46 Pedro Strop RP

Strop pitched a perfect ninth inning with a strikeout in Wednesday's win over the Brewers.

With the Cubs up 8-4, it wasn't a save situation for Strop, but the ninth inning appearance only further cemented his role as the team's go-to closer with Brandon Morrow (biceps) on the disabled list. Morrow is expected to throw off a mound this weekend, though no concrete timeline for his return has been established, meaning Strop should continue to receive save chances for the time being.

Strop struck out two in a one-two-three inning to earn his eighth save of the season Monday against the Royals.

Strop threw nine of 10 pitches for strikes as he mowed down the side in order, including six straight strikes to retire the final two hitters via the punchout. He has recorded saves in five straight outings, allowing four baserunners while fanning five during that span. Brandon Morrow (biceps) is still a ways off from returning to the fold, so Strop should continue racking up saves in the immediate future.

Strop pitched a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts to record the save in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Padres.

Strop picked up his second save in as many days, but the two appearances couldn't have been any more different. On Friday, the 33-year-old entered with the Cubs up 5-2 and allowed two earned runs before getting out of trouble. Strop was much more efficient Saturday, needing just 12 pitches to close things out in order. The righty now has seven saves and a 2.80 ERA, and he'll continue to serve as the interim closer while Brandon Morrow (biceps) is on the disabled list.

Strop allowed two earned runs on two hits and a walk but managed to record the save in Friday's 5-4 win over the Padres.

Strop came on with a 5-2 lead and quickly made things interesting, allowing a single, a walk and a double to start the ninth inning. The 33-year-old settled down from there to nab his sixth save of the year and, despite the hiccup, he still has a solid 2.86 ERA. Strop should continue to see save chances while regular closer Brandon Morrow (biceps) is on the disabled list.

Strop didn't allow a basreunner in the ninth inning to earn the save Sunday against the Cardinals.

Strop earned his third consecutive save since Brandon Morrow (biceps) hit the disabled list most recently. No other pitcher in the Cubs' bullpen has earned one, so it appears that he is most likely to see the chances so long as Morrow is unavailable. Strop has been effective this season, posting a 2.51 ERA and 1.09 WHIP to go along with 41 strikeouts across 43 innings. However, he is only 5-for-8 in save chances.