Chicago Cubs could be without Brandon Morrow for the rest of the season

Chicago Cubs: It’s the Stropy Show from here on out

So, hopefully, putting any doubts as to whether or not Morrow was the right call behind us, we can move forward with the closer-in-waiting, Pedro Strop. The Dominican-born right-hander is in the midst of yet another stellar campaign on the North Side.

Entering play Wednesday, Strop has made 56 appearances, pitching to a 2.45 ERA, 1.018 WHIP and 3.61 FIP. His strikeout rate is down nearly two punchouts per nine, but he’s getting the job done, evidenced by his career-high 11 saves.

And, through his half-dozen outstanding seasons on the North Side, he’s earned the respect of Maddon.

"“He’s always had the ability to be a closer,” Maddon said. “The slider is devastating. He’s added a cutter and splitter to his repertoire. There’s a lot of stuff to like there. He’s been a pretty good strike thrower. He’s got the right kind of attitude. If it’s a bad day, he’s able to eject it. If it’s a great day, he just moves it along. I’m a big fan.”"

Losing Brandon Morrow is a huge blow to the pen. Not because Strop can’t handle the ninth, but with him closing games, you have to shift everyone deeper to cover the eighth, his standard role in the pen. But with guys like Steve Cishek, Carl Edwards and Justin Wilson in-tow, Chicago has the depth to overcome down the stretch.