The Chicago Cubs (74-54) are traveling to Seattle to take on the Mariners in a three-game series over the weekend. Ahead of the matchup, Chicago announced a long-awaited injury update to relief pitcher Daniel Palencia.
Palencia, 26, has been absent from the Cubs’ bullpen since June 15 while dealing with a flexor strain in his throwing elbow. This pitching injury added to a long list of others.
After serving a 60-day injured list stint, the Cubs activated Palencia on Friday ahead of the series-opener against the Mariners, Cubs insider Taylor McGregor announced.
In corresponding moves, the Cubs added Gabriel Arias to the 26-man roster, optioned Javier Assad to Triple-A Iowa, and designated Owen Miller for assignment.
Chicago’s 2025 saves leader will be available for the Cubs moving forward.
Cubs Get Top Bullpen Pitcher Back in Daniel Palencia
GettyThe Chicago Cubs are getting back 2025 saves leader Daniel Palencia ahead of their three-game series against the Seattle Mariners over the weekend. Despite his return, manager Craig Counsell mentioned that he won’t return to his usual closing role right away. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago hasn’t seen Daniel Palencia on the mound since picking up the right flexor strain back in mid-June.
Palencia is the lead man for Chicago in the bullpen. In 2025, the righty broke out, finishing with a 1-6 record, 2.91 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 22 saves, and six holds in 52.2 innings pitched.
The 26-year-old is on pace of improving these numbers this season. In 19 appearances before the long-term setback, Palencia holds a 2-1 record, 2.70 ERA, 1.38 WHIP with three saves.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell mentioned that Palencia won’t be returning to his usual closing role right away, pinning his assignment as an “out-getter,” Bruce Levine of 670thescore.com reported.
Palencia is returning at just the right time to find momentum before a hopeful postseason push in October.
Cubs Option Javier Assad Back to Triple-A Iowa
GettyDespite showing success this season, RHP Javier Assad was optioned to Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move to Daniel Palencia getting activated. Assad, 29, has started and come out of the bullpen for the Cubs this season, posting a 3.46 ERA across 83.1 innings. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
While announcing the return of Daniel Palencia, the Cubs decided to option starting pitcher Javier Assad back to Triple-A Iowa.
Assad, 29, has bounced back and forth between the minors this season. When Chicago has needed him, Javier Assad has produced. Through 22 appearances (10 starts), Assad has a 6-1 record, 3.46 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, with two saves.
Chicago has used him throughout the pitching rotation this season.
Despite the success, Assad will move back down to the minor leagues after being recalled earlier this week.
Although Assad has been reliable in the majors, he hasn’t found the same stride in the minor leagues. In five starts, the 29-year-old has a 0-2 record, 7.31 ERA, and 2.06 WHIP across 16.0 innings pitched.
Chicago is chasing the MLB’s best Milwaukee Brewers (80-49) for the National League Central title. Entering Friday, the Cubs are 5.5 games behind the Brewers, but hold the top spot in the NL Wild Card with a six-game advantage.
Cubs Announce Uplifting Daniel Palencia Injury Update Ahead of Mariners Series