Cubs Claim Pitcher Off Waivers With Impressive 2024 Stats

The Chicago Cubs have claimed pitcher Shawn Armstrong off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.

Shawn Armstrong's move to the Cubs is a timely addition as the team intensifies its push for a postseason spot. 

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

His strong recent performances, including a 2.84 ERA and an impressive 12-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 12.2 innings with the St. Louis Cardinals, indicate that he could be a stabilizing force in the Cubs' bullpen. 

Given his experience across several MLB teams, Armstrong brings a wealth of veteran savvy to a bullpen that already ranks eighth in the majors in ERA.

The Cardinals' surprising choice to designate him for assignment, despite his solid numbers, appears to be driven by a desire to give opportunities to younger talent, like Riley O’Brien. 

The Chicago Cubs claimed RHP Shawn Armstrong off waivers from St. Louis yesterday and today added him to the active roster.

In corresponding moves, the team today optioned RHP Daniel Palencia to Triple-A Iowa and released C Tomas Nido. pic.twitter.com/SdBWz0u8SQ

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 31, 2024

Meanwhile, the Cubs, in their pursuit of the final NL wild-card spot, are clearly looking to maximize their chances by adding a reliable arm like Armstrong’s.

To accommodate Armstrong on their roster, the Cubs released catcher Tomás Nido, who struggled with a .128 batting average over 17 games.

Photo Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports