Cubs claim Shawn Armstrong from St. Louis to bolster roster

On Saturday, the Chicago Cubs announced the addition of right-hander Shawn Armstrong to their active roster after claiming him off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals. This move comes as the Cubs look to strengthen their pitching staff during the season. Armstrong, who has had a mixed performance this year, holds a record of 3-2 with a 4.85 ERA across 49 games, including seven starts, while playing for both the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cardinals. In his recent outings, Armstrong has shown improvement, pitching 6 2/3 scoreless innings and allowing only three hits in his last seven appearances. This performance may have influenced the Cubs' decision to acquire him, as they aim to enhance their bullpen depth. Prior to this transaction, the Cubs also made roster adjustments by optioning right-hander Daniel Palencia to Triple-A Iowa and releasing catcher Tomás Nido, who struggled offensively this season. Armstrong, who will turn 34 on September 11, was originally drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 18th round of the 2011 amateur draft and made his major league debut in 2015. Over his career, he has played for several teams, including Cleveland, Seattle, Baltimore, and Miami, accumulating an overall record of 11-7 with a 4.13 ERA in 291 big league games. The Cubs' acquisition of Armstrong reflects their ongoing efforts to bolster their roster as they navigate the challenges of the current season, particularly in the pitching department. With the trade from the Rays to the Cardinals earlier this season, Armstrong's experience and recent performance may provide the Cubs with a valuable asset moving forward.