Fantasy Baseball 2012: Emergency Waiver-Wire Pitcher for June 6

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

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

Clayton Richard, San Diego Padres (vs. Giants)

This is not Richard's first time as the waiver-wire featured performer. Over time, fantasy owners have come to the rightful conclusion that Richard is dynamite at home...and is barely worth rostering on the road.

In five appearances at Petco Park this season (spanning 33.2 innings), Richard has allowed just eight runs for an ERA of 2.17. Of similar importance, Richard has a 16/2 K-BB ratio in his last three home outings.

In eight career appearances against the Giants, Richard has a 5-2 record with a 3.09 ERA. In 57 career starts at night, Richard has a respectable 3.72 ERA and 240/129 K-BB ratio.

Wednesday's slate of waiver-wire opportunists isn't that sublime. So when in doubt, ride the hard-throwing lefty pitching at home...and then pray he doesn't get destroyed by Melky Cabrera.  

The Next Five For Wednesday

1. Kyle Kendrick (Phillies) vs. Dodgers: A rock-solid asset in Philly's rotation, Kendrick hasn't surrendered more than two runs in six of his last seven outings.

2. Hector Noesi (Mariners) @ Angels: I was tempted to feature him in today's piece, given his recent penchant for six or seven strikeouts. But it's never easy to pitch in Anaheim...especially when the Angels are playing well.

3. Josh Outman (Rockies) @ Diamondbacks: The former A's pitcher has a chance to break on through with Colorado. But it may take some time to build up his arm for starter's innings.

4. Wei-Yin Chen (Orioles) @ Red Sox: The Baltimore southpaw hasn't registered a victory in his last three starts. Can he improve on his last outing at Fenway Park (five innings, four Ks, three runs)?

5. Brad Lincoln (Pirates) @ Reds: For what it's worth, Lincoln (as a starter and reliever) has allowed only two runs in the last five weeks. 

A Look Back

Tuesday's selection: Reds pitcher Homer Bailey

Final tally: 3.0 innings, eight hits, six runs allowed, two strikeouts and two walks 

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