Chicago Cubs poach from NL Central rival in attempt to keep postseason hopes alive

With recent injuries to Jorge López and Julian Merryweather, the Chicago Cubs bullpen is suddenly in need of reinforcements.

Merryweather was placed on the IL this past Tuesday with right knee tendonitis but as of this writing, López remains on the active roster. López appeared to suffer a groin injury in his outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday and his status for this weekend's series against the Washington Nationals was unclear.

While, we suggested the Cubs claim Taylor Rogers off waivers from the San Francisco Giants, the North Siders had a different idea. Prior to their game against the Nationals on Fridays, news broke that the Cubs have claimed right-handed relief pitcher Shawn Armstrong off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.

No more than a month after the Cardinals acquired Armstrong in an MLB Trade Deadline deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, the Redbirds designated the reliever for assignment. Armstrong was having a strong start out of the Cardinals' bullpen this month, posting a 2.84 ERA through 11 appearances. It seems that the Cardinals, who have begun to fall out of postseason contention, are shedding payroll as the team has also designated outfielder Tommy Pham for assignment. Pham, like Armstrong, was acquired at the trade deadline by the Cardinals.

While speaking with reporters prior to Friday's game, Craig Counsell did not provide an update on López. A corresponding move would be needed in order to add Armstrong to not only the 26-man roster but also the 40-man roster.

The Cubs have made success out of in-season additions to their bullpen. Tyson Miller was claimed off waivers by the Cubs near the start of the season and has become a fixture in the bullpen. López, his current injury notwithstanding, has also become a veteran presence that has stabilized a once-imploding Cubs' bullpen.