Strop retired the final two batters of Friday's 5-1 win over the Diamondbacks to earn the save.

EDGE Analysis

Brad Brach started the inning for the Cubs but ran into trouble by allowing two singles and a double, which prompted Joe Maddon to call on Strop to put out the fire. The 33-year-old reliever now has two saves this season along with a 3.18 ERA. Strop should remain the team's closer at least until Brandon Morrow (elbow) returns, which could happen sometime next month.

Strop pitched a scoreless ninth inning in Tuesday's 4-0 win over the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

It wasn't a save situation for Strop, but he was able to log his fourth straight scoreless inning to lower his ERA to 3.60. The righty has just one save so far, as the 7-9 Cubs haven't worked with a ton of leads to protect. Strop should remain installed as the closer at least until Brandon Morrow (elbow) returns, likely sometime in May.

Strop retired the side in order to record his first save of 2019 in a 2-0 victory against the Pirates on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

It's been a rocky start for the Cubs, so Strop hadn't pitched in any save opportunities before Thursday. Strop experienced a rough first series of the year, but he's settled in during his last few outings. He owns a 4.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and three strikeouts in four innings.

Strop (0-1) took the loss after allowing a run on one hit and recording one out in Sunday's game against Texas.

EDGE Analysis

Strop was called upon in the bottom of the ninth inning in a tie ballgame, but after surrendering a leadoff double and a groundout to the right side of the infield to advance the runner to third, he bounced a pitch in front of home plate, allowing the game-winning run to cross the plate. The 33-year-old right-hander is off to a tough start to 2019 and has given up two runs across one inning (two appearances).

Strop (hamstring) received a clean bill of health and will be available for Opening Day, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Strop suffered a right hamstring strain during camp, but he's managed to overcome the injury and will be ready for the start of the 2019 campaign. He'll be the favorite for save opportunities early in the year with Brandon Morrow (elbow) on the shelf.

Strop (hamstring) is scheduled to pitch against the Red Sox on Monday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Strop has been nursing a hamstring strain but is ready to return to game action. Barring any setbacks, the veteran reliever should be ready to ready to go by Opening Day. He figures to see save chances early in the season while Brandon Morrow (elbow) remains sidelined.

Strop (hamstring) completed a bullpen session with no issues Friday and could pitch Monday against the Red Sox, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Joe Maddon said Strop should pitch during the two-game series against Boston, and that one appearance could be enough for him to be ready for the regular season. The 33-year-old has been nursing the mild right hamstring strain for a couple weeks but appears on track for Opening Day if he can avoid a setback.

Strop (hamstring) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Strop will ramp things up in Friday's session after getting through a bullpen with no issues earlier in the week. Assuming everything goes off without a hitch Friday, the right-hander will likely be cleared to pitch in a game shortly thereafter. Manager Joe Maddon confirmed Strop still hasn't been ruled out for Opening Day.

Strop (hamstring) reported no issues following his most recent bullpen session, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Strop will ramp things up in another bullpen session, and if everything goes off without a hitch, the right-hander will likely be cleared to pitch in a game (likely a minor-league contest) shortly thereafter. The Cubs are handling the reliever with care, though he should still have enough time to get ready for the start of the season, assuming he returns to game action before the end of camp.

Strop (hamstring) has thrown off a mound within the past few days, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though it was unclear exactly when Strop threw off the mound, it was reported that he only threw a few pitches in that session. The plan is now to increase the intensity and volume of his work until he can return to game action, hopefully before the close of Spring Training. Strop will need to appear in at least one more game in the Cactus League if he is to be ready for Opening Day.