Strop (hamstring) will need to throw another bullpen session early next week and manager Joe Maddon said they will know by the end of next week whether a rehab assignment will be necessary, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Reports from earlier this week suggested that Strop could be activated shortly after throwing off a mound Saturday, but it seems like that was an overly optimistic timetable. It is unclear if Strop suffered a setback. An activation next weekend now seems like the best-case scenario, but he could also require a rehab assignment, which would mean an early-June return would be in the cards.

Strop (hamstring) may not need a rehab assignment before being activated, potentially soon after Saturday's scheduled bullpen session, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

He has been out since May 5 with the hamstring strain, but he threw two strong bullpen sessions this week, with a final test coming Saturday. After that session, the Cubs will decide whether to send him on a rehab assignment or to activate him. Steve Cishek has been an admirable replacement as the closer, but Strop figures to get back in the ninth-inning mix upon his activation.

Strop (hamstring) could begin a minor-league rehab assignment next week, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

He threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, which apparently went well, and will throw another such session this weekend. If that goes well, a rehab assignment could be next, meaning he could return in late May or early June if everything goes smoothly through the rest of his recovery. In the meantime, Steve Cishek has proven more than capable of handling the ninth inning for the Cubs.

Strop (hamstring) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Monday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Strop was diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain May 8, though it appears he's trending in the right direction, as he was able to throw his first bullpen session since suffering the injury. He could advance to throwing against live hitters in the near future, assuming he feels fine following Monday's side session.

Strop was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain Wednesday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The issue has apparently been bothering Strop since the end of April, though it only became too bothersome during his most recent outing against the Marlins on Monday. The veteran reliever will rest for 3-to-4 days before starting to rehab his left hamstring, which is the same one that he injured during September of last season. Fortunately, Strop doesn't believe his current injury is as serious as the one he dealt with last September, which cost him close to three weeks. While nothing is confirmed, Steve Cishek, Carl Edwards and Brad Brach appear to be the most likely options to see save chances while Strop is sidelined.

Strop was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a left hamstring strain, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Strop apparently suffered the injury during his most recent appearance Monday against the Marlins, during which he allowed three runs on three walks and a hit en route to blowing his second save of the season. The severity of the issue is not yet known, leaving Strop without a timetable for his return at the moment. It's worth noting that this is the same hamstring that forced him to miss time last September. With Brandon Morrow (elbow) also on the mend, look for Steve Cishek, Carl Edwards and Brad Brach all to factor into the ninth inning mix for the Cubs for the time being.

Strop (1-2) blew the save and took the loss Monday against the Marlins. He allowed three runs on a hit and three walks without recording an out.

EDGE Analysis

Simply put, it was a disastrous outing for Strop as he blew his second save in six opportunities this season. Staked to a 4-3 lead, the righty started the top of the ninth with back-to-back walks. A single loaded the bases, then another walk forced home the tying run before Strop got the hook. He threw just six of 18 pitches for strikes and saw his ERA climb to 5.06. Regular closer Brandon Morrow (elbow) is without a timetable to return to the team, but the Cubs may be forced to turn to someone like Brandon Kintzler or Steve Cishek for saves if Strop continues to struggle.

Strop saved his fourth game in a win over the Cardinals on Saturday, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

Strop has converted four saves out of his five chances, and in his last nine appearances has allowed just one run and has an 11:2 K:BB. Strop holds a 2.53 ERA and 0.75 WHIP this season.

Strop walked one while striking out one through a scoreless inning to record his third save in a 7-6 win over the Dodgers on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Strop immediately walked the first batter he faced but recovered to face the minimum after forcing a double play to nail down the save. The 33-year-old returned to form after blowing his last save opportunity. Strop has three saves with a 3.52 ERA through nine appearances this season.

Strop (1-1) blew his first save of the season but earned the win Sunday against the Diamondbacks. He struck out two and allowed one earned run in an inning of work.

EDGE Analysis

Strop came in with the Cubs up 1-0 in the top of the ninth inning, but blew the save by serving up a home run to speedster Jarrod Dyson, who has just 17 career home runs in 10 MLB seasons. The Cubs' closer avoided any further trouble and picked up the win when Chicago walked off with a run in the bottom of the inning. Strop now has a 4.05 ERA and 6:1 K:BB across 6.2 innings this season.