Chicago Cubs reliever Pedro Strop continued to perform in the role of the closer Thursday against Atlanta. Strop came in and recorded three straight outs to close out the one-run victory. The save would be his 11th of the season. Jesse Chavez has picked up the occasional save along the way but it still appears that Strop will handle the majority of the opportunities. Reports have suggested that even after Brandon Morrow (bicep) returns to the team, he will be eased back into increasingly comp[...]

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Pedro Strop was pulled early from a save opportunity in Monday's contest versus the New York Mets. Strop recorded one out and allowed one hit and one run. Jesse Chavez came in with three runners on and recorded the final two outs to secure the save. Strop is likely to remain the Cubs closer as long as Brandon Morrow (biceps) continues to be sidelined, but Strop just didn't have his stuff on Monday.

While holds are even tougher to predict than saves, the players we'll highlight today include some elite setup men to target off the waiver wire in Week 21. One-inning middle relievers are the constant sources for holds and specialists can manage to secure a hold even with one out. However, while specialists can get many holds, their fantasy value is limited to how effective they are in their specific role. Long relievers are not a strong source of holds, they are often used in emergency or m[...]

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues OWNED IN: 28% of leagues ANALYSIS: Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Pedro Strop has taken the opportunity to grab the closer's role in Chicago with Brandon Morrow going on the disabled list with a biceps injury. Those that were hoping that Morrow would be off of the disabled list on Saturday were disappointed to hear that he needs more time to get healthy. With that being the case, there needs to be another man to close out games for the Cubbies and that appear[...]

The stove is warming up! Just when we were all being entertained by the All-Star Game being the most 2018 baseball game of the year, the Dodgers and Indians were busy making their teams better for the playoff push. While we're far from done with trade rumors and actual trades, two big dominoes did indeed fall during the break. The Los Angeles Dodgers got Manny Machado from Baltimore, of course. More relevant to bullpens, the Cleveland Indians picked up both Brad Hand and Adam Cimber from San [...]

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Pedro Strop picked up the final out in Thursday's game versus the Cardinals to pick up his third save of the season. Closer Brandon Morrow (biceps) isn't expected to miss much time, but for now it looks like Strop may be manager Joe Maddon's preferred option for saves. Strop should be scooped up by owner's who are chasing saves.

Chicago Cubs veteran reliever Pedro Strop picked up his second save of the season on Tuesday night. Strop struck out one batter over a scoreless ninth inning of work. Strop gave up one hit but made it out of the inning unscathed. His 8.91 K/9 is down from his career mark, but he has improved in stranding runners with a 79 percent left-on-base rate. Don't expect Strop to begin getting a bunch of saves, however. Brandon Morrow is still the Cubs closer, but he just got a rest day on Tuesday.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Pedro Strop (calf) will pitch on Tuesday and says he feels fine. Strop had dealt with a calf injury early this spring, but has been able to pitch over the past week. If everything goes well on Tuesday, Strop should be expected to be on the Opening Day roster. Aside from holds, Strop carries minimal fantasy value.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Pedro Strop (calf) is set to make his Cactus League debut on Thursday. Strop had missed most of the spring while dealing with a calf injury, but threw in a minor league game Monday. Strop is headed in the right direction and it appears he should be ready for Opening Day. Strop can be left on the waiver wire in leagues that don't count holds.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Pedro Strop (calf) worked an 18-pitch inning in a minor league game on Monday, according to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune. Strop is now set to make his Cactus League debut on Thursday. He has been slowed this spring by a left calf injury, but could be ready for Opening Day. The 32-year-old setup man registered a 2.83 ERA, 1.177 WHIP, and 65/26 K/BB ratio in 60 1/3 innings last season for the Cubs.