Chicago Cubs reliever Pedro Strop left last night’s appearance mid-outing with the team’s trainer, so you knew something was up. Moreover, he was getting shellacked after throwing four straight scoreless frames previously. Once again, it seemed like something was up.
That something turned out to be a groin injury that’s been bothering him for almost a week, which he originally felt troubling him while doing lunges working out (Cubs.com). Strop had been getting treatment (he had pitched once since then), and hoped to avoid a disabled list stint. He’ll now head for an MRI to see if there’s going to be a need.
Strop said he had trouble throwing his slider (his wipeout pitch) last night, because he would feel the discomfort every time he tried to rotate his body. So there’s your potential explanation for the struggles last night. You don’t want a guy to be injured, but you also don’t want him to be flat out ineffective.
If Strop does have to hit the DL, the Cubs will have the choice to bring back Zac Rosscup, or to call up another minor league reliever for a look-see. Alternatively, the Cubs could go back to seven relievers, and bring up a position player (Josh Vitters is currently raking at AAA, so maybe it’s time to see what he could do in a regular big league role?).