Should Chicago Cubs use Strop in low-leverage spots for a few outings?

With how little he pitched in Spring Training, Pedro Strop could benefit from easing into the Chicago Cubs closer role through low-leverage situations.

Thursday’s outing is not indicative of how Pedro Strop will fare this season. And yet, there is one major thing the Chicago Cubs could take away from his outing: their right-hander could benefit from easing into the Cubs’ closer role, at least for a week or so. Allow me to explain.

Strop made just three spring training appearances after straining his right hamstring in an outing on March 9. While there was some concern briefly over his status, Strop recovered in time to make the Cubs’ Opening Day roster.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups
• Cubs: P.J. Higgins deserves to be in the lineup on a daily basis

Not only did he recover in time, but the 33-year-old made one last spring appearance on March 25 against the Red Sox. In one inning, Strop struck out two batters and surrendered no runs. Basically, he looked healthy and ready to go.

With the Cubs up 12-2 on the Texas Rangers on Thursday, manager Joe Maddon used the cushioned lead to get Strop some work. While the right-hander got two quick outs, Maddon pulled him after allowing a single to Hunter Pence.

Mike Montgomery entered to face the left-handed hitting Nomar Mazara, who promptly hit a two-run blast. The Cubs won 12-4; situations like Thursday might be the best way to get Strop re-acclimated to pitching in in-game situations again.

Perhaps it’s fictitious to make such a bold declaration after two-thirds of an inning. After all Strop looked solid against the Rangers, just like he did against the Red Sox. Thus, if a save situation arises, the Cubs might have no reason not to put Strop on the mound.

On the other hand, there is no harm in the veteran getting reps in if the Cubs are up more than three runs in a game. They don’t need to force him into action for the sake of him being the incumbent closer.

After limited in-game action during spring training, Strop might benefit from as much work as possible. If there’s a chance to get him on the mound early on, it would be wise for the Cubs to do exactly that.