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Daniel Palencia Diagnosed With Lat Strain, Could Return in Two Weeks
Chicago Cubs right-handed closer Daniel Palencia (lat) had an MRI exam that showed a lat strain, manager Craig Counsell told Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. An optimistic timeline would have Palencia reinstated from the 15-day injured list in two weeks. "He's responding very well right now. There's a chance that we're throwing here before we go to the West Coast," Counsell said. The Cubs put the 26-year-old on the IL last Friday with what was initially called a left-oblique strain. The Cubs' pitching staff has been hit hard by early-season injuries, but they are getting lefty starter Matthew Boyd (biceps) back on Wednesday, and Palencia could be back closing out games in a little over two weeks. Palencia should be held onto in fantasy leagues as a potential high-end closer when he's healthy. He's currently rostered in 82% of Yahoo leagues at the moment. Lefty Caleb Thielbar picked up Chicago's last save on Saturday, but righty Ben Brown could also contribute a few saves for the Cubbies until Palencia is cleared to return.
Source: The Athletic - Patrick Mooney
Source: The Athletic - Patrick Mooney
