Hats to the left: Cubs bring back Pedro Strop to solidify bullpen

The Chicago Cubs have re-signed veteran reliever Pedro Strop to solidify the back-end of the bullpen, which has been problematic.

Pedro Strop is back with the Chicago Cubs.

Strop re-signed with the Cubs, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, after he was released by the Cincinnati Reds earlier this season. Strop came to Chicago from the Baltimore Orioles in 2013 along with Jake Arrieta in one of the more lopsided deals in recent Cubs history and was a vital member at the back of the bullpen.

One of the most underappreciated relievers in club history, Strop battled injuries late in his Cubs tenure which hurt his effectiveness and led to his departure after the 2019 season when he had a career-worst 4.97 E.R.A. in 50 appearances.

Pedro Strop returns to the Cubs to help solidify a shaky bullpen

Strop, 35,  has only appeared in 2.1 innings over four appearances before his release from the Reds, allowing one earned run, but his six walks led to his demise in Cincinnati.

The Cubs hope he will be rejuvenated with a return to Chicago where he had the most success of his career and he’ll be able to pitch in lower-leverage situations.

David Ross‘ club has been hurt by shoddy bullpen performances this season, one of the only weaknesses on the first-place club. After acquiring relievers Joey Osich and Andrew Chafin before the trade deadline, Strop is the latest member to join the bullpen.

Closer Jeremy Jeffress has filled in admirably since Craig Kimbrel was demoted from the role due to his volatility. For the Cubs to have any postseason success, the bullpen will need to be better than they’ve shown thus far.

Adding Strop back to the equation could go a long way toward shortening the game.