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PHOTO: Cubs' Maddon gives Strop a locker-room beach retreat

David Banks / USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon is giving one of his most overworked relievers a vacation day.

Right-hander Pedro Strop has appeared in a team-leading 72 games this season, so Maddon rewarded him with a beach day in the locker room Sunday morning following back-to-back shutout appearances.

"I wanted to make it emphatic that he was not playing today," Maddon told Carrie Muskat of MLB.com. "So, Strop is not available, he'll be at the beach."

Strop has already surpassed his career high in appearances and is 2 2/3 innings away from setting a new personal best in innings pitched. The 30-year-old has been one of Maddon's most dependable arms out of the pen, posting a 2.95 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 64 innings this season.

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