After ‘freak accident’, Armstrong back at Trop pitching in playoffs

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Shawn Armstrong returned to Tropicana Field to pitch in the postseason after recovering from a severe calf injury suffered at the stadium in July. Armstrong delivered 1 2/3 scoreless innings against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 2 of the ALCS, continuing a dominant playoff stretch where he has allowed just one hit across 5 1/3 scoreless innings for manager Stephen Vogt.

Armstrong suffered a torn left calf during a freak non-contact play on July 24, returning on September 23 after rehab. Meanwhile, Cleveland lost Game 2 by a score of 3-1 with starter Parker Messick, while reliever Colin Holderman underwent right wrist surgery on Wednesday but is projected ready for spring training.