Cubs Place Reliever Pedro Strop on 10-Day IL With Neck Tightness
By Max Scoli
The Chicago Cubs have announced that they will place reliever Pedro Strop on the 10-day injured list with neck tightness.
In a corresponding move, the team will promote pitcher Duane Underwood Jr. from Triple-A Iowa to the MLB prior to their game on Tuesday.
Pedro Strop w tightness on left side of his neck. Goes on IL
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) July 30, 2019
Strop isn't exactly having the best season. The 34 year-old currently owns a 5.20 ERA with a 1.16 WHIP. He has been particularly bad as of late, maintaining an awful 6.08 ERA with 13 strikeouts in his last 15 appearances.
His struggles are directly related to a drop in pitch velocity. Strop is averaging just 94 mph on his fastball and 88.7 mph on his cutter, both of which are the lowest averages of his career.
Expecting RHP Pedro Strop to be placed on the 10-day IL before tonight's game. Cubs have not announced anything. No word yet on injury specifics. @thekapman on it first.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 30, 2019
FB velo down all year, and another recent dip. Dealt with left and right hamstring issues earlier this year. pic.twitter.com/i0bmNdgQzR
Conversely, Underwood has performed well in Iowa recently. He has a 2.53 ERA in his last seven contests to go along with 21 strikeouts. The 25 year-old has been unfazed by his move to the bullpen, sporting a 3.04 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 26.2 innings since the change in late May.