Strop (hamstring) could get into a game before the end of spring training, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Strop said earlier in the week that he expects to be back by Opening Day, and it appears that the Cubs share his optimism. If he ends up behind schedule, Carl Edwards and Steve Cishek line up as the top remaining options for saves.

Strop (hamstring) estimated his chances at being ready for Opening Day at 99.99 percent Wednesday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

An MRI revealed a mild right hamstring for Strop on Monday. He'll take a break from throwing off a mound but won't be shut down completely. If his optimism turns out to be unfounded, Carl Edwards and Steve Cishek will battle for closing duties, with Brandon Morrow (elbow) out for all of April.

Strop will take a break from throwing off a mound after an MRI on Monday revealed a mild right hamstring strain, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Strop will continue throwing but is unlikely to do so off a mound through the rest of this week. The-33-year-old did miss a few weeks with a hamstring injury late last season, but the current injury affects the opposite leg. Manager Joe Maddon downplayed the injury, but also admitted the possibility that Strop may not be ready for Opening Day, according to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. Carl Edwards and Steve Cishek would be candidates to take over the closer's role should his absence extend into the regular season, as Brandon Morrow (elbow) isn't expected to see game action until May.

Strop is expected open the season as the Cubs' closer, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Brandon Morrow (elbow) slated to miss at least the first month of the season, it sounds like Strop will handle the ninth inning in his absence. This isn't all too surprising, as Strop filled in as the team's closer in 2018 when Morrow was hurt. The right-hander was stellar for the Cubs last season, converting 13 saves while posting a 2.26 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 8.6 K/9 in 59.2 innings.

Strop's $6.25 million club option for 2019 was picked up by the Cubs on Thursday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

This doesn't come as a surprise, as Strop was one of Chicago's most reliable relievers in 2018, notching 13 saves while posting a 2.26 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 8.6 K/9 across 59.2 innings. The veteran right-hander has been stellar since joining the Cubs in 2013, compiling a combined 2.63 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 10.2 K/9 over parts of six seasons (331.1 innings). He figures to fill a high-leverage relief role again in 2019, though it's unclear if he'll see any save chances with Brandon Morrow (arm) expected to be healthy.

Strop (hamstring) is available out of the bullpen for Tuesday's NL Wild Card Game against the Rockies, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Joe Maddon said Strop passed a series of agility drills prior to Tuesday's must-win game, clearing the way for the reliever to rejoin the Cubs' bullpen for the first time in nearly three weeks. With Brandon Morrow (biceps) and Carl Edwards Jr. (forearm) both unavailable, Strop could immediately return to a high-leverage role. Prior to suffering the injury, Strop posted a 2.26 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 57 strikeouts in 59.2 innings.

Strop (hamstring) is on the 25-man roster for Tuesday's wild-card game against the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Strop hasn't pitched since Sept. 13 while dealing with hamstring soreness. The Cubs likely would have preferred getting Strop a regular-season inning before his return but did not have that luxury. Given the importance of Tuesday's contest, the team clearly feels that he's ready to go. He could be thrust into a high-leverage role immediately with Brandon Morrow (arm) and Carl Edwards Jr. (forearm) both out. If a save situation arises Tuesday, it could go to Strop, Jesse Chavez or Steve Cishek.

Strop (hamstring) said he'll be ready to go for Tuesday's wild-card game against the Dodgers or Rockies, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Strop hasn't pitched since Sept. 13 due to a hamstring injury, but it sounds like the reliever is feeling better and might be available out of the bullpen for Tuesday's win-or-go-home contest. Given the importance of the game, the Cubs will likely want to make sure the veteran right-hander is 100 percent before including him on their roster for Tuesday. Strop, who owns a 2.26 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 57:21 K:BB through 59.2 innings this season, figures to settle back into a high-leverage role out of the bullpen once he's cleared to return.

Strop (hamstring) said Saturday that he will not pitch this weekend but that he is aiming to return Thursday, Mark Gonzales of The Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thursday would mark the start of the postseason should the Cubs hold the Brewers off for the NL Central crown. When asked if he'd be available Monday (for a potential tiebreaker with Milwaukee) or Tuesday (potential Wild Card game), Strop responded, "Don't talk to me about Tuesday, we're looking [to win the division]." A return to the mound Thursday would mark a significant recovery after he suffered a hamstring injury in mid-September, though more should be known after he tests it in the coming days.

Strop (hamstring) is further along than the Cubs expected and could pitch at some point during the team's weekend series against the Cardinals, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

Strop hasn't pitched in over two weeks while battling a hamstring injury. With Brandon Morrow (arm) out for the season, Strop is expected to be the Cubs' primary closer in the playoffs, so the team would likely want to see him pitch at least an inning before the end of the regular season.