4:41pm: Per a team release, the Orioles have optioned right-handed pitcher Luis Ortiz to Triple-A Norfolk to make room for Armstrong on the active roster.
1:37pm: The Orioles have claimed right-handed pitcher Shawn Armstrong off waivers from the Mariners, per Greg Johns of MLB.com. Armstrong had been designated for assignment after the Mariners promoted Justus Sheffield. Armstrong will replace catcher Jesus Sucre on the 40-man roster. Sucre was recently designated for assignment by the Orioles. Roch Kubatko of MASN adds that Armstrong, who is out of minor league options, will be placed on Baltimore’s active roster.
For the Orioles, the addition of Armstrong essentially represents a swap for pitcher Mike Wright, who was recently designated for assignment and subsequently acquired by the Mariners in a minor trade.
Though he has struggled mightily early in 2019, Armstrong’s career numbers resemble those of a serviceable relief pitcher. He has appeared in 57 career games, striking out 56 batters in 61 2/3 innings and posting a 3.65 ERA. However, he has never appeared in more than 21 games in any season since breaking into the Major Leagues with the Indians in 2015. Walks have at times been an issue for the right-hander, having walked three batters in 3 2/3 innings this season. The 28-year-old joins an Orioles bullpen that has had great difficulty suppressing the long ball early this season. Though the O’s have given plenty of pitchers opportunities to claim a bullpen role, few have been able to provide steady production. Baltimore will look for Armstrong to solidify himself as a relief option for the rebuilding club.
Was really hoping we’d get to see Armstrong as a closer for the Mariners one day, even if only because of his name.
Essentially Mike Wright for Armstrong. Any new bullpen arm is welcome in Baltimore.
Sam Freeman should be available.
Anything for Wright is a win for the Orioles.
Seems like an upgrade.
How can Armstrong take Sucre’ 25 man spot if they recalled Wynns, Ortiz and Kline to replace Sucre, Yacabonis and Cobb?
Armstrong takes Sucre’s spot on the 40 man. I’m sure Kline or Ortiz goes back to Norfolk when Armstrong joins the club
I honestly want Ortiz to stay up for starts.
He’s… terrible though.
Or tanner scott. Really no shortage of guys who could be optioned down. I’d say whoever eats the most innings today between the 3 of them is the most likely option. Ortiz has been terrible in AAA btw. I wouldn’t mind seeing him take Cobb’s spot because none of the options we have are terribly impressive but he hasn’t earned it.
Ortiz still needs to lose another 20 pounds.
I expect very little from Ortiz. The only positive I’d have to say about him is that he’s not Dillon Tate.
I prefer Armstrong over Wright
From the O’s perspective, we’re looking at Armstrong and Ogren for Wright and Sucre
Thats pretty solid.
Whatever happened to Chris Tillman?
I’ll bet he’s available
I’ll bet he cannot throw strikes. Tillman is cooked.