MESA, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- Cubs reliever Pedro Strop pitched a perfect inning and struck out two Red Sox batters Monday evening in his first outing since straining his right hamstring on March 9.
It was only Strop's third appearance this spring, but afterward he proclaimed himself ready to go for Chicago's season opener at Texas on Thursday.
"I was so happy to find out I was 100 percent healthy," Strop said. "This was only my third outing, so it was really great."
Strop is expected to get most of the save opportunities early on with closer Brandon Morrow sidelined for the first month. Strop converted 13 of 17 save chances in 2018, when he posted a 2.26 ERA, his sixth straight season with a sub-3.00 ERA for the Cubs.
"I was just focusing tonight on executing my pitches," Strop said. "I really feel ready for Thursday."
Strop suffered a hamstring strain running out a ground ball in a rare at-bat in mid-September last season, which cost him the remainder of the regular season. This spring, he's been working with the medical and training staff on a new set of exercises in an effort to keep his hamstrings and legs strong.
"We are doing a lot of new exercises and treatments to keep that area strong," Strop said. "We are paying close attention to my legs, those issues I had. We are in prevent mode to reduce any future injuries."
Strop is excited to get the new season going after 2018 ended in disappointment for the Cubs with an exit in the National League wild-card game.
"I am really excited about this season," Strop said. "This team looks just like 2016 to me. We are really committed, and everybody is pushing in the same direction. There is no talk of a hangover from the World Series or any excuses. I really like the vibe and the energy the guys have shown here."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
