Cubs give Strop another chance in South Bend
The Cubs know Pedro Strop is great in the locker room, does he have anything left on the mound?
After being released by the Reds on Aug. 31, the Cubs signed Strop and sent him to the South Bend satellite camp. Strop, 35, pitched for the Cubs from 2013-19 before signing with Cincinnati as a free agent in the offseason.
"I think Pedro's been a big part of this group, one of my favorite teammates I've ever had," manager David Ross said Saturday. "I mean, this guy is infectious, his personality, the way he carries himself, the way he works.
"He can really affect the room. But ultimately the goal is to get him back to being able to help us on the field, that's first and foremost. Then all those benefits come with him."
Strop pitched just 2⅓ innings for the Reds, posting a 3.86 ERA. His last appearance was Aug. 7 before being sidelined with a groin injury.
The Cubs have tried some other former closers at South Bend, such as A.J. Ramos and Cody Allen. Both pitchers were released without being brought to the majors.