Pedro Strop (RP, CHC) - Week 18 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 28% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Pedro Strop has taken the opportunity to grab the closer's role in Chicago with Brandon Morrow going on the disabled list with a biceps injury. Those that were hoping that Morrow would be off of the disabled list on Saturday were disappointed to hear that he needs more time to get healthy. With that being the case, there needs to be another man to close out games for the Cubbies and that appears to be Strop.

Since the beginning of June, Strop has allowed eight earned runs in 18 1/3 innings, but four of those runs came in a 2/3 inning performance against the Reds on June 24. Strop has 20 strikeouts and eight walks in the same time period, inducing 51.1% ground balls and saving four games while earning a hold in three games.

With Morrow on the disabled list and Strop getting opportunities, it is wise to scoop him up in all leagues. Even if Steve Cishek or Carl Edwards Jr. get save opportunities, it appears that Strop is the guy that manager Joe Maddon trusts in the ninth.