Cubs’ Strop on shelf with hamstring strain

Chicago Cubs reliever Pedro Strop has a strained right hamstring, eliminating the likely candidate to close at the start of the season as Brandon Morrow recovers from elbow surgery. Strop, a 33-year-old right-hander, felt a hamstring issue on his last pitch on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels. An MRI on Monday revealed a mild strain. Morrow, a 34-year-old right-hander, had arthroscopic surgery on Nov. 6.

The former Blue Jay didn’t pitch last season after July 15.