Cubs' Strop apologizes for breaking protocols: Use me as 'example'

Chicago Cubs right-hander Pedro Strop apologized on Thursday for violating Major League Baseball's COVID-19 protocols.

"I made a mistake," the 35-year-old told reporters.

"I want to take the chance to apologize and let all the players know. The rules are there ... We cannot ignore them a little bit," he added. "They are there and they are there for a reason. I want people to take this as an example. I absolutely did not mean to do that on purpose ... I didn't mean to expose my teammates to COVID, my family, or others. I really apologize for it."

Strop appeared in a since-deleted social media post with Franmil Reyes after the Cleveland Indians slugger received a haircut by a barber living in the Arizona home of the Cubs pitcher.

Reyes and Jose Ramirez were asked to isolate away from Indians' camp after breaking protocols by dining at an indoor restaurant.

Strop returned to Cubs' camp on Tuesday after testing negative for COVID-19. Both Cleveland players also returned to their team's spring site on Tuesday.