Chicago Cubs DFA Pitcher Two Weeks After Acquiring Him

The Chicago Cubs have designated veteran right-hander Shawn Armstrong for assignment as part of a roster move to activate pitcher Hayden Wesneski from the 15-day injured list. 

Armstrong, 34, joined the Cubs just three weeks ago after being claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals. 

In his short stint with the team, he posted a 4.91 ERA over 7.1 innings across eight relief appearances. 

Despite showing some promising underlying metrics, including a 22.4% strikeout rate, the Cubs ultimately decided to move in a different direction. 

"It was a worthwhile experiment that just didn’t work out," a Cubs insider said of Armstrong’s brief time with the team.

Cubs roster moves:

- Hayden Wesneski activated from the IL

- Shawn Armstrong designated for assignment

— Ryan Herrera (@ryan_a_herrera) September 20, 2024

Armstrong’s 2024 season has been a mixed bag, with a 4.86 ERA over 66.2 innings split between the Tampa Bay Rays, Cardinals, and Cubs. 

His .362 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) indicated some bad luck, but with the Cubs slipping out of playoff contention, they chose to prioritize innings for younger arms. 

Armstrong's past success, including a 1.38 ERA in 52 innings with the Rays in 2023, couldn’t translate into consistent results this season. 

As a pending free agent, Armstrong will now go through waivers, though contending teams may not pursue him since he wouldn't be postseason-eligible.

The #Cubs today activated RHP Hayden Wesneski from the 15-day IL and designated RHP Shawn Armstrong for assignment. pic.twitter.com/rh0IhnKVWe

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 20, 2024

The Cubs are focusing on Wesneski’s return as they look ahead to the 2025 season. 

The 26-year-old has posted a 3.94 ERA in 25 appearances (including seven starts) this season, showing flashes of potential before missing two months due to a forearm strain. 

With the team now seven games back in the wild-card race and the postseason out of reach, the Cubs are using the final games to evaluate players like Wesneski, who figure to be part of the club's long-term plans. 

"We’ll have to figure out a role for him," a team source said, hinting at Wesneski’s versatility as both a starter and reliever.

Photo Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images