The Chicago Cubs received a positive development regarding injured closer Daniel Palencia on Sunday as manager Craig Counsell detailed the next phase of the right-hander’s recovery process.
Palencia remains on the injured list but continues to move forward in his return timeline after throwing a successful bullpen session a day earlier. The hard-throwing reliever has been out since mid-June, leaving the Cubs to navigate late innings without one of their primary high-leverage arms.
Chicago entered Sunday’s contest with a 59-45 record and sat second in the National League Central, six games behind the Milwaukee Brewers while staying squarely in the postseason picture.
According to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, Counsell said Palencia’s next step will be an “up-down” bullpen session Tuesday, followed by a live batting practice session. If those outings proceed without issue, the Cubs anticipate Palencia beginning a minor league rehabilitation assignment during the week of Aug. 3.
The organization has taken a measured approach with the 26-year-old, who first dealt with right elbow inflammation before receiving a diagnosis of a mild right forearm flexor strain on June 16. Palencia also missed time earlier in the season because of a left oblique injury, adding another layer of caution to the recovery plan.
Before landing on the injured list, Palencia appeared in 19 games and compiled a 2-1 record with a 2.70 ERA. He recorded 19 strikeouts over 16.2 innings and converted all three of his save chances while routinely working in the triple-digit range with his fastball.
That velocity and late-inning reliability had established him as a key piece at the back end of the Cubs’ bullpen prior to the setback.
In his absence, several other relievers have stepped into higher-leverage situations to cover the ninth inning and other critical spots. A timely return from Palencia would give Counsell another trusted option as the club pushes for a playoff berth in the second half of the season.
With the trade deadline drawing near, the closer’s steady progress could also shape Chicago’s strategy in the final days before the cutoff. Should Palencia return as projected in August, the Cubs may shift their focus toward bolstering the starting rotation or adding general bullpen depth rather than pursuing a full-time closer.
The organization remains optimistic that the recent bullpen session and planned follow-up work will keep the right-hander on schedule for a midsummer return. Fans and the front office alike will monitor the upcoming “up-down” session and live batting practice closely as the next critical checkpoints.
A healthy Palencia would strengthen a bullpen that has performed admirably without him while providing Counsell greater flexibility in high-pressure moments down the stretch.
