Cubs Claim Reliever Shawn Armstrong off Waivers

By: Ethan Diamond

The Cubs have claimed reliever Shawn Armstrong off waivers, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Right-handed reliever Shawn Armstrong has been claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs, sources tell ESPN. He was DFA’d by St. Louis after the Cardinals acquired him at the trade deadline for outfielder Dylan Carlson. The Cubs are one game ahead of St. Louis in the standings.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 30, 2024

Armstrong, as mentioned, was acquired by the Cardinals from the Rays for Dylan Carlson back on deadline day. He had a stellar 2023 campaign with Tampa, posting a 1.38 ERA in 52 innings, but couldn’t recapture that form this season (5.40 ERA in 46.2 innings) before being dealt to St. Louis. There, he posted a 2.84 ERA in 12.2 innings before he was Designated for Assignment. The 11-year veteran will join the Cubs bullpen, and will be playoff eligible if activated by September 1st.

It is unlikely Armstrong will be available tonight, though he should be good to go tomorrow. The Cubs could hold off until Sunday to activate him as it would not require a corresponding active roster move due to roster expansion. If they decide to activate him sooner, we could see Jorge López hit the injured list due to a groin injury, but if his injury does not require an IL stint, one of Keegan Thompson or Daniel Palencia could be optioned to Iowa.

Here is Armstrong’s 2024 pitching summary, via Thomas Nestico’s pitching model app:

Update: We have an update on corresponding moves for Armstrong, at least on the 40-Man roster

Cubs make the claim of Shawn Armstrong official. Tomás Nido was released to make room on the 40-man. Armstrong won't be active tonight.
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) August 30, 2024