Pedro Strop struck out the side in the eighth Friday against the Cardinals and is still unscored upon as a Cub. Strop has allowed two hits, walked two and struck out seven in 5 2/3 innings for his new team. If he keeps this up, he'll be the obvious choice to step into the closer's role should Kevin Gregg exit via trade.

Cubs acquired RHP Pedro Strop from the Orioles in the Scott Feldman trade. After posting a 2.44 ERA in 70 appearances last season, Strop has struggled to the tune of a 7.25 ERA in 29 games this year. His control has been an issue all along, so it wasn't surprising to see some regression, but a contending team like the Orioles couldn't afford to keep throwing him out there. Still, there's little doubt that he has swing-and-miss stuff. If Strop gets off to a hot start, he could be a natural alternative for the closer role assuming Kevin Gregg gets moved by the trade deadline.

Orioles activated RHP Pedro Strop from the 15-day disabled list.

Pedro Strop (back) is expected to be activated from the disabled list on Saturday. The fire-balling right-hander struggled through his first 17 2/3 innings before being placed on the disabled list, compiling a 6.11 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 17/14 K/BB ratio. He'll likely return as the third option for saves in the O's bullpen behind Jim Johnson and Darren O'Day.

Pedro Strop (back) threw 25 pitches in a simulated inning on Thursday. Strop didn't have any issues with his back, so he remains on track to come off the disabled list on Saturday. The hard-throwing right-hander has a a 6.11 ERA with 14 walks over 17 2/3 innings this season with Baltimore.

Pedro Strop (back) is aiming to return from the disabled list this coming weekend. Strop threw a 20-pitch simulated game on Tuesday afternoon in Houston and felt no lingering discomfort in his back. He will fly to the Orioles' spring training complex in Sarasota, Florida on Wednesday to ride out the rest of his 15-day disabled list stint.

Pedro Strop (back) will throw a simulated game on Tuesday. It's possible he'll need a rehab assignment after that, though it hasn't been determined. Either way, Strop should be activated from the DL sometime this week.

Pedro Strop (back) is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Saturday. Strop landed on the disabled list last week with a lower back strain, but he hasn't had any issues since resuming throwing. He's scheduled to be reevaluated Monday and could either throw a simulated game or go out on a rehab assignment. He figures to rejoin the Orioles' bullpen around when he's first eligible.

Pedro Strop (back) threw a pain-free 20-25 pitch bullpen session Wednesday. "First couple of the throws on the mound in the [bullpen], I was kind of afraid a little bit, just thinking about it. But then after a couple of throws, I didn't feel anything, I just let it go and there was no pain at all," Strop said. The righty is eligible to return from his lower back strain on June 8, and it sounds like he'll be ready at that time or shortly after. It's unclear if he'll need a rehab assignment.

Orioles placed RHP Pedro Strop on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 24, with a lower back strain. The move clears a spot on the 25-man roster for Steve Johnson. Strop has a 6.11 ERA with 14 walks over 17 2/3 innings with the Orioles.