CLEVELAND -- In the wake of a draining game on Thursday night, Shawn Armstrong became collateral damage. As a result of an abbreviated outing by Indians starter Josh Tomlin in a 10-4 loss to the White Sox, Cleveland was in need of an extra arm.
Prior to Friday's game against the Tigers, Armstrong was optioned to Triple-A Columbus and the Indians recalled right-handed reliever Nicholas Goody from the same affiliate to replace him in the bullpen.
"I thought he and Shawn both, of [the bullpen candidates], had by far the best springs," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "We told Nick that, and to his credit he went to Triple-A and kept it up. He's been really good. This is a good opportunity for him."
After Tomlin pitched 1 2/3 innings and allowed seven runs, Francona called on Armstrong for 2 1/3 innings. Following Armstrong's admirable effort, Francona then used four more relievers, including utility man Michael Martinez in the ninth.
With the Tigers coming into town for a three-game set the move gives the Indians a fresh arm in their bullpen. Armstrong and Goody were both considered for the seventh spot among the relievers at the end of Spring Training. Had Francona decided to go with an eight-man bullpen, both Armstrong and Goody would have made the team.
"Armstrong threw well," Goody said of the spring competition. "Everybody pitched pretty well. The communication has been really good with [Francona and the front office] and everybody. That's all you can ask for as a player. That was nice. Armstrong came up here and dealt. When you have options, that's what happens. We both knew that."
The 25-year-old Goody was acquired from the Yankees in December and impressed the Indians this spring, when he posted a 0.90 ERA with 11 strikeouts against three walks in 10 Cactus League innings. He struck out 10 of the 17 batters he faced with Triple-A Columbus.
Kipnis to resume rehab
Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis, who is on the 10-day disabled list, is scheduled to resume his Minor League rehab assignment on Saturday with Columbus. Francona noted that Kipnis was scheduled to play Saturday and Sunday before taking a day off on Monday. The second baseman will likely play another couple games after that off-day.