Tribe recalls Armstrong, activates Floyd, Johnson
Trio is 1st wave of September additions to expanded roster
TORONTO -- The Indians recalled right-hander Shawn Armstrong, activated right-hander Gavin Floyd from the 60-day disabled list and activated infielder Chris Johnson from the 15-day DL on Tuesday as the Major League roster size expanded to 40.
Armstrong begins his second stint with the Indians this year, having worked two scoreless appearances in August (2 2/3 innings, one walk, four strikeouts). He went 1-2 with a 2.36 ERA and 16 saves in 46 relief appearances with Triple-A Columbus.
Armstrong said being recalled in the midst of the Tribe's six-game winning streak while the team is chasing the American League Wild Card makes his return to the big leagues all the more exciting.
"When you're sitting down in Triple-A, you're always watching how the big league team is doing, and seeing how well they're playing right now, it's awesome to come up here and have an opportunity in September and do what I can to help this team win and hopefully make the playoff push."
Floyd will be making his Indians debut. He has spent the entire season on the DL after suffering a refracture of his right elbow (olecranon) on March 10. He made three Minor League rehab starts with the Rookie-level Arizona Indians and Double-A Akron.
Indians manager Terry Francona said the team will "closely monitor" the 32-year-old right-hander as he makes his return from a long layoff.
"We owe it to him to manage him carefully and the way he works. He's got more career ahead of him," Francona said.
Video: MIN@CLE: Johnson notches first hit with the Indians
Johnson was placed on the DL on Aug. 18 (retroactive to Aug. 15) with a left index finger infection. He was acquired from the Braves on Aug. 7 for Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher, and hit .429 (9-for-21) with three runs and three doubles in his first six games with the Tribe.
"We'll play him some at first, we'll play him some at third, probably DH him a little bit," Francona said. "And depending on how our lineup sets up, it's just nice to have him. I'm not sure he'll play every day, but he'll play."