Daniel Palencia becomes latest Cubs pitcher to hit injured list

The Chicago Cubs’ pitching group seemingly cannot stay healthy. On Friday, the franchise placed Daniel Palencia on the 15-day IL. He is the ninth pitcher on the Cubs’ roster to be placed on the Injured List.

Reports indicate that the 26-year-old closer is dealing with an oblique strain, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. The time of the injury is not entirely clear, as Palencia last took the mound in the Cubs’ 7-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 12.

“Chicago Cubs closer Daniel Palencia, who was lights out in the WBC and has pitched 5 scoreless innings this year, yielding just 3 hits, goes on the IL with a strained oblique,” reported Nightengale.

This is a tough blow for the Cubs, as the pitching rotation and bullpen are seemingly dwindling. Palencia has been solid in his five appearances so far this season, owning a 0.00 ERA and 1.000 WHIP while recording five strikeouts and one save. He was building off a strong 2025 campaign that saw him finish with an impressive 2.91 ERA and 22 saves.

With Phil Maton also on the 15-day IL with tendinitis in his right knee, Cubs manager Craig Counsell will have to make a tough choice to replace Palencia as the team’s go-to closer. Caleb Thielbar, Jacob Webb, and possibly Hoby Milner may alternate the closer role for the time being.

We may see who gets the first shot at closing for the Cubs on Friday when Chicago takes on the New York Mets in the first contest of a three-game home series. That matchup is scheduled to begin at 2:20 p.m. EST.

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