The Chicago Cubs are set to get a major bullpen reinforcement back this week, with Daniel Palencia scheduled to return from the injured list Friday.
Manager Craig Counsell announced that the right-hander will be activated from the 60-day injured list before the Cubs open their series against the Seattle Mariners. Palencia has been sidelined since June 16 with a right elbow flexor strain.
Palencia completed his minor league rehab assignment Sunday with Triple-A Iowa, striking out three of the four batters he faced while reaching 100 mph with his fastball.
The update was reported by Chicago Tribune reporter Meghan Montemurro, with Counsell providing the timeline for Palencia’s return. His activation gives the Cubs another important bullpen option for the stretch run.
The Cubs moved Palencia to the 60-day injured list earlier this week to create 40-man roster space for utility player Owen Miller. That procedural move did not change his expected return timeline.
Before the injury, Palencia had established himself as an important late-inning option for Chicago. He appeared in 19 games and recorded a 2-1 record, three saves and a 2.70 ERA over 16.2 innings.
Palencia also recorded 19 strikeouts against five walks during that stretch, giving the Cubs another power arm as they continue their postseason push.
David Richard-Imagn Images
Palencia is not expected to immediately reclaim a defined closer role. Jacob Webb has taken advantage of his absence, converting seven consecutive save opportunities while maintaining a 0.00 ERA over his last 23 games.
That gives the Cubs some flexibility with Palencia’s return. Rather than immediately removing Webb from the ninth inning, Chicago can work Palencia back into high-leverage situations as he gets comfortable again.
The timing could be particularly valuable for the Cubs, who entered Wednesday four and a half games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central. Chicago also holds the top Wild Card position in the National League.
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