Chicago Cubs’ Pedro Strop injured in Tuesday’s loss

Apr 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher

throws a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Early this season, the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen struggles have been a major issue for first-year manager Ricky Renteria. On several occasions, including both games against the White Sox at Wrigley earlier this week, outstanding outings by Cubs’ starters have been for naught, as both relievers and the offense failed to deliver down the stretch. Now, things get worse.

Right-hander Pedro Strop left Tuesday’s game after just 1/3 of an inning, in which he allowed three base hits and a walk. After the game, he told reporters, including ESPN Chicago’s Jesse Rogers, that the injury is almost a week old and stopped him from being able to throw his slider on Tuesday.

"“I’ve been dealing with my groin since five days ago. Some soreness and stuff. It’s been five days and it’s still bothering me bad.”"

The 28-year-old is 0-2 this season with a 2.92 ERA in 14 appearances for the Cubs. He was acquired in the trade that sent Scott Feldman and Steve Clevenger to the Baltimore Orioles last summer, and pitched well for Chicago down the stretch, averaging just under 11 K/9 after the trade with a sub-3.00 earned run average.

This season, command has been an issue for Strop, who has walked 5.1 batters per nine innings pitched – which, if continued for the course of an entire season, would be his worst mark since 2010, when he pitched for the Texas Rangers.

Strop is set to undergo an MRI on Wednesday to evaluate the degree of the injury.