Strop sent from camp after violating protocols

Chicago Cubs reliever Pedro Strop was sent away from camp after violating MLB’s COVID-19 protocols, sources said Sunday.

Strop reportedly dined out with Cleveland Indians players Franmil Reyes and Jose Ramirez, who have been isolated from their team too.

Reyes told Indians management they were dining indoors, a violation of the COVID-19 guidelines established by MLB and the players union this spring. Strop was seen in an Instagram photo with the other two, according to Cubs.com. The post by Reyes has since been deleted.

The Cubs hosted the Indians in a Cactus League game Friday, losing 10-4.

A joint committee consisting of representatives of the players association and MLB will determine how long Strop will have to be away from camp. The length will be determined after COVID-19 testing and an evaluation of his conduct, meaning whether Strop knowingly violated the protocols.

How this will affect Strop’s chances of making the roster is unknown. He has yet to appear in a Cactus League game after signing a minor-league deal just before spring training, but he has thrown some bullpen sessions.

Cubs President Hoyer could not reached for comment.

Manager David Ross told reporters in Mesa, Ariz., it was “a good reminder that we’ve got to continue to follow protocols.”

The Cubs had no positive COVID-19 tests among players last season, a stat the organization boasted of all year.

“It’s easy to get in this environment and relax,” Ross said. “We did such a good job last year.”

Indians manager Terry Francona said Reyes and Ramirez self-reported their violations.

In another move related to the bullpen, the Cubs traded reliever Duane Underwood Jr. to the Pittsburgh Pirates for minor-league first baseman Shendrik Apostel, 20.

Underwood, 26, went 1-0 with a 5.66 ERA in 17 games for the Cubs last season. They designated the former second-round draft pick for assignment Tuesday.

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