Cubs Closer Palencia Out With Oblique Strain as Chicago's Bullpen Crumbles
The Cubs' pitching depth just took another hit. Daniel Palencia, the team's closer, has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain, Chicago announced Friday. The 26-year-old was having a solid start to his season after helping Venezuela win the WBC championship last month, but he's now sidelined just as the team can least afford it.
The Bullpen Is Getting Decimated
This isn't just one injury. This is a full-scale pitching crisis. Palencia joins setup men Phil Maton (knee) and Hunter Harvey (triceps) already on the IL. Before the Palencia news, the Cubs also announced that righty Cade Horton underwent his second career Tommy John surgery on Thursday. Horton is out for 15 to 16 months. For context, Horton finished second in Rookie of the Year voting last year and was supposed to be one of Chicago's top starters heading into this season.
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👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiManager Craig Counsell tried to keep perspective. "When something like this happens, the only thing you can do is worry about what's next," he said. "Putting your head around some big time frame isn't very helpful. Cade talked about worrying about today and making today the best you can."
A Sliver of Hope
There was at least one bright spot Friday. Starter Matthew Boyd, recovering from a biceps injury, came out of his rehab assignment in good shape and is scheduled to pitch next Wednesday. That rotation depth will matter, because the Cubs are going to need to get creative with their relief corps. Either Javier Assad or Colin Rea will move into a relief role to help cover for Palencia and the other injured arms. The bullpen desperately needs right-handed help, and plugging holes with starters converted to relief isn't ideal, but it's what Chicago has to do right now.
Palencia had one save in five games without allowing a run before the injury. He won't be back anytime soon.
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