Daniel Palencia
Breakdown
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September 24, 2025
Activated from IL
The Cubs reinstated Palencia (shoulder) from the injured list Wednesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis
Palencia has been sidelined since Sept. 8 due to a strained right shoulder, although he pitched in a rehab game Saturday, during which he gave up an unearned run and struck out two batters over two-thirds of an inning. The Cubs will now likely aim to get him a few more big-league appearances before he serves as the team's primary closer during the postseason. Jordan Wicks was optioned to the Arizona Complex League in a corresponding move.
September 23, 2025
Activation imminent
Palencia (shoulder) will be activated Tuesday or Wednesday, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.
Analysis
The Cubs want to get their closer on the mound as the regular season winds down to see if he is ready for the postseason. The 25-year-old has made one appearance during his rehab assignment, which commenced Sept. 20 in a game where he allowed one run in 0.2 innings.
September 21, 2025
Kicks off rehab assignment
Palencia (shoulder) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Saturday and allowed one unearned run on two hits while striking out two batters in two-thirds of an inning.
Analysis
Iowa's season will come to an end Sunday, so Palencia may need to face hitters in a simulated game or two to prove his right shoulder strain is no longer a concern before the Cubs bring him back from the injured list. Prior to suffering the injury and landing on the shelf Sept. 8, Palencia led the Cubs with 22 saves. Brad Keller and Andrew Kittredge have been sharing the closer's role in Palencia's absence.
