MESA, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- Cubs reliever Pedro Strop expects to be ready for the regular-season opener on March 28 after suffering a right hamstring injury, despite the organization stressing that it will remain cautious with him.
Strop suffered a mild strain on his final pitch of a Cactus League game Saturday and won't throw off a mound for a week. On Tuesday, manager Joe Maddon acknowledged that Strop could miss Opening Day. Strop doesn't envision that being a worry.
"If you are asking me today if I will be ready, I will say 99.9 percent I will," Strop said Wednesday after throwing off flat ground and working out at the team's complex."
Maddon was encouraged by what he saw from Strop on Tuesday.
"The trainers are very optimistic," Maddon said. "He is still able to throw at a great distance. He is able to keep his arm going. Let's see what happens. We hope that (being ready March 28) is the case."
Strop is expected to receive the majority of the save opportunities with Cubs closer Brandon Morrow sidelined at least through April as he continues with his rehab following elbow surgery in the offseason. Strop had a 2.26 ERA and converted 13 of 17 save opportunities in 2018, when Morrow was sidelined by injury for the entire second half.
With some injury setbacks in the bullpen, Maddon indicated the Cubs will continue to scout relievers and be ready to make a trade or waiver wire addition in the coming weeks. Of course, there's a All-Star closer still available on the free-agent market in Craig Kimbrel, but Maddon didn't sound too optimistic about the Cubs making a surprise move to sign him.
In his discussion with the front office about the bullpen, Kimbrel's name wasn't broached, Maddon said.
"We didn't really discuss that, but I can't tell you that it's out of the question," Maddon said.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
