Pedro Strop was slapped with a loss Monday against the Yankees after allowing two runs over two-thirds of an inning. Called upon to begin the 10th inning, Strop gave up consecutive doubles to Ichiro Suzuki and Vernon Wells before recording a pair of outs. He was asked to intentionally walk Robinson Cano before the O's tabbed Brian Matusz, who allowed an inherited runner to score. Strop's stuff is absolutely lethal, but his post-WBC efforts haven't impressed. The 27-year-old holds a 5.19 ERA and 1.44 WHIP over 21 appearances. He's got closer's stuff, but is nowhere close to being trusted in the ninth inning.

Pedro Strop picked up his third relief win of the season in Sunday's comeback victory over the Athletics. It has been a memorable eight days for Strop, who has collected two wins and two saves since April 22. This time he got into a little trouble after putting two men on base with one out in the ninth inning, but was able to keep Oakland scoreless before Baltimore posted five runs in the bottom half of the frame to win it.

Pedro Strop has moved into the primary setup role for the Orioles. Strop was claimed off waivers from the Rangers at the beginning of the month and has yet to allow a run in 8 2/3 innings with the O's, sporting an 11/2 K/BB ratio over that time. "I feel comfortable because they are giving me the confidence," Strop said. "They are trusting me, and so that's why I feel comfortable. If they are trusting in me, I have to trust in myself." With the Orioles having an unsettled ninth inning situation for the future, it's possible the hard-thrower could eventually get a look at closer.

Orioles claimed RHP Pedro Strop off waivers from the Rangers. Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles received cash from the Rangers in Wednesday's Mike Gonzalez deal and used it to claim Strop. The 26-year-old right-hander has a 3.59 ERA and 55/24 K/BB ratio over 47 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level this season. He throws in the mid-90s and could become and could have a future in the O's bullpen.

According to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun, Pedro Strop is the PTBNL in Wednesday's Mike Gonzalez trade. Strop, 26, has registered a 3.59 ERA and 55/24 K/BB ratio in 47 2/3 innings this year at Triple-A Round Rock. He's a decent young reliever with a fairly bright future.