Cubs reliever Pedro Strop has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus, the club announced (via Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune, Twitter links). He’ll undergo surgery tomorrow, with the expectation that he could be back within four to six weeks.
Under the circumstances, that’s largely a positive outcome for the Cubs, who likely would have lost Strop for the year had he suffered a more significant knee injury. As things stand, he’ll seemingly be back in time for the end of the regular season. Righty Justin Grimm will be recalled to take Strop’s place on the roster for the time being.
[Related: Updated Cubs Depth Chart]
Strop, 31, has been nothing short of outstanding since coming over along with Jake Arrieta in the 2013 deal that delivered Scott Feldman to Baltimore. Over 207 2/3 frames in Chicago, Strop owns a 2.69 ERA with 10.8 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9. It has been more of the same this year, as he  not only carries a career-best K-BB% (24.9%) but also has drawn grounders on nearly six of ten balls in play.
Losing that kind of productivity from the back of the pen undoubtedly hurts, especially with Hector Rondon dealing with his own medical issues (albeit not as serious). Still, the Cubs just bolstered their relief corps with Aroldis Chapman and are sitting on a 12-game lead in the NL Central. Since Strop will likely be able to keep his arm in shape during his absence, the hope will be that he’ll hit the ground running and be at full strength before the final build-up to the post-season.
The Joe Smith trade looks a lot better right now.
Good thing they have big time late inning insurance now in Chapman
Still remember when he was a Ranger and couldnt throw a strike to save his life! Hope he recovers well.
He’ll be back before you know. Until then, I know Justin Grimm will do great, especially considering his sabermetrics.
Can you point out which sabermetrics you are referring to? After a quick glance, I don’t see ANY peripherals that suggest he’ll do great… Heck, doing good might even be a stretch…
This is a semi-relief. I honestly thought he was gone for the year.
As good as could be hoped for. Don’t rule out a Joe Nathan return.
I was at the game last night. It didn’t look bad at first, but when he wasn’t putting any weight on his leg all of Wrigley was silent. Hope he gets back soon. This could have been disasterous with him and Rondon out but with Chapman in and Edwards brought up and shining, things seem fine.
Gotta rub that arrieta, strop, for Feldman trade. It’s been 3 YEARS!!!
It’s like that little piece of skin on the corner of a finger nail. You kind of forget about it, then someone comes along and gives it a good flick. Just cut it and be done with it. I may or may not be bitter about the subject.
Just imagine Arrieta and Strop on that team right now!?!
This doesn’t affect his chances to be on the playoff roster correct?
Correct
They just have to be on the 25 man roster before August 31st. The exemption is players on the disabled list. So as long as the Cubs put him back on the 25 man roster after his DL stint.
Technically, all they need to do is be in the system on August 31st. So, Almora, Jack Leathersich (LHRP) or Tim Federowicz (C) would be as eligible as the two in last year’s World Series from the same circumstances.