MLB fantasy waiver wire: Chapman shutdown opens rare opportunity

The Waiver Wire is here to offer up the choicest cuts of waiver wire goodness, paying attention to mixed, as well as AL- and NL-only leagues. Every league is different, and some players listed here may not be available if you play in a deep mixed league. However, we'll try to address everyone's needs, whether the depth of your league resembles a kiddie pool or the Atlantic Ocean.

Andrelton Simmons, Braves -- Simmons returned on Monday after two months on the DL with a broken hand. He had been a revelation for the Braves at short once they promoted him to the majors, hitting .296/.336/.452 in 115 at-bats. Paul Janish has been his usual, reliable self in the field in Simmons' absence, but the promising youngster will get most of the playing time now that he's healthy, and should reclaim his everyday role.

Dan Straily, A's -- Oakland recalled Straily from Triple-A Sacramento to take the injured Brandon McCarthy's spot in the rotation, and he did not disappoint the Wild Card-chasing A's. He allowed three runs across 6.2 innings, striking out eight in a win over the Angels. Odds are Straily remains in the rotation for the remainder of the season. In three starts with the A's this year, Straily went 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 12 strikeouts in 17 innings. He absolutely dominated at Sacramento and Double-A Midland this year, fanning 190 batters in 152 combined innings at his two minor league stops.

Chris Archer, Rays -- The Rays recalled Archer from Triple-A Durham over the weekend, and he rewarded them by allowing just two runs over seven innings against the Rangers, striking out 11 and walking just two. He now has 25 strikeouts in 18.2 innings in the bigs this year, and he should be in the rotation for the final few weeks of the season. Thanks to his strikeout ability, he should find a team in all fantasy formats.

Jonathan Broxton, Reds -- It's never too late in the season to make a grab for saves. The Reds will shut down closer Aroldis Chapman for about a week to make sure he's rested and ready for the playoffs come October. Broxton will likely take over as the closer in his stead. It's rare to find saves on the waiver wire this late in the season, so consider yourself lucky if you're needy in the category.

Zach Britton, Orioles -- Before getting shelled by the Yankees over the weekend, Britton had allowed three runs in 21.2 innings with 24 strikeouts across three starts. He should be in Baltimore's rotation the rest of the year, and is a safe bet in AL-only leagues.

Ivan Nova, Yankees -- Nova should be back in the Yankees rotation this week, making his first start against the "can-this-season-just-end-already" Red Sox.

Shelby Miller, Cardinals -- Miller got the call last week and could be in line for a couple starts over the next few weeks. He went 11-10 with a 4.74 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 160 strikeouts in 136.2 innings at Triple-A Memphis this year.

Donovan Solano, Marlins -- In 212 at-bats this year, the overlooked Solano is hitting .292/.347/.349, including a robust .302 batting average in August. He'll find his name in the lineup most days with an eye on being a major contributor in 2013.

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