Daily Fantasy Baseball News and Notes I First Pitch Podcast 5/12/26

Fantasy baseball managers face a pivotal decision: whether to trust high-ceiling prospects like the A's Henry Bolte and Mets' AJ Ewing, both set for promotions, despite uncertain playing time. Jake Crumpler argues that while Bolte's power potential is sky-high, Ewing's superior plate discipline and clearer path to regular at-bats make him the safer pick in points leagues. The episode highlights a dramatic turnaround by Rafael Devers, who's hitting .364 with improved walk rates after a brutal start, making him a 'buy low' candidate. Meanwhile, Ryan Weathers emerges as a must-start with elite whiff rates and a dominant 36% CSW, while Alec Manoa's five scoreless innings—despite poor velocity and command—serve as a cautionary tale about relying on extension over stuff. Crumpler also warns against overvaluing Manoa against elite lineups like the Dodgers, emphasizing that his struggles are structural, not situational. With a full 15-game slate on Tuesday, he identifies Brian Wu vs. Tatsuya Imai as the matchup of the day, urging managers to target hitters against weak pitchers like Slade Ciccone, Miles Mikolas, and Matt Waldron, especially in hitter-friendly parks like Great American Ballpark and Sutter Health Park.