Armstrong joins Cubs just in time for postseason push

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WASHINGTON -- Shawn Armstrong's last few days of August were full of big moments.

He was designated for assignment by the Cardinals on Aug. 27, and the next day he accompanied his wife, who's pregnant with their second child, to an ultrasound appointment. On Saturday, Armstrong received more news: he had been claimed off waivers by the Cubs. Then he was activated the next day.

“[It’s been a] journey, that’s for sure, but everything works out in a perfect perspective,” said Armstrong. “I think everything happens for a reason.”

His path brought him to a club on a hot streak and looking to make one final push for the playoffs. The Cubs are currently three games behind the Braves in the National League Wild Card race. Knowing what's at stake, Armstrong immediately thought about how he could contribute to reaching that goal.

“They have a really good blend of guys here,” Armstrong, a 10-year MLB veteran, said. “They have a really good rotation, good bullpen. The guys are playing really good defense and they're hitting the baseball well. So whatever I can do to play a part here -- and the goal here is to win and get to October -- nothing else really matters. I'm here to pitch and do whatever I can to help this team win.”

Armstrong joined his teammates in Washington, D.C., for the series finale against the Nationals. He was called from the bullpen in the eighth inning of a 14-1 win. In his first appearance with the North Siders, Armstrong dealt 11 pitches (five strikes) with one walk allowed in one scoreless frame.

The Cubs are the third team Armstrong has joined this season, as he started the year with the Rays before being traded to St. Louis at the Deadline.

“I got picked up by these guys with some familiarity with the coaches and Carter Hawkins as a GM, who actually drafted me out of college,” Armstrong said. “So I'm excited to be here. These guys are playing unreal baseball, and I'm here to do what I can to help do my part and get the W every day.”

Having that familiarity has helped Armstrong adapt to his new environment quickly. He has also been observant of the bullpen to learn from his fellow relievers.

“I've only been here for one day, but seeing how [the Cubs relievers] go about their routines, they're all in the weight room right now, preparing,” Armstrong said. “The guys are in the training room getting ready to throw again today. That's what it takes. You're a big leaguer, you're here to pitch every day. And looking at the numbers, I think they speak for themselves with the guys in this bullpen, and they've done one heck of a job all year.”

One person who might be happier than Armstrong with how the week unfolded is his son, Declan Cutter Armstrong (yes, he is named after the pitch that got his dad into the big leagues).

“I was FaceTiming him this morning. … He’s a little confused at 3 years old going from three different teams,” Armstrong said. “He’s an avid baseball fan and always says, ‘I want to go there, I want to go there.’ He loves baseball and is just excited to see Daddy play.”