46 Pedro Strop RP

Strop pitched a scoreless ninth inning in Tuesday's 4-0 win over the Marlins.

It wasn't a save situation for Strop, but he was able to log his fourth straight scoreless inning to lower his ERA to 3.60. The righty has just one save so far, as the 7-9 Cubs haven't worked with a ton of leads to protect. Strop should remain installed as the closer at least until Brandon Morrow (elbow) returns, likely sometime in May.

Strop retired the side in order to record his first save of 2019 in a 2-0 victory against the Pirates on Thursday.

It's been a rocky start for the Cubs, so Strop hadn't pitched in any save opportunities before Thursday. Strop experienced a rough first series of the year, but he's settled in during his last few outings. He owns a 4.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and three strikeouts in four innings.

Strop (0-1) took the loss after allowing a run on one hit and recording one out in Sunday's game against Texas.

Strop was called upon in the bottom of the ninth inning in a tie ballgame, but after surrendering a leadoff double and a groundout to the right side of the infield to advance the runner to third, he bounced a pitch in front of home plate, allowing the game-winning run to cross the plate. The 33-year-old right-hander is off to a tough start to 2019 and has given up two runs across one inning (two appearances).

Strop (hamstring) received a clean bill of health and will be available for Opening Day, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Strop suffered a right hamstring strain during camp, but he's managed to overcome the injury and will be ready for the start of the 2019 campaign. He'll be the favorite for save opportunities early in the year with Brandon Morrow (elbow) on the shelf.

Strop (hamstring) is scheduled to pitch against the Red Sox on Monday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Strop has been nursing a hamstring strain but is ready to return to game action. Barring any setbacks, the veteran reliever should be ready to ready to go by Opening Day. He figures to see save chances early in the season while Brandon Morrow (elbow) remains sidelined.