Fantasy Baseball 2012: Emergency Waiver-Wire Pitcher for May 22

Mixed-league roto owners, are you in need of a waiver-wire pitcher before Tuesday's slate of games?

Here's my free-agent choice (from the majority of 12-team leagues) for one day of fantasy stardom:

Aaron Harang, Los Angeles Dodgers (@ Diamondbacks)

1. In his last three starts, Harang has a 2-0 record, 10/5 K-BB ratio, 1.80 ERA and 0.98 WHIP.

2. Harang hasn't allowed more than three runs in seven of eight outings this season; he's also served up two or less walks six times.

3. In 13 career appearances against the Diamondbacks, Harang has a 3-6 record, but with a 1.99 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 59/20 K-BB ratio. In other words, he rarely gets tangible run support when facing Arizona.

4. At the very least, Harang has developed a track record for six to seven strikeouts against National League West foes.

5. The waiver-wire slate for Tuesday's isn't that deep; so when in doubt, ride the 6'7" veteran right-hander with a penchant for racking up strikeouts.

The Next Five For Tuesday

1. Juan Nicasio (Rockies) @ Marlins—The surging Nicasio has 16 strikeouts in his last two games, allowing only one run in each start.

2. Drew Hutchison (Blue Jays) @ Rays—The kid is primed for his first seven-inning, two-run, six-strikeout effort of the year. A good-looking rookie.

3. Brian Matusz (Orioles) vs. Red Sox—Baltimore needs a big effort from Matusz, in hopes of busting its mini-slump (two straight losses). For what it's worth, Matusz has been quite respectable in four of his last five outings.

4. Phil Hughes (Yankees) vs. Royals—A sound track record in recent weeks...but the Kansas City batters are hardly pushovers.

5. Hector Noesi (Mariners) vs. Rangers—Noesi has allowed only one run or less in two of his three home starts this season. That trend will be sorely tested against Texas.

A Look Back

Last Thursday's selection: Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes
Final tally: 5.1 innings, seven hits, two runs allowed, five strikeouts and two walks.

Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night, at @ATL_JayClemons.