In the most recent installment of the Cleveland Indians prospect countdown, Matt Bretz profiled Shawn Armstrong. The Indians drafted Armstrong in the 18th round in 2011 as a right-hander with velocity. Now 25, he spent quite a bit of time in the lower levels before settling into Triple-A last year. By the end of the season, he had reached the major leagues and experienced some success. In just eight innings, he struck out eleven batters with just two walks.
Perhaps Armstrong’s biggest asset is power pitching. Across five seasons in the minors, he has averaged nearly 12 strikeouts per nine innings.