The St. Louis Cardinals traded outfielder Dylan Carlson to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for right-handed reliever Shawn Armstrong. Carlson, once a top prospect, has struggled with injuries and performance, hitting just .198 this season. The trade follows the Cardinals' acquisition of Erick Fedde and Tommy Pham, which necessitated clearing a roster spot. Armstrong, who has a 5.40 ERA this season, brings strikeout potential to the Cardinals' bullpen. Carlson, who has two more years of team control, may benefit from a change of scenery with the Rays. The trade aligns with the Cardinals' strategy to bolster their bullpen and address right-handed hitting deficiencies ahead of the trade deadline.