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Pedro Strop

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Pedro Strop
Strop with the Chicago Cubs in 2017
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1985-06-13) June 13, 1985 (age 39)
San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
August 28, 2009, for the Texas Rangers
MLB statistics
(through 2021 season)
Win–loss record29–30
Earned run average3.20
Strikeouts554
Teams
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men's baseball
Representing  Dominican Republic
World Baseball Classic
Gold medal – first place 2013 San Francisco Team

Pedro Ángel Strop (born June 13, 1985) is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago Cubs.

Career

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Colorado Rockies

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Strop was originally signed as an international free agent by the Colorado Rockies in 2002. Strop was a position player in the Rockies minor league system from 2002 to 2005, primarily playing shortstop. Strop moved from shortstop to pitching in 2006 due to posting poor hitting numbers.[1] His tenure in the Rockies organization ended with his release by the Rockies on September 19, 2008.

Texas Rangers

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Strop was signed by the Texas Rangers as a free agent on September 23, 2008. On August 28, 2009 Pedro made his MLB debut and struck out his first batter, the Twins star catcher Joe Mauer. Pedro Strop appeared in seven games in 2009, pitching seven innings. He gave up six hits, six runs, and four walks and had an ERA of 7.71. He struck out nine batters as well.

Strop pitched one game in June 2010, on the second against the White Sox in which he struck out one batter, and walked a batter and went back to the minors. In a trade the Texas Rangers made that sent Bengie Molina to the team, Pedro Strop was rewarded with the empty roster spot. He pitched in three games before returning to the minors when other trades were made. As of his last appearance on July 9 against Baltimore, he appeared in four games overall in the 2010 season, pitching 3.2 innings while giving up three hits and a run. He walked three batters and struck out three batters.

Baltimore Orioles

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On August 31, 2011, Strop was traded from the Rangers to the Baltimore Orioles as the player to be named later in the trade for Mike Gonzalez.[2] He finished his 2011 season going 2–0 for Baltimore with a 0.73 ERA. His pitching success continued for the majority of 2012.Through August 15 of that season, Strop achieved a 1.20 ERA primarily as a set up man to closer Jim Johnson. But over the final six weeks of the season, Strop's ERA for that period was 7.24 with an OPS of .916.[3] He picked up a win against the Yankees pitching two innings in extra innings in the 2012 American League Division Series playoffs. After pitching well in the World Baseball Classic prior to the start of the 2013 season, Strop's late season 2012 struggles continued. In 29 games for the Orioles, Strop went 0–3 with a 7.25 ERA.[4] Baltimore crowds began to boo the reliever and Strop said of the booing, "They [the fans] don't care about players, they care about good results."[5] About two weeks after his comments, Strop was traded to the National League.

Chicago Cubs

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On July 2, 2013, Strop was traded along with Jake Arrieta to the Cubs in exchange for Scott Feldman and Steve Clevenger. Strop primarily served in the setup role for the Cubs. In 37 more appearances with the Cubs to finish 2013, Strop had a 2–2 record and a 2.83 ERA. Overall in 2013, combined with both teams, Strop made 66 total appearances with a 2–5 record and a 4.55 ERA.

2014 season

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In 2014, Strop made 65 appearances with a 2–4 record and a 2.21 ERA.

2015 season

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In 2015, Strop made 76 appearances with a 2–6 record, a 2.91 ERA, and 81 strikeouts.

2016 season

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In 2016, Strop made 54 appearances with a 2–2 record and a 2.85 ERA. The Cubs would eventually win the 2016 World Series, giving Strop his first World Series title.[6]

2017 season

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In 2017, Strop made 69 appearances with a 5–4 record, 65 strikeouts and a 2.83 ERA.

2018 season

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In 2018, Strop had one of his best seasons as a professional. He appeared in 60 games with a 6–1 record, 57 strikeouts, a career-high 13 saves, and a 2.26 ERA, the second best of his career.

2019 season

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In 2019, Strop had arguably his worst season as a professional. He appeared in only 50 games, his fewest since 2011. He finished the season with a 2–5 record, 49 strikeouts, 10 saves, and a 4.97 ERA, the worst of his career.[7]

Cincinnati Reds

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On January 30, 2020, Strop was signed by the Cincinnati Reds for a 1-year deal worth $1.8 million.[8] Strop was designated for assignment by the Reds on August 26, 2020 and released on August 31.

Chicago Cubs (second stint)

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On September 4, 2020, Strop signed a minor league contract to return to the Chicago Cubs. He joined the team at their alternate training site but did not join the big league team.[9] He became a free agent on November 2.[10]

On February 27, 2021, Strop re-signed with the Cubs organization on a minor league contract that included a Spring Training invitation. If he made the major league roster, the contract would give him $800,000 in salary.[11][12] On April 12, Strop was selected to the active roster.[13] Strop was removed from the 40-man roster on April 17 after 2 scoreless innings in 2 appearances.[13] On May 5, Strop requested and was granted his release from the organization.[14]

Sultanes de Monterrey

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On June 24, 2021, Strop signed with the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican League.[15] Strop made 12 appearances for Monterrey, logging a 3.21 ERA with 16 strikeouts and 3 saves in 14.0 innings pitched. He was released by the team on March 1, 2022.[16]

On May 6, 2023, Strop announced via Twitter that he was attempting a comeback.[17]

Toros de Tijuana

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On May 16, 2023, Strop signed with the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League.[18] In 40 games for Tijuana, he compiled a 4–5 record and 4.38 ERA with 51 strikeouts across 39 innings pitched. He became a free agent following the season.

International career

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Strop was born in the Dominican Republic to a Curaçaoan father.[19] In 2013, Strop pitched as a reliever in the World Baseball Classic for the championship winning Dominican Republic. He represented the Netherlands national baseball team at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.[20]

Hat orientation

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Strop is known for the unique way he wears his hat while pitching, slightly crooked to his left, similar to that of Fernando Rodney. Strop has said, "It goes back to when I was a little kid ... If you see pictures of me in baseball or out of baseball, my hat is like that or backwards."[21]

References

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  1. ^ Eduardo A. Encina (June 25, 2012). "The Orioles' Pedro Strop has gone from shortstop to surgery to one of the AL's top relievers". Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on June 14, 2015. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  2. ^ "Pedro Strop is player to be named". Baltimore Sun. August 31, 2011. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  3. ^ Megdal, Howard. "The night Pedro Strop beat the Yankees". Capital New York. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  4. ^ "Pedro Strop Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  5. ^ "Pedro Strop bothered by boos, says fans care about results, not players". Baltimore Sun. June 13, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  6. ^ Bastian, Jordan; Muskat, Carrie. "Chicago Cubs win 2016 World Series". MLB. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
  7. ^ "Pedro Strop Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference.com.
  8. ^ "Reds move to strengthen bullpen, sign Strop". February 5, 2020.
  9. ^ "AP source: Cubs agree to minor league deal with Pedro Strop". USA Today.
  10. ^ "Full List of 2020-2021 MiLB Free Agents". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  11. ^ "Pedro Strop Reportedly Returning to the Cubs!". February 17, 2021.
  12. ^ "Cubs Sign Pedro Strop to Minor League Deal". February 17, 2021.
  13. ^ a b "Cubs Reinstate Brandon Workman, Dan Winkler; Reassign Pedro Strop". April 17, 2021.
  14. ^ "Cubs Grant Pedro Strop His Release". May 5, 2021.
  15. ^ "13 AÑOS DE EXPERIENCIA EN LIGAS MAYORES, REFORZARÁ EL BULLPEN DE SULTANES". sultanes.com.mx (in Spanish). Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  16. ^ "Pedro Strop Stats, Fantasy & News". MiLB.com. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  17. ^ "Former Chicago Cubs pitcher hints at possible return". chicitysports.com. May 8, 2023. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  18. ^ "LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 16 de mayo de 2023". MiLB.com (in Spanish). May 16, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  19. ^ "Bogaerts leads impressive Netherlands infield group". MLB.com.
  20. ^ "Grote namen in voorselectie Koninkrijksteam voor World Baseball Classic – HonkbalSoftbal.nl". HonkbalSoftbal.nl (in Dutch). January 10, 2023. Retrieved March 22, 2023.
  21. ^ "Grote: The Story Behind Pedro Strop's Crooked Hat". May 18, 2015. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
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