a 25% discount at the team store.

Fans can anticipate a mixture of nostalgia and entertainment as these former stars reconnect with their roots. At 41, Braun's ability to still hit home runs is a key talking point. Gómez, who last played in 2019, is also expected to garner attention for his past highlight-reel plays. The event promises to be a unique experience for both the players and fans, strengthening the community ties surrounding the Brewers organization.

The Milwaukee Brewers are set to face off against the Chicago Cubs in a key matchup on June 18, despite challenging weather conditions. Rain is expected throughout the evening, with thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. The game features promising pitching talent, with Jacob Misiorowski making just his second start for the Brewers, while veteran Jameson Taillon takes the mound for the Cubs. The matchup is particularly intriguing for fans and fantasy players as both pitchers have the potential for impactful performances.

With the game scheduled to start at 7:05 PM, fans can catch the action on FanDuel Sports Wisconsin. Beyond the pitching duel, this game could significantly influence the standings in the National League Central, as both teams vie for playoff positioning. Stay tuned for live updates and potential scoring plays.