Fantasy Baseball 2012: Emergency Waiver-Wire Pitcher for July 3

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: 

Andrew Cashner, San Diego Padres (at Diamondbacks)

In his two MLB starts this season (spanning 8.2 innings), Cashner has a 3.30 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 14/3 K-BB ratio. Cashner also boasts a K/9 ratio of 11.2 in 29 total appearances (27 relief).

Over 196.1 minor league innings (2008-12), Cashner posted solid numbers for the Cubs/Padres organizations: 12-8, 2.75 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 183/83 K-BB ratio.

Even with less than 300 professional innings, Cashner still profiles as a front-of-the-rotation talent or back-end ace in the bullpen.

In the last 30 days, Cashner has a 3.48 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 17/3 K-BB ratio.

Today's slate of free-agent pitchers isn't that deep; so when in doubt, always ride the young talent with the blazing fastball, especially when he's fighting to solidify a spot in the Padres rotation.  

The Next Five For Tuesday

Lucas Harrell (Astros) at Pirates

After four straight rough starts, Harrell has rebounded in his last two outings, fanning 16 batters and allowing only one run.

Zach McAllister (Indians) vs. Angels

The underrated pitcher has fared well lately, striking out six or more batters in three of his last four starts, while allowing three or less runs in that same span.

Jair Jurrjens (Braves) vs. Cubs

Fantasy owners need Jurrjens to limit the Cubs to two or less runs on Tuesday, given his lack of dominance in the strikeout department.

Duane Below (Tigers) vs. Twins

I honestly cannot recall the last time Detroit beat Minnesota at Comerica Park. As a result, the Tigers are due for an offensive breakout at home today...with Below riding that wave to victory.

Bartolo Colon (Athletics) vs. Red Sox

Colon may have lost that All-Star mojo from late April, but on the plus side, he has surrendered just two runs or less in three of his last four outings. 

A Look Back

Last week's selection: Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel
Final tally: six innings, four hits, one run, three strikeouts and four walks. 

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