46 Pedro Strop RP

Strop's $6.25 million club option for 2019 was picked up by the Cubs on Thursday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

This doesn't come as a surprise, as Strop was one of Chicago's most reliable relievers in 2018, notching 13 saves while posting a 2.26 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 8.6 K/9 across 59.2 innings. The veteran right-hander has been stellar since joining the Cubs in 2013, compiling a combined 2.63 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 10.2 K/9 over parts of six seasons (331.1 innings). He figures to fill a high-leverage relief role again in 2019, though it's unclear if he'll see any save chances with Brandon Morrow (arm) expected to be healthy.

Strop (hamstring) is available out of the bullpen for Tuesday's NL Wild Card Game against the Rockies, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Manager Joe Maddon said Strop passed a series of agility drills prior to Tuesday's must-win game, clearing the way for the reliever to rejoin the Cubs' bullpen for the first time in nearly three weeks. With Brandon Morrow (biceps) and Carl Edwards Jr. (forearm) both unavailable, Strop could immediately return to a high-leverage role. Prior to suffering the injury, Strop posted a 2.26 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 57 strikeouts in 59.2 innings.

Strop (hamstring) is on the 25-man roster for Tuesday's wild-card game against the Rockies.

Strop hasn't pitched since Sept. 13 while dealing with hamstring soreness. The Cubs likely would have preferred getting Strop a regular-season inning before his return but did not have that luxury. Given the importance of Tuesday's contest, the team clearly feels that he's ready to go. He could be thrust into a high-leverage role immediately with Brandon Morrow (arm) and Carl Edwards Jr. (forearm) both out. If a save situation arises Tuesday, it could go to Strop, Jesse Chavez or Steve Cishek.

Strop (hamstring) said he'll be ready to go for Tuesday's wild-card game against the Dodgers or Rockies, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Strop hasn't pitched since Sept. 13 due to a hamstring injury, but it sounds like the reliever is feeling better and might be available out of the bullpen for Tuesday's win-or-go-home contest. Given the importance of the game, the Cubs will likely want to make sure the veteran right-hander is 100 percent before including him on their roster for Tuesday. Strop, who owns a 2.26 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 57:21 K:BB through 59.2 innings this season, figures to settle back into a high-leverage role out of the bullpen once he's cleared to return.

Strop (hamstring) said Saturday that he will not pitch this weekend, but he is aiming to return Thursday, Mark Gonzales of The Chicago Tribune reports.

Thursday would mark the start of the postseason should the Cubs hold off the Brewers for the NL Central crown. When asked if he'd be available Monday (for a potential tiebreaker with Milwaukee) or Tuesday (potential NL Wild Card game), Strop responded, "Don't talk to me about Tuesday, we're looking [to win the division]." A return to the mound Thursday would mark a significant recovery after he suffered a hamstring injury in mid-September, though more should be known after he tests it in the coming days.