Strop struck out two in a perfect inning of relief Monday against the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Jason Hammel was knocked out of the game early with an injury, but Strop was part of an outstanding relief effort. In his last seven appearances, covering 6.1 innings, Strop has given up three hits and zero runs and has a 9:2 K:BB.

Strop struck out the side in his one inning and earned his seventh hold of the season Saturday against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Closer Hector Rondon has pitched the last four days, so he'll probably be unavailable Sunday, so it's possible Strop could get a save chance. He deserves it, as he has a 19:4 K:BB and has given up just five hits in 13.1 innings this year.

Strop earned his fourth hold of the season despite a shaky appearance against the Brewers on Tuesday. He walked two and gave up two runs in two-thirds of an inning.

EDGE Analysis

Overall, Strop has been excellent during the season's first month, as he has a 10:3 K:BB in eight innings and opponents are batting just .115 off him. He remains one of the better setup men in the National League, Tuesday night notwithstanding.

Strop struck out three in 1.1 innings against Arizona on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Strop's hot spring has continued into the regular season, as he has not given up a hit or walk in 2016. It's 2.1 innings in the regular season, but in total, it's eight innings and nine strikeouts of perfection.

Strop pitched for the second day in a row Saturday, getting the Giants in order in the seventh inning.

EDGE Analysis

Strop has only made four appearances this month, but no one has reached base against him yet. Saturday also marked the first time he's pitched in back-to-back games this spring. He appears to be ready for the regular season as the top setup man in the Cubs' pen.

Strop made his first appearance of the spring Sunday and pitched a perfect eighth inning. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

Meanwhile, closer Hector Rondon struggled for the second appearance in a row, blowing the three-run lead Strop handed him. Rondon still has a strong hold on the job, but if his struggled carry over into the regular season, Strop appears to be the first choice to take over in the ninth inning.

Strop and the Cubs agreed to terms on a $4.4 million deal Friday, avoiding arbitration, the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Strop enjoyed a productive 2015 campaign, posting a 2.91 ERA across a career-high 76 appearances out of the bullpen. While he occasionally finished games, Strop was used primarily as a late-inning reliever. He'll find himself in that role again in 2016, and he's viewed as the top option to close in the event of an injury/demotion to Hector Rondon.

Strop worked a perfect ninth inning Saturday, striking out one, to notch his third save of the season.

EDGE Analysis

Hector Rondon came out to start the ninth inning in a non-save situation, hit the only batter he faced and promptly got ejected. Zac Rosscup then allowed three straight hits, forcing Strop to come in and put out the fire. Rondon is still manager Joe Maddon's top choice as closer, but Strop is more than capable of handling the job should he be called upon again.

Strop pitched a scoreless inning against the Cardinals on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

While Strop has struggled with walks a bit this year, Friday was his fifth consecutive appearance without issuing a free pass. On the other hand, he has just one hold in his last nine appearances. Considering that he had 12 holds in 15 appearances immediately before this run, it looks like Strop's situational usage has changed a bit.

Strop pitched two-thirds of an inning Saturday, striking out one and walking one in the scoreless appearance. Perhaps Bob Costas should be noticing that Strop is pitching well. Since May 31, he's given up just one run and five hits in 14 innings. Granted, he's walked seven in that span, but at least he's also struck out 16. While Jason Motte and Hector Rondon fight over the closing job, Strop will quietly set up either of them and grab the occasional save himself. He has a 2.75 ERA and 0.94 WHIP this season.