Strop to miss 4-6 weeks with torn meniscus

CHICAGO — Cubs reliever Pedro Strop has a torn meniscus in his left knee, and will be sidelined four to six weeks, and manager Joe Maddon could call on newcomer Joe Smith to fill in the gap.

“It could’ve been worse — we’re going to get him back [this season], and that’s a good thing,” Maddon said of Strop, who will have arthroscopic surgery on Friday. An MRI on Thursday revealed that the ligaments in the knee were intact, which is good news.

“I almost cried just thinking that I might be out for the season,” Strop said. “This is a special group and I want to be part of the playoffs and the World Series, if we get there.”

Strop had taken over for starter Jason Hammel in the eighth inning on Wednesday against the Angels, and slid on his left leg to field an infield grounder by Yunel Escobar leading off the inning. Strop got to his feet, and was going to try to throw to first but third baseman Javier Baez grabbed him and stopped him.

Strop then tried to walk but was obviously in pain. Maddon and athletic trainer Ed Halbur came out to check on the pitcher, who …

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