MESA, Ariz. – Right-hander Pedro Strop is away from the Cubs after violating COVID-19 protocols, according to a source. Strop will now have to isolate from the team before he is allowed to resume baseball activities at the team’s complex.
Strop was tagged in a post with Cleveland outfielder Franmil Reyes and others, who is also away from the team due to violating protocols, dining indoors at a restaurant. The post has since been deleted.
On Wednesday, MLB adjusted COVID-19 protocols to allow players to take part in outdoor dining for the first time since the protocols were put in place last season. Strop, 35, signed a minor-league deal with the Cubs in February.
The Cubs didn’t have a COVID-19 protocol violation last season and were one of just eight teams who didn’t have a single player test positive for the virus during the season. Left-hander Kyle Ryan was placed on the COVID-19 list earlier this spring.
“To be honest with you, it’s a good reminder that we need to continue to follow protocols. It’s easy to get into this environment and relax,” manager David Ross said. “We did such a good job last year following following the protocols. It’s just a reminder – reminder for him, for us.
“We’ll make an announcement again tomorrow to the guys when they’re all here together. We’ve got to continue to stay diligent. It’s real and we got to follow protocols.”
The Cubs have begun contact tracing and the team should have an idea of if anybody was around Strop since the violation in the coming days.
Strop is unlikely to receive any further punishment from the Cubs outside of the league-mandated isolation. For a player in camp as a non-roster invite, that could be the difference in making a roster and looking for work elsewhere.
“I think it’s a setback,” Ross said. “I don’t think there’s from what I understand [any further punishment]. It’s just, you’re gonna have to sit out which is almost punishment enough for a guy who’s trying to make a team, right? That’s a big deal.
“I talked to him talk to him late last night when I found out the news and he’s pretty disappointed, but I think he understands.”
