In the realm of fantasy baseball, Week 12 of the 2025 season presents intriguing pitching options. Will Warren from the New York Yankees showcased remarkable potential with a stellar performance against the Royals, striking out four over 5.2 innings while not allowing a run. This performance, however, comes on the heels of a tumultuous stretch, raising questions about his consistency. Cade Horton of the Chicago Cubs also impressed by blanking the Pirates, further solidifying his position in the Chicago rotation.

Meanwhile, Jacob Lopez of the Athletics made waves with a dominant outing against Kansas City, striking out nine batters in six innings. Each of these pitchers comes with their own set of challenges and potential, making them worthy of consideration on the waiver wire as fantasy managers seek to bolster their rosters.

In the fantasy baseball world, finding effective pitchers on the waiver wire can be a game-changer. This week, focus on Matthew Liberatore, who despite some recent struggles, has shown improved control and an advantageous matchup against the White Sox. Grant Holmes is another intriguing option; his slider has been effective, especially against the Marlins. Jose Soriano is worth a look after a stellar outing with 12 strikeouts, while Clarke Schmidt and Zack Littell are both set to face strikeout-prone lineups. Young pitchers like Ben Brown and Slade Cecconi are also on the radar with their two-start weeks. Finally, Sandy Alcantara’s recent control over his pitching might make him more reliable even against tough opponents, and Will Warren's recent scoreless outing suggests potential upside.

In a tense showdown at Kauffman Stadium, the New York Yankees edged past the Kansas City Royals with a narrow 1-0 victory, completing a series sweep. Paul Goldschmidt emerged as the hero with a decisive RBI single in the eighth inning. Pitchers Will Warren and Seth Lugo both impressed, each tossing 5.2 scoreless innings. Warren, in his recovery from a rough outing against the Red Sox, struck out four while allowing only four hits, lowering his ERA to 4.86. Lugo matched him with two strikeouts and just two hits allowed.

The Yankees' bullpen maintained the momentum, with Tim Hill and Jonathan Loaisiga contributing perfect innings. Devin Williams, back in the closer's role post-injury, sealed the game in the ninth. Despite the win, the Yankees' offense struggled to find rhythm without Aaron Judge, who took a rare night off before facing the Red Sox in Boston. Manager Aaron Boone plans to utilize three left-handed pitchers against a righty lineup over the weekend series.

The New York Yankees are making strategic lineup adjustments as they face the Kansas City Royals. Superstar Aaron Judge is taking a much-needed rest after an intensive season, while Jazz Chisholm Jr. is sidelined due to left groin tightness, a concern for fantasy managers relying on his performance. The team is looking to secure a three-game sweep in this series with rookie Will Warren taking the mound, aiming to capitalize on the Royals' weaknesses. Backup catcher JC Escarra is set to play, giving Austin Wells a chance to recuperate before a critical weekend series against the Boston Red Sox.