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.

This week’s FAAB analysis reveals some intriguing options for fantasy baseball managers as June heats up. The New York Yankees' Ryan Yarbrough, now a starting pitcher, boasts a stellar 2.08 ERA and 0.81 WHIP since joining the rotation, making him a top streaming option. Milwaukee’s Chad Patrick is making waves with a 2.97 ERA in his rookie season, while Minnesota's David Festa could fill a spot in the Twins' rotation soon. Texas' Jack Leiter is showing promise, maintaining a .195 opponent batting average. In relief roles, Chicago's Daniel Palencia is carving a niche as a closer, while Fernando Cruz of the Yankees might soon take a shot at the role.

As for offensive catchers, Dillon Dingler is on a hot streak for the Tigers, while Alejandro Kirk remains a solid contact hitter for Toronto. Chicago's Michael Busch and Minnesota's Willi Castro are also spotlighted for their recent performances, fueling substantial FAAB interest. With these players available, fantasy managers should act quickly to bolster their rosters.

As the 2025 season approaches June, the fantasy baseball landscape is buzzing with pivotal updates on closers and waiver wire pickups. Major shifts in bullpens are shaping the save opportunities across leagues, with standout performances from players like Camilo Doval of the San Francisco Giants, who has elevated to the closer role with a remarkable 1.16 ERA and a 19-game scoreless streak. In Texas, Robert Garcia and Luke Jackson are vying for save chances, while the Diamondbacks' Justin Martinez returns from injury, albeit with some struggles.

The Chicago Cubs seem to have found their new closer in Daniel Palencia, who has racked up saves in consecutive outings. On the east coast, the Philadelphia Phillies have a definitive closer in Jordan Romano, boasting an impressive strikeout rate and consistency. Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are employing a committee approach with both Will Vest and Tommy Kahnle contributing to the saves tally.

In deeper leagues, players like Dennis Santana and David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates are also gaining traction for their potential save opportunities. The fantasy community should monitor these developments closely as they could greatly impact roster decisions and weekly lineups.

As the MLB season heads into May, it's crucial for fantasy baseball managers to stay ahead of the game with effective waiver wire pickups. This week, key players like Ben Rice and Jonathan Aranda rise to the top of the priority list, both boasting solid roster percentages and upside potential. Notably, injuries to high-impact players such as Logan Gilbert and the struggling Devin Williams open up opportunities for others.

For those seeking pitching help, Luke Weaver and David Bednar are highlighted as strong adds, especially with Weaver stepping into a temporary closer role for the Yankees. Meanwhile, keep an eye on up-and-coming talents like Nick Kurtz and Caleb Durbin, who are beginning to make their mark in their respective lineups.

As the MLB season heats up, today's slate features several intriguing matchups for DFS enthusiasts. Tyler Anderson stands out as a solid pitching option against the St. Louis Cardinals, boasting a 2.77 ERA on the road last season. Meanwhile, Drew Rasmussen faces off against the Pittsburgh Pirates, who struggled offensively last season.

Key targets include Freddie Freeman, who has shown strength against right-handed pitchers, and Brent Rooker, expected to thrive in a more hitter-friendly environment. For budget considerations, Jake Cronenworth and Spencer Torkelson present valuable opportunities. The Angels and Astros offer appealing stacks against their respective opponents, with Mike Trout and Yordan Alvarez being standout players to consider.