Cubs claim Shawn Armstrong from rival Cardinals

The Chicago Cubs announced Friday they claimed right-hander Shawn Armstrong off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.

St. Louis designated Armstrong for assignment Tuesday. He appeared in 11 games for the Cardinals, who acquired him before the trade deadline for outfielder Dylan Carlson.

Armstrong was solid in the 11 outings, posting a 2.84 ERA and 2.77 FIP across 12 2/3 innings. He should bring veteran stability to a Cubs bullpen that sits eighth in the majors in ERA and 20th in win probability added.

The 33-year-old has appeared in 291 games throughout his 10-year career. He has also pitched for Cleveland, the Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins.

Chicago released catcher Tomás Nido to make room for Armstrong on the active roster.

The Cubs enter Friday one game ahead of the Cardinals in the standings and five games behind the Atlanta Braves for the final NL wild-card spot.