Fantasy Baseball Rankings 2012: Rising Pitchers You Must Grab off Waiver Wire

The 2012 fantasy baseball has been harsh to you so far. Just when you thought you had the team you needed, injuries and other unforeseen events have left you scouring the waiver wire for some players that can fill the void.

It isn't easy navigating that course, but it's the only choice you have between making the playoffs and being one of your fantasy league's worst teams.

Here are some players you need to pluck off the waiver wire to help the cause.

Henderson Alvarez

Nobody is more pleasantly surprised with Alvarez than his team, the Toronto Blue Jays. He is quietly 2-2 with a 2.83 ERA in six starts this season. I think that's track record enough to take a shot on Alvarez.

Along with Ricky Romero, Brendan Morrow and Kyle Drabek, Alvarez is giving the Jays a solid starting rotation to go along with a promising offense that is still waiting for Jose Bautista to get going.

Still, the Jays have the type of depth as a team to help give Alvarez a great chance to get some wins while pitching comfortably with leads.

While you don't hear much about Alvarez, that should work to your advantage in finding him on the wire. He won't last long after his shutout of the Los Angeles Angels.

Andy Pettitte

Say what you want about his age, but when Pettitte makes his return this Sunday (via Bryan Hock of MLB.com), there will be tons of owners looking to buy into the 39-year-old.

The New York Yankee legend's resume speaks for itself, and I wouldn't put much stock into a lackluster final outing in the minors. Pettitte has been mostly strong throughout his comeback attempt and shown great control as well.

It'll be all about location with Pettitte, and he'll have plenty of opportunities to pick up "W's" with the lineup the Yankees have. He could be a great addition for a team needing some depth in the pitching department.

Jeff Samardzija

Why don't you have Samardzija yet?

I know he's pitching for the Cubs, but he is fourth in the National League in strikeouts and is 4-1 with a 3.03 ERA on the season.

Samardzija could rack up some points for your team based on his swing-and-miss stuff. However, wins might be tough to come by for the Cubs pitcher.

Still, it's better than nothing and he should be available at this moment, but don't wait too long because if Samardzija continues pitching how he is now, he'll be the next hot pickup.