Chicago Cubs’ Pedro Strop doing well after car accident
By Aaron Somers
Right-hander Pedro Strop figures to be among the Chicago Cubs’ more called upon late-inning relievers this coming season, but the 29 year old put a scare into plenty of people Thursday evening. Strop was involved in a car accident in the Dominican Republic, according to ESPN Chicago’s Jesse Rogers. Few other details are offered, but the team says that reports on Strop’s condition are “encouraging”.
A separate report from CSN Chicago indicated that multiple cars were involved in the accident, with the vehicle Strop was in having lost control before slamming into a wall. Strop and a second passenger – it remains unclear who was driving – were both taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons.
Originally signed as an international free agent in 2002 by the Colorado Rockies, Strop wouldn’t make his MLB debut until 2009 with the Texas Rangers. He’d struggle in limited action with the team, before being dealt at the July trade deadline in 2011 to the Baltimore Orioles for Mike Gonzalez. In Baltimore his numbers would start to significantly improve, but it wasn’t until the Cubs acquired him midway through the 2013 season (along with Jake Arrieta in exchange for Scott Feldman and Steve Clevenger) that he’d really start to blossom as a late-inning reliever.
Strop made 65 appearances this past season for the Cubs, posting a 2.21 ERA and 1.066 WHIP with 10.5 K/9. He likely pencils in as a setup option in front of incumbent closer Hector Rondon, but could see an opportunity should Rondon struggle to close out games.
Strop’s accident – while seemingly not quite as significant – marks the third such issue to take place this offseason. St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras was tragically killed in a crash during the World Series in late October. Earlier this week, Ronald Guzman – a first baseman for the Texas Rangers who has yet to play above Class-A ball – struck and killed a motorcyclist while driving in the Dominican Republic. Guzman is still being held by authorities, uncertain if charges will be filed.