Definition
Pedro Strop is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a relief pitcher, primarily in a middle‑relief and setup role.
Overview
Born on September 12, 1985, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Strop signed as an international free agent with the Chicago Cubs in 2004. He made his MLB debut with the Cubs on August 1, 2009. Over the course of his career, he has also played for the Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs (second stint). Strop is known for his left‑handed side‑arm delivery and for being a reliable left‑handed specialist out of the bullpen.
Etymology/Origin
The given name “Pedro” is the Spanish form of “Peter,” derived from the Greek “Petros,” meaning “rock.” The surname “Strop” is of English origin, historically an occupational name for a maker or seller of strops—straps used to sharpen razors. In the context of the baseball player, the name reflects his Dominican heritage (given name) combined with a family surname of likely European descent.
Characteristics
- Position: Pitcher (relief, left‑handed specialist)
- Bats/Throws: Left/Left
- Physical Attributes: Listed at 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) and 220 lb (100 kg).
- Pitch Arsenal: Primarily a fastball (mid‑90 mph) and a sweeping slider; also utilizes a changeup on occasion.
- Career Highlights:
- Accumulated over 300 MLB appearances as of the end of the 2023 season.
- Recorded a career Earned Run Average (ERA) around 3.50, with a WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) near 1.30.
- Contributed to the Milwaukee Brewers’ 2018 postseason run, appearing in the National League Division Series.
- Injuries: Has undergone shoulder and elbow maintenance procedures, including a notable left‑shoulder surgery in 2017 that limited his playing time that season.
- Contract History: Has signed multiple one‑year and multi‑year contracts, often on minor‑league deals with spring‑training invitations.
Related Topics
- Major League Baseball (MLB) – The professional baseball organization in which Strop has competed.
- Relief Pitcher – A pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher, often in specific situational roles.
- Left‑handed Specialist (LOOGY) – A colloquial term for a left‑handed pitcher used primarily to face left‑handed batters.
- Chicago Cubs – The MLB franchise that signed Strop as an international free agent and with which he made his debut.
- Baltimore Orioles – The team for which Strop played from 2012 to 2015, recording some of his most productive seasons.
Note: All statistical data reflect publicly available records up to the conclusion of the 2023 MLB season.