Report: Cubs Placing Pedro Strop on IL, Recalling RHP Duane Underwood Jr

According to David Kaplan, the Cubs will be placing Pedro Strop on the injured list and will recall righty Duane Underwood Jr. to take his place on the roster. Underwood made his MLB debut in LA last season as a spot starter, but he’s excelled this season since being moved to the bullpen on a full-time basis.

The Cubs are recalling right handed pitcher Duane Underwood from Class AAA Iowa. Pedro Strop is headed to the injured list.

— David Kaplan (@thekapman) July 30, 2019

Strop has not seemed like himself throughout the season and had previously spent time on the IL with hamstring issues. Even when supposedly healthy, he was throwing with lower velocity and his sinker was nothing short of awful. All things considered, the timing of this move could actually be a blessing.

Despite his claim that fans “have no idea really what all goes into” managing a bullpen, Maddon would have been eviscerated had Strop been allowed to struggle through a tough spot in St. Louis. Whether Underwood excels in his new role or the Cubs are forced to bolster the bullpen via trade, the Cubs should be stronger by Wednesday afternoon.

Update: Strop’s IL stint is the result of tightness on the left side of his neck, which he first felt while playing long toss Sunday afternoon. It totally wasn’t a matter of getting whiplash watching his sinker being hammered around the park, so don’t even think about making those jokes.