Cubs pitcher Pedro Strop has struggled over the last week, giving up six earned runs on seven hits and four walks in just 2 1/3 innings over his last four appearances, and he feels like his fastball isn't up to its normal standards, ESPN.com reports.
"I feel like my fastball doesn’t have that life that I need," Strop said.
Strop has appeared in 16 of his team's first 28 games, but he stopped short of blaming his recent struggles on overuse.
"I don’t want to say that," Strop said. "I’m kind of used to that. It’s early in the season. I don’t want to use that as a complaint."
Strop was able to get out of a jam Friday and help preserve a lead in his team's 7-6 win over the Brewers. He owns a 4.26 ERA and 15:6 K:BB ratio in 12 2/3 innings.