RADIO
Daniel Palencia Won't Return Before All-Star Break
Chicago Cubs right-handed closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) is progressing from his elbow tendinitis, but manager Craig Counsell said that he will not be activated from the 15-day injured list until after the All-Star break in mid-July, according to Bruce Levine of the Marquee Sports Network. Palencia landed on the IL on June 16 and has yet to resume throwing. Fantasy managers stashing the 26-year-old high-leverage arm are going to need to be patient. In a best-case scenario, Palencia won't be back on Chicago's major-league roster until late July. In the meantime, Counsell is currently rolling with a closer-by-committee situation in the ninth inning that features Caleb Thielbar, Jacob Webb, and Trent Thornton. Thielber and Webb are both rostered in 2% of Yahoo leagues right now, while Thornton is available in all of Yahoo leagues. Palencia has a 2.70 ERA (3.46 FIP), 1.38 WHIP, three saves, 19 strikeouts, and six walks in 16 2/3 innings this year while dealing with injuries. He had a career-high 22 saves in 54 regular-season outings in 2025 in a breakout campaign. When he returns, Palencia should return to regular closing duties in the second half of the season.
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
