Cubs closer Daniel Palencia to miss at least 1 week with mild flexor strain

The Chicago Cubs received a cautiously encouraging update on closer Daniel Palencia on Saturday, giving the bullpen some clarity during a tense stretch. Palencia will miss at least one week of throwing after an MRI revealed a mild flexor strain.

The team placed the right-hander on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with right elbow inflammation following his awkward June 15 exit against the Colorado Rockies. Given the concern that often comes with elbow issues, the diagnosis avoided a far worse outcome.

Palencia has become one of manager Craig Counsell’s most reliable late-inning arms after earning the closer role following his strong 2026 World Baseball Classic run with Team Venezuela. His 2.70 ERA has helped stabilize Chicago’s bullpen.

Before Saturday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers shared Counsell’s update on X, formerly Twitter, giving fans the clearest timeline yet.

“Cubs closer Daniel Palencia had an MRI. Showed a mild flexor strain. Shut down for about a week, per Counsell.”

Cubs closer Daniel Palencia had an MRI. Showed a mild flexor strain. Shut down for about a week, per Counsell.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) June 20, 2026

The shutdown still matters, but it is a manageable setback compared with a long-term absence. The team enters Saturday at 40-36 and possesses the final National League Wild Card spot, making bullpen depth especially important.

The Cubs are already dealing with injuries to several pitchers, including Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd, and Hunter Harvey. Losing Palencia for months would have created more pressure on the front office.

Instead, the club can now monitor his recovery without rushing into a panic move. If the discomfort fades, Palencia could return sometime in July after completing his minimum injured-list stint.

For now, the Cubs received a workable update. It is not ideal, but the Cubs closer appears to have avoided the worst-case scenario.

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