Shawn Armstrong

The Cleveland Indians selected Armstrong in the 18th round of the 2011 MLB draft.^[3] In 2012, Armstrong pitched for the Carolina Mudcats of the High-A Carolina League. He was named a Carolina League All-Star.^[4] He ended the year with a 2.06 ERA. He missed the beginning of the 2013 with an injury,^[1] and had a 4.14 ERA on the season after he returned to health.^[5] In 2014, he pitched for the Akron RubberDucks of the Double-A Eastern League.^[6] He was named an Eastern League All-Star.^[5] After the 2014 season, the Indians added Armstrong to their 40-man roster.^[7] Armstrong pitched for the Columbus Clippers of the Triple-A International League in 2015, and was named to the Triple-A All-Star Game.^[8]

Armstrong was called up to the major leagues for the first time on August 8, 2015.^[9] Armstrong made his major league debut the same night, pitching a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts.^[10] He finished his rookie season with a 2.25 ERA across eight appearances. In 2016, Armstrong logged a 2.53 ERA with 7 strikeouts in 10 appearances for the Indians. In 2017, he pitched in 22 games for Cleveland, recording a 4.38 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 24.2 innings pitched.

On December 13, 2017, the Indians traded Armstrong to the Seattle Mariners for international bonus pool money.^[11] In 2018 with Seattle, Armstrong pitched to a neat 1.23 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 14.2 innings pitched. On March 18, 2019, Armstrong was placed on the disabled list with an oblique injury.^[12] Armstrong was designated for assignment on April 26 after struggling to a 14.73 ERA in 4 appearances to begin the year.

On April 28, 2019, Armstrong was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles.^[13] Armstrong recorded a 5.13 ERA in 51 appearances for the Orioles in 2019.

In 2020, Armstrong pitched in 14 games for the Orioles, notching a 1.80 ERA and 14 strikeouts to go along with a 2–0 record over 15.0 innings pitched.^[14]

After struggling to an 8.55 ERA in 20 appearances in 2021, Armstrong was designated for assignment by the Orioles on June 4, 2021.^[15] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple–A Norfolk Tides on June 11.^[16]

On July 30, 2021, Armstrong was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for cash considerations.^[17] On August 17, the Rays selected Armstrong's contract.^[18] Armstrong made 11 appearances for the Rays, posting a 4.50 ERA with 22 strikeouts. Armstrong was designated for assignment by the Rays on September 12.^[19] On October 8, Armstrong elected free agency.^[20]

On March 13, 2022, Armstrong signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins.^[21] On April 7, the Marlins selected Armstrong's contract, adding him to their opening day roster.^[22] He was designated for assignment on May 2, 2022, then elected free agency two days later.

On May 10, 2022, Armstrong signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays and was assigned to the Triple–A Durham Bulls. He was selected to the major league roster on May 31.^[23] Armstrong made 43 appearances for Tampa Bay in 2022, posting a 2–3 record and 3.60 ERA with 61 strikeouts and two saves in 55 innings pitched.

On April 17, 2023, Armstrong was placed on the 60-day injured list with a neck injury.^[24] He was activated on June 3.^[25] In 39 appearances for Tampa Bay in 2023, Armstrong recorded a 1.38 ERA with 54 strikeouts across 52 innings of work.

On January 11, 2024, Armstrong signed a one-year, $2.05 million contract extension with the Rays. In 38 games for the Rays, he compiled a 5.40 ERA with 50 strikeouts over 46+2⁄3 innings pitched.^[26]

On July 30, 2024, the Rays traded Armstrong to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Dylan Carlson.^[27] In 11 games for St. Louis, he recorded a 2.84 ERA with 12 strikeouts across 12+2⁄3 innings pitched. Armstrong was designated for assignment by the Cardinals on August 27.^[28]

On August 30, 2024, Armstrong was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs.^[29] In 8 games for Chicago, he logged a 4.91 ERA with 4 strikeouts over 7+1⁄3 innings pitched. Armstrong was designated for assignment by the Cubs on September 20.^[30] He was released by the team on September 24.^[31]

On December 23, 2024, Armstrong signed a one–year contract with the Texas Rangers.^[32] Armstrong made 71 appearances (two starts) for the Rangers in 2025, compiling a 4-3 record and 2.31 ERA with 74 strikeouts and nine saves over 74 innings of work.

On December 20, 2025, Armstrong signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Cleveland Guardians.^[33]

Media related to Shawn Armstrong at Wikimedia Commons

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