CLEVELAND -- A veteran mainstay in the Guardians’ bullpen this season is vying to rejoin the fold as Cleveland’s postseason push hits the home stretch.
Right-hander Shawn Armstrong made his second appearance with Triple-A Columbus on a rehab assignment on Tuesday as he works his way back from a left calf strain.
Here’s what you need to know.
How did he perform?
Armstrong entered in the sixth inning of Columbus' 1-0 win over St. Paul on Tuesday. He struck out two batters in a scoreless inning, throwing 14 pitches (including 10 strikes). The 36-year-old made his first rehab appearance in the Clippers’ 12-3 win over Louisville on Friday. He allowed one run on two hits over one inning while throwing 15 pitches (10 strikes).
What’s next?
Armstrong will likely make at least one more rehab appearance. He went on the 15-day IL on July 25, but the Guardians transferred him to the 60-day IL on Aug. 3. Consequently, he is not eligible to be activated until Sept. 23.
What else?
Armstrong suffered his injury in the Guardians’ 11-3 loss to the Rays on July 24. He was backpedaling behind home plate to back up the Cleveland defense during a Chandler Simpson sacrifice fly, and he came up limping. The non-contact injury appeared worrisome, and while Armstrong suffered a “pretty significant” calf tear, he fortunately avoided an Achilles injury.
Armstrong was the Guardians’ most lucrative offseason addition; he signed a one-year deal worth $5.5 million that includes a mutual option for 2027. He has logged a 4.91 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP in 33 innings over 38 appearances this season.
The Guardians will have to factor in how Armstrong can contribute over the final week of the regular season and beyond. He isn’t the only right-handed reliever on the mend. Colin Holderman (right wrist inflammation) is set to begin a rehab assignment with Columbus this weekend.