Strop was lifted in the ninth inning of Monday's 7-4 win over the Mets after he gave up a hit and a walk while retiring just one batter. He recorded the hold while Jesse Chavez got the last two batters to snag the save.

EDGE Analysis

Cubs manager Joe Maddon had a quick hook in this one, as he wasted no time in pulling Strop with two runners on in the ninth inning. The 33-year-old reliever looked puzzled by the decision, but Maddon has been known to mix and match with his bullpen, and the manager also likely wasn't too pleased with Strop's leadoff walk and general wildness (11 pitches, five for strikes). Strop still figures to be the primary closer with Brandon Morrow (biceps) on the DL, but if Monday is any indication, he's not on a particularly long leash.

Strop struck out two batters in a scoreless ninth to secure his 10th save in Thursday's 1-0 win over the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Strop has been terrific as Chicago's closer with Brandon Morrow (biceps) on the disabled list. He's locked down his last seven save attempts and hasn't been scored on in his last five outings. With Morrow's recovery timetable still uncertain, Strop will continue getting most of the save chances for the foreseeable future.

Strop pitched a perfect ninth inning with a strikeout in Wednesday's win over the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

With the Cubs up 8-4, it wasn't a save situation for Strop, but the ninth inning appearance only further cemented his role as the team's go-to closer with Brandon Morrow (biceps) on the disabled list. Morrow is expected to throw off a mound this weekend, though no concrete timeline for his return has been shared, meaning Strop should continue to receive save chances for the time being.

Strop earned his ninth save of the year after tossing a scoreless ninth inning Friday against the Nationals, striking out one.

EDGE Analysis

Strop was called on to hold a one-run lead and did just that, working around his own error to shut the door. He's done a very good job deputizing for Brandon Morrow, whose return timetable from his biceps injury remains unclear. Strop and his 2.74 ERA and 9.0 K/9 should remain a capable closing option for the near future.

Strop pitched a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts to record the save in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

Strop picked up his second save in as many days, but the two appearances couldn't have been any more different. On Friday, the 33-year-old entered with the Cubs up 5-2 and allowed two earned runs before getting out of trouble. Strop was much more efficient Saturday, needing just 12 pitches to close things out in order. The righty now has seven saves and a 2.80 ERA, and he'll continue to serve as the interim closer while Brandon Morrow (biceps) is on the disabled list.

Strop allowed two earned runs on two hits and a walk but managed to record the save in Friday's 5-4 win over the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

Strop came on with a 5-2 lead and quickly made things interesting, allowing a single, a walk and a double to start the ninth inning. The 33-year-old settled down from there to nab his sixth save of the year, and despite the hiccup, he still has a solid 2.86 ERA. Strop should continue to see save chances while regular closer Brandon Morrow (biceps) is on the disabled list.

Strop earned his fourth save of the season Wednesday against Arizona, throwing a scoreless inning and allowing one hit.

EDGE Analysis

Strop bounced back after blowing a save in his last outing. He was able to hold onto a one-run lead, working around a one-out Paul Goldschmidt double. He appears to be the primary option while Brandon Morrow remains out with a biceps injury, though Steve Cishek and Carl Edwards could get chances as well.

Strop retired the final batter of the game in Thursday's 9-6 win over the Cubs to secure his third save of the season.

EDGE Analysis

With regular closer Brandon Morrow (biceps) landing on the disabled list before the game, Strop moved up in the bullpen pecking order. Morrow doesn't figure to be out long, so Strop's window for save opportunities might be brief, though it's encouraging to see that the team definitely trusts him in high-leverage situations. Strop has earned that trust with a strong 2.50 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 39.2 innings this season.

Strop recorded his second save of the season in Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Tigers, pitching a scoreless ninth inning with one hit allowed and a strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

Strop was used instead of regular closer Brandon Morrow, who picked up a four-out save on Sunday and was apparently getting an extra day of rest after recently returning from the DL. Strop has been effective for the Cubs this season, as he now has a 2.55 ERA, and he should continue to pitch in high-leverage situations with the occasional save opportunity when Morrow needs a day off.

Strop could be in line for some save opportunities in the near future with the Cubs electing to play the matchups in the ninth inning with Brandon Morrow out with a back injury, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Strop has the lowest ERA (1.76) among non-Morrow pitchers to throw more than 15 innings for the Cubs this season, though Steve Cishek could be in mix from the right side as well. Justin Wilson got the opportunity Tuesday and could get the call against lefties.