Heading into Week 12 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season, five notable players are under scrutiny for their performance. Tyler Mahle of the Texas Rangers had an impressive start with a 1.47 ERA but has since struggled, currently on the injured list with shoulder soreness. Despite this downturn, he should be held in most leagues due to potential recovery.

Matt Shaw from the Chicago Cubs showed promise after a Triple-A stint but has recently hit a slump, suggesting a possible drop if he doesn't regain form. Lars Nootbaar of the St. Louis Cardinals has been in a significant slump and may warrant being dropped. Kansas City Royals prospect Jac Caglianone is not producing at the MLB level yet but should be held due to his strong minor league performance and potential upside.

Lastly, Matthew Liberatore of the Cardinals has seen regression, and fantasy managers should consider trading him while there's still some value, particularly after his next start. The analysis reveals a critical juncture for these players as fantasy managers weigh their options.

A unique initiative is underway in Japan as 12 active Japanese MLB players, including Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani and Chicago Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki, will be honored with custom manhole covers starting June 16. The installations will take place at locations linked to each player's baseball roots.

Among the honorees is St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar, who represented Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Nootbaar, who has Japanese heritage, will have his cover unveiled on June 23 in Higashimatsuyama City, Saitama Prefecture. Despite a strong start to the season, Nootbaar has struggled recently, hitting just .128 in June with 15 strikeouts.

In a strategic move, the St. Louis Cardinals are giving Lars Nootbaar a break after a rough stretch at the plate, where he went 1-for-19 over his last five games. Nolan Gorman will step in as the starting left fielder against the Toronto Blue Jays, and Masyn Winn moves into the leadoff position. Iván Herrera, who recently hit a crucial three-run homer, will bat second. On the mound, Miles Mikolas faces Chris Bassitt in a critical matchup as the Cardinals aim to even the series following a disappointing extra-inning loss.

Memorial Day signifies the unofficial start of summer and a crucial checkpoint in the MLB season for fans and daily fantasy sports (DFS) players. With a packed 12-game schedule, players like Juan Soto are becoming focal points for DFS lineups, as he attempts to bounce back after disappointing performances earlier this season. Recent outings show promise, particularly a game against the Dodgers where he tallied three RBIs.

High-profile hitters such as Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are also on the radar, with their recent performances justifying their cost. Fantasy expert Mike McClure emphasizes the importance of leveraging reliable projections and strategies as players finalize their lineups. Notable picks include Ian Happ and Lars Nootbaar, who face favorable matchups against the struggling Colorado Rockies and the underperforming Orioles, respectively, making them compelling options for DFS rosters this Memorial Day.

The St. Louis Cardinals extended their winning streak to a major league-best nine games by topping the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2. Matthew Liberatore led the charge with a solid 5 ⅓ innings, allowing just two runs while striking out four. The Cardinals’ bullpen continued its dominance, keeping the Phillies scoreless for the last 3 ⅔ innings. Offensively, Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn contributed significantly, while Ivan Herrera marked his return with a home run, swiftly elevating the team from a rocky start of 14-19 to a promising 23-19 record.

This victory marked the fourth one-run game during their current streak, with the Cardinals displaying a notable resilience in tight contests. Their updated run differential of +25 is the second-best in the National League Central, trailing only the Chicago Cubs. As the Cardinals prepare for their next matchup against the Phillies, their momentum is palpable, making them a team to watch closely in the ongoing season.