The Baltimore Orioles essentially added another piece in their earlier trade with the Seattle Mariners as they have claimed Shawn Armstrong from waivers.
The Seattle Mariners have shuffled their bullpen a bit over the past few days. First, they acquired Mike Wright from the Baltimore Orioles, sending over a minor league infielder. Justus Sheffield was brought to the majors for a day, with Shawn Armstrong being designated for assignment. Sheffield himself was sent back to the minors after his appearance on Friday, making room for Wright.
As it turns out, Armstrong essentially became a player to be named later in that earlier trade. The Orioles have added the former Mariner on waivers, with Luis Ortiz heading back to the minors.
As part of the Orioles own roster shuffle, backup catcher Jesus Sucre had been designated for assignment earlier in the week. Armstrong will effectively take his place on the 40 man roster.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
This season has been a disaster thus far for the 28 year old righty. In his 3.2 innings, he has allowed six runs on eight hits and three walks. Armstrong has struck out three batters, but has been hit quite hard so far in 2019.
Prior to this season, Armstrong had been a respectable part of the Mariners, and before that, Indians bullpens. Although he shuttled between AAA and the majors, he posted a 2.95 ERA and a 1.138 WHiP over 58 innings, striking out 53 batters while issuing 20 walks. That sort of production will certainly play at the major league level, especially on a rebuilding team like that Orioles.
As Armstrong is out of options, he is going to receive that opportunity. Likewise, the Orioles are looking for long term pieces for their bullpen, allowing a pitcher like Armstrong to be able to carve out a role. If he is going to establish himself as a viable major league option, this may be his best chance.
In essence, the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners swapped relievers, with Shawn Armstrong heading to Baltimore. It just took a few extra days for that to happen.