Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers is on the horizon, as manager Dave Roberts announced that he will be throwing to live hitters next week. This marks a significant step in Ohtani's recovery from a torn labrum that sidelined him since the 2024 World Series. Initially expected to focus solely on hitting, his potential return to two-way play could significantly bolster a Dodgers rotation currently missing key pitchers like Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow.

Ohtani's eagerness to return is palpable, but the Dodgers are cautious, emphasizing the importance of managing his workload. Meanwhile, the rotation is expected to receive a boost with the anticipated activation of Emmet Sheehan, who is wrapping up a rehab assignment following Tommy John surgery. With several pitchers on the injured list, Ohtani's potential return could not come at a better time for the struggling Dodgers.

The fantasy baseball landscape is shifting as we enter Week 12 of the 2025 season, prompting managers to reassess their rosters. Key players under scrutiny include Ryan Walker of the San Francisco Giants, who has lost his closer role to Camilo Doval, making him a candidate for dropping despite his decent underlying metrics. Bryce Miller of the Seattle Mariners also finds himself on the IL with ongoing elbow issues, raising the question of his immediate fantasy viability. Meanwhile, players like Logan O'Hoppe and Josh Jung could provide upside despite recent slumps. O'Hoppe's power potential remains intriguing, while Jung benefits from the Texas Rangers' recent offensive resurgence.

William Contreras, a high draft commodity, has struggled to meet expectations, placing him on the hot seat as managers weigh his continued value against available alternatives. The discussion also touches on players like Corey Seager and Geraldo Perdomo, both facing challenges but with potential for resurgence. As the trade deadline approaches, savvy managers must evaluate their options carefully to optimize their rosters for success.

Ron Washington faces a daunting task in revitalizing the Angels’ struggling offense, which currently ranks second in the majors for strikeouts and near the bottom for walks. Despite a brief surge during a winning streak in May, the team has regressed, with batting averages dropping significantly. Washington emphasizes ongoing adjustments, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of baseball and the challenge of consistency. Key player Mike Trout’s return from injury has boosted the team's performance, but overall improvement remains essential, particularly from players like Logan O'Hoppe and Luis Rengifo.

Recent trends in fantasy baseball show a refreshing shift in the catcher position, once a major area of concern for fantasy managers. This season, a wave of young talent has emerged, reshaping perceptions about the value of catchers. With breakout performances from players like Ivan Herrera of the St. Louis Cardinals and Drake Baldwin of the Atlanta Braves, the landscape appears more favorable. Herrera has demonstrated a remarkable offensive uptick, boasting a stellar WRC+ that reflects his potential as a starting-caliber catcher. Baldwin's impressive batting average also signals his promising future despite some concerns over playing time.

Other notable names like Logan O'Hoppe of the Los Angeles Angels and Hunter Goodman of the Colorado Rockies continue to add depth to this evolving position. O'Hoppe's power-hitting ability has drawn comparisons to previous fantasy stars, while Goodman, despite a shaky start to his career, has shown signs of improvement. Additionally, Agustin Ramirez from the Miami Marlins adds to the mix, displaying a solid blend of power and speed. Collectively, these emerging stars raise intriguing questions about the future of the catcher role in fantasy leagues, suggesting a need for reevaluation in both redraft and dynasty formats.