The Cubs bullpen got a heck of a reprieve last night thanks to Tyler Chatwood’s extended outing, and they may soon get another big boost.
Strop felt great after bullpen session, scheduled for one more this weekend, potential short rehab assignment looming
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) May 22, 2019
Strop threw 25 pitches again in a bullpen today that went well (Cubs reported it had "great intensity").
He will have another bullpen this weekend and then will probably get at least one rehab outing before coming back. So at least a week away.
— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) May 22, 2019
So far so good for Strop, who is recovering from his second hamstring strain this year (one to each hamstring), and it is also the same hamstring he strained late last season. That is to say, caution is still warranted.
But if Strop does indeed throw a bullpen this weekend, and then heads out on a rehab assignment early next week, we could see him back with the big league Cubs as soon as one week. If he needs multiple rehab outings, that could push things into next weekend, or early the following week.
Even if it takes that long, it’s still going to be an incredibly quick return from a third hamstring injury. Strop has only been out two weeks at this point, and most hamstring injuries take at least a month to get over. His return was no doubt expedited by the fact that he’s been able to keep his arm fresh and throwing while his leg recovered.
Pedro Strop on the way back—soon, we hope! @Cubs @pstrop46 @BleacherNation @realcubsinsider pic.twitter.com/CNTBHOvRzQ
— MBDChicago (@MBDChicago) May 22, 2019
A healthy Strop is critical to the success of the Cubs’ bullpen, especially without Brandon Morrow or a successful Carl Edwards Jr.