ATLANTA — On a day of mostly positive injury updates, the Cubs also reeled from a major blow to their bullpen.
Closer Daniel Palencia went on the 15-day injured list Monday with a strained right shoulder before the opening of a three-game series against the Braves. He had left injured in the ninth inning Sunday after surrendering five runs to the Nationals without an out, sending the Cubs to a 6-3 loss after they entered the inning ahead 3-1.
In a corresponding move, the Cubs recalled right-handed reliever Ethan Roberts from Triple-A Iowa.
“What we’re gonna do is just treat the symptoms [during] this series here in Atlanta,” manager Craig Counsell said. “[We’ll] see where that gets us Wednesday night and then figure out the next move from there, with going back home and the day off [Thursday].”
If Palencia’s symptoms resolve quickly, he has a chance to pitch again before the end of the regular season. If they don’t, the Cubs are likely to order imaging to get a more detailed picture of the severity of
the injury.
Crow-Armstrong returns
Pete Crow-Armstrong was back in the lineup Monday for the first time since fouling a pitch off his knee Saturday. He served as the designated hitter, batting 0-for-4.
Counsell said he didn’t know whether Crow-Armstrong would return to center field on Tuesday or need multiple days at DH to ease back in.
“He did a lot of running around before, in early batting practice here, and was pretty good, to be honest with you,” Counsell said. “He’s just got a bruise on his knee, so slowing down is the thing that causes a little bit of pain. There’s nothing structural to worry about here. So the thought today is that DH-ing minimizes the opportunities where he may have to dive, slide, change direction quickly, slow down multiple times.”
Tucker getting close
Almost a week after right fielder Kyle Tucker left an eventual 4-3 win over the Braves at Wrigley Field with a tight left calf, the Cubs aren’t considering an IL stint. Tucker remained out of the lineup Monday, as expected, although Counsell said he was available off the bench if needed.
In agility drills before the game, Tucker got “pretty darn close to full speed.” Counsell said, calling it a sign of good progress.
Taillon tracker
Right-hander Jameson Taillon is penciled in to start Wednesday against the Braves, returning as initially expected from a strained left groin after a minimum 10-day IL stint.
“It’s just more innings, and that makes our safety net a little bit better,” Counsell said of the ripple effect Taillon will create.
For example, the Cubs are likely to move fellow right-hander Javier Assad to the bullpen, where he can provide length.
Next step for Soroka a short one?
Right-hander Michael Soroka (strained shoulder) is joining Triple-A Iowa on a rehab assignment and is slated to pitch Wednesday. Counsell said it’s possible he’ll only need one rehab appearance before returning from the IL because the Cubs were “very encouraged” by what he showed in live batting practices.
