Cubs Simply Must Have Better Option Than Pedro Strop for Key Situations During Stretch Run

Regardless of what you perceive about Chicago Cubs reliever Pedro Strop, he has been one of the most consistent relievers in baseball since he arrived in Chicago. This year has not been kind to Strop in high-leverage situations, however, without Brandon Morrow as an insurance policy.

His latest calamity was on Friday night, when he predictably failed to protect a razor-thin margin, with Ben Gamel delivering the decisive blow for the Brewers.

After the Cubs signed Craig Kimbrel to be their closer, Strop was moved to a setup role, but has been unsuccessful there as well. For the first time since 2013, he has an ERA over three (5.20), and looks like a shell of the pitcher he has been in the past.

If the Cubs are serious about making a postseason run, they need to replace Strop with a better setup man for Kimbrel. Until they make such a deal in the coming days, the team needs rely more heavily on Steve Cishek, and Brandon Kintzler, if need be.

Kintzler has faced his own relative struggles lately, but he's been a very reliable option out of the Cubs bullpen, by and large. The former All-Star has a 2.49 ERA this season, and has even seen more time in the eighth inning because of Strop's stuggles.

Cishek is another solid option for manager Joe Maddon to turn to late in games. He has a 2.66 ERA, and has even saved seven games this year.

It is extremely hard for a team to win in October without a dominant bullpen. The ones who do win end up having to use starting pitchers like Lance McCullers Jr. or Nathan Eovaldi to soak up key innings.

If we could take a no-confidence vote among the entire Cubs fanbase right now, they'd share very little in Strop. Whether it's relegation or negotiation, something must be done.