Shawn Armstrong picks up first hold, earning fans’ adoration in Rangers’ win

by | Mar 29, 2025

Shawn Armstrong is off to a pretty good start this season for the Texas Rangers.

The journeyman reliever has had two solid outings in as many games for the Rangers. After bailing out his team after fellow reliever Luke Jackson gave up a three-run homer Thursday to the Boston Red Sox, Armstrong came through again on Friday as Texas got its first win of the season, 4-1.

On Thursday, Armstong got the final two outs, one by strikeout to end Boston’s inning. On Friday, he came on for starter Al Leiter in the sixth inning and struck out two after giving up a hit. Armstrong earned his first hold of the season.

 

On X, fans were giving him praise as the Rangers search for the best relievers to close out games.

Jackson did bounce back and got the save, which is what he was called in to do on Thursday. So, for now at least, Jackson looks like he’s the odds on favorite to close Rangers games.

Photo credit: Shawn Armstrong (Texas Rangers photo)

Other Pirates in the pros

  • Jeff Hoffman, Blue Jays: DNP in Toronto’s 8-2 win over Baltimore
  • Alex Burleson, Cardinals: Off on Friday
  • Gavin Williams, Guardians: Off on Friday
  • Connor Norby, Marlins: On Injured Reserve
  • Clayton McCullough, Marlins (manager): Team lost 4-3 to the Pirates; Marlins now 1-1 on season

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