The Chicago Cubs made a flurry of roster moves ahead of their series against the Chicago White Sox. Among the moves the team announced was closer Daniel Palencia’s transfer to the 60-day injured list.
Such a move is more procedural rather than anything. The Cubs needed to clear a 40-man roster spot for utilityman Owen Miller, whose contract has been selected by the club following the Dansby Swanson injury.
The right-hander is already on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa. He pitched a scoreless inning for Iowa on August 16, with three strikeouts. Palencia topped at over 100 MPH in the appearance.
The hard-throwing closer, who averages 99.5 MPH on his four-seamer, has been electric at the back of the Cubs bullpen. Palencia seized the role in 2025, converting 22 saves across 54 appearances.
However, the challenge has been staying healthy. In 2026, he’s made just 19 appearances for Chicago. He has a 2.70 ERA across 16.2 innings.
What the Daniel Palencia News Means for the Cubs
The roster move says nothing about any potential setback after his rehab appearance. Daniel Palencia has already spent the requisite 60 days on the injured list, so he’s already eligible to be activated when the Cubs deem him ready.
Palencia has been on the injured list since June 16 with right elbow inflammation. When he finishes his rehab, the Cubs will need to clear a spot on the 40-man roster spot to activate him from the injured list.
The Cubs have suffered a ton of injuries with their bullpen, with five relievers on the 60-day injured list. Multiple backend relievers have seen extended absences or may not return in 2026. That led to their deadline trade with the Los Angeles Angels for right-hander Ryan Zeferjahn.
In addition to Palencia, the Cubs could also get right-hander Shelby Miller back. The veteran reliever is also on a rehab appearance with Triple-A Iowa.
Miller is working back from Tommy John surgery last October. They hope he can carry a similar impact as 2025, when he was an effective late-inning arm for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers.
Cubs Announce Daniel Palencia Move Before White Sox Series