The Chicago Cubs are in firm control of the top wild card spot in the National League, as they hold a three-game lead over the San Diego Padres heading into play on Monday. However, a recent injury suffered by closer Daniel Palencia could throw a wrench in the team’s plans as the postseason draws near.
Palencia imploded on Sunday against the Washington Nationals, as he allowed five runs on four hits and a walk without recording an out in the ninth inning, blowing his third save and picking up his sixth loss of the season. Afterwards, it was revealed that Palencia is dealing with a shoulder injury that could cause some serious trouble for Chicago.
Craig Counsell Provides Update on Danny Palencia’s Shoulder Injury
After breaking into the majors in 2023, Palencia initially struggled to carve out a role for himself in the Cubs’ bullpen. While he posted a decent 4.45 ERA in 28.1 innings of work in 2023, Palencia’s ERA ballooned to 6.14 in just 14.2 innings last season. Even in 2025, Palencia didn’t open the season with Chicago, initially beginning the year at Triple-A.
Ever since finding his way back to the majors this year, Palencia has been the Cubs’ best relief pitcher. Operating as their closer, Palencia has a 1-6 record with a 3.00 ERA, 59 strikeouts, and 22 saves. His emergence has helped provide stability to arguably the weakest spot on Chicago’s roster, and he appears set to play a big role for the team moving forward.
That is, of course, if he can stay healthy. Palencia’s implosion makes a bit more sense after news of his injury was revealed, but it isn’t going to make the Cubs or their fans feel any better about the situation. When asked about Palencia, manager Craig Counsell provided a relatively murky update on his status.
“Danny felt some tightness in his posterior right shoulder,” Counsell said after Chicago’s 6-3 loss to Washington. “Docs have looked at him, that’s all we have right now. Probably let him just calm down a little bit and see how we are in a couple days.”
Cubs Hoping for Good News on Daniel Palencia’s Injury
GettyChicago Cubs closer Daniel Palencia
For now, Chicago is in wait and see mode with Palencia’s injury, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him miss some time. The hope for the team is obviously that he only misses a couple of days and returns, but contingency plans have to be made in the bullpen, so the Cubs will likely be operating under the presumption that Palencia is going to require a stint on the injured list.
In his absence, Porter Hodge and Andrew Kittredge would seemingly be the top options to fill in for Palencia, although it is worth noting that Hodge has an ugly 6.18 ERA on the season. Whichever way you cut it, this is a devastating blow for Chicago, and they will be hoping for good news on his status when an update surfaces. For now, they have to focus on their upcoming three-game series with the Atlanta Braves, which is set to kick off on Monday night.
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