Chicago Cubs: Good news on Daniel Palencia and the bullpen in general

The Chicago Cubs have been run through the wringer when it comes to their pitching staff, with both the starting rotation and bullpen besieged by injury.

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The rotation issues tend to get the most attention. Cade Horton was lost for the season in just his second start. Justin Steele suffered a setback in his recovery from 2025 elbow surgery. Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera currently sit on the IL with question marks surrounding their potential comeback dates. Matthew Boyd has had two stints on the IL this season and Jameson Taillon was also on the shelf for about six weeks.

In the bullpen, closer Daniel Palencia is currently deep into his second IL stint, on the repair alongside Hoby Milner, Phil Maton, and Hunter Harvey, among others.

It’s been rough.

Good news on Daniel Palencia

Daniel Palencia, Chicago Cubs — Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Daniel Palencia (48) celebrates the final out in a win over the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

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But there was some good news to share on Sunday, specifically when it comes to Palencia.

Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Cubs beat writer for the Chicago Tribune, posted manager Craig Counsell’s update on the hard-throwing righty, who’s been sidelined since mid-June:

“Daniel Palencia (flexor strain) had a great bullpen Saturday, Counsell said, and will progress to an up-down bullpen Tuesday then a live BP.

It puts Palencia on track to begin a rehab assignment the week of Aug. 3.”

Once you factor in the rehab appearances, that essentially gives the Cubs less than two weeks before their closer might be able to take the mound again.

Reinforcements on the way

Hoby Milner, Chicago Cubs — May 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Hoby Milner (41) throws the ball against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

By then, the Cubs should have the lefty Milner back from his emergency appendectomy and, possibly, some help coming the team’s way via trade deadline acquisition. The team may also push Colin Rea into the bullpen if they can add the starting pitching they’d like by the deadline.

Palencia was placed on the IL June 16 with right elbow inflammation, which was later diagnosed as a minor flexor strain. Earlier in the season, he went on the IL for just over two weeks with a lat strain. On the year, he’s posted a 2.70 ERA with 3 saves over 19 appearances and 16.2 innings pitched.

As the bullpen has been stressed and strained by injury, though, some unlikely heroes have emerged to stabilize the relief corps and help keep the team winning.

Emergency fill-ins Ryan Rolison, Trent Thornton, and Tyler Ferguson have helped fill out the heart of the bullpen, with Jacob Webb moving up from middle relief to high-leverage spots. Javier Assad has also been steady and sturdy in the swingman role. Gavin Hollowell, meanwhile, has seemingly taken a huge step forward in his development as he’s currently on a 11.1 scoreless inning streak since his mid-June call-up from Triple-A.

The hope is that Palencia can come back and perform at peak 2025 form through the pennant race and into the playoffs, providing the shutdown closer the team needs.

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