RADIO
Jacob Webb Remains the Closer to Roster in Chicago
Across 43 1/3 innings (44 games) in 2026, Chicago Cubs right-hander Jacob Webb has recorded a 3-2 record with a 2.91 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 50 strikeouts, and five saves. The 32-year-old has begun to emerge as Chicago's preferred ninth-inning option in July, logging three saves across seven outings so far this month. Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) is expected to return from his current elbow injury in mid-August, so Webb's fantasy value as a source of saves could be relatively short-lived. Still, he's performed well in the role so far, and his 27% strikeout rate backs up his strong results. For fantasy managers in need of a short-term saves solution, Webb profiles as a priority waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Daniel Palencia Could be Looking at a Mid-August Return
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said on Friday that right-handed reliever Daniel Palencia's (elbow) timeline for a return from the 15-day injured list is unclear, but he speculated that it could come in the middle of August, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers. It's not exactly what fantasy managers who have been stashing Palencia want to hear. He's currently rostered in 60% of Yahoo leagues while he rehabs a right-elbow injury. The 26-year-old Venezuelan hurler presumably will return as the Cubs' primary closer when he's healthy, but he might not have much of a runway to close out the year and return much fantasy value. Before his elbow injury landed him on the IL, Palencia was 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA (3.46 FIP), 1.38 WHIP, three saves, 19 strikeouts, and just six walks across his 16 2/3 frames. The Cubs' late-inning saves picture has turned into a committee situation going into the second half of the season involving Jacob Webb, Trent Thornton, and Caleb Thielbar.
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Jacob Webb Earns Another Save for Cubs, Entering Must-Roster Status?
Chicago Cubs right-hander Jacob Webb notched his fifth save of the season on Sunday, working two-thirds of an inning and recording both outs without any traffic. Webb has not allowed a run since June 20, his last blown save, and since then has recorded two wins, three saves, and two holds. On the season as a whole, he now has a solid 3.05 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and a 48:16 K:BB ratio with five saves (nine opportunities), seven holds, and three wins in 42 appearances. He has clearly taken over as the preferred option in the Cubs bullpen for saves, and provides tremendous short-term value while Daniel Palencia (elbow) is on the injured list and is expected back in late July. The Cubs are also a top option to shop for a reliever on the market as the trade deadline approaches, so Webb's value may be short-lived; however, based on the 2026 closer market, he has entered must-roster status in deeper formats.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Trent Thornton Still a Reliable Saves Source in Deep Leagues?
Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever Trent Thornton entered with two outs and runners at the corners in the ninth inning of Saturday's 5-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds. After Elly De La Cruz stole second, Thornton got Sal Stewart to ground out for his third save. It was a one-batter appearance, but the 32-year-old has done his job whenever called upon, carrying a 2.48 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through 29 innings. The problem is that Chicago still has no dependable ninth-inning pecking order. Jacob Webb remains the preferred option, while Caleb Thielbar and Ryan Rolison are also getting late work with Daniel Palencia (elbow) sidelined. Thornton has converted all three save chances, but his 13 strikeouts in 29 innings leave little fallback value when someone else gets the call. Rostered in 0% of Yahoo leagues, he is a speculative add in 15-team formats and deeper, not a reliable source of saves.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Jacob Webb Still the Preferred Option for Saves in Chicago?
Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever Jacob Webb worked a scoreless eighth inning in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds, allowing one walk and striking out one. Ryan Rolison opened the ninth by putting runners on the corners, but Trent Thornton got the final out for his third save. Webb still leads Chicago with four saves and carries a 3.10 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 48 strikeouts against 16 walks through 40 2/3 innings. The eighth-inning call does not mean Webb lost the job. There really is no clean job to lose while Daniel Palencia (elbow) is sidelined. Webb and Caleb Thielbar remain at the front of the committee, with Rolison and Thornton also capable of getting a chance. Webb had converted two conventional ninth-inning saves in the previous week, so he still has a slight edge, just not a firm grip. At 8% rostered on Yahoo, he is worth adding in 15-team leagues and deeper for short-term save upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacob Webb Trending Up in Chicago's Closer Committee
Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever Jacob Webb is attracting interest off the waiver wire after picking up two saves in the last week for the Cubbies with Daniel Palencia (elbow) on the injured list. Since blowing the save on June 20 against the Toronto Blue Jays, Webb has thrown 7 1/3 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts, five walks, three hits allowed, two wins, two saves, and a hold. So far in three appearances out of the bullpen in July, he has two saves and a hold with two strikeouts and a walk in 2 1/3 frames. The 32-year-old veteran is involved in a closer-by-committee situation in Chicago that also includes Trent Thornton and Caleb Thielbar, but Webb has been manager Craig Counsell's most-used closer since Palencia landed on the IL in mid-June. Overall, the former 18th-round pick by the Atlanta Braves in 2014 out of Tabor College has gone 3-2 with a 3.18 ERA (3.85 FIP), 1.31 WHIP, a career-high four saves, 47 strikeouts, and 15 walks in 39 2/3 innings pitched. Webb is definitely a short-term source of saves worth considering off the waiver wire if you're desperate for saves. He's currently rostered in only 6% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Jacob Webb Earns Another Save for Cubs, Entering Short-Term Must-Start Territory?
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Jacob Webb closed out his team's 9-7 win in Baltimore with a clean ninth inning, getting three straight groundouts to earn his fourth save of the season. He has not given up a run in seven straight outings, going 2-0 with two saves and a hold, while also recording eight strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings. On the season, the 32-year-old righty has a 3.18 ERA and 3.85 FIP, with 47 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings. Webb seems to be the preferred option in the closer committee when available, although Trent Thornton earned a save on Tuesday after Webb came in to escape a bases-loaded jam in the seventh. The Cubs' primary closer, Daniel Palencia (elbow), is recovering from a flexor strain and will not return until after the break. He has not started a rehab assignment yet, so Webb could remain in an expanded role for a few more weeks, making him a valuable option in the bullpen for your fantasy team. For as long as he's getting high-leverage work, he's a strong option to grab from waiver wires or to start if you have him on your roster.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Cubs Turn to Trent Thornton for Tuesday's Save, Can he Claim the Closer Job?
Cubs right-hander Trent Thornton picked up his second save of the season on Tuesday, continuing to build momentum in Chicago's unsettled closer situation. Thornton tossed a scoreless inning and struck out one batter to secure the victory over the Orioles. The 32-year-old has quietly put together an impressive first season with the Cubs, posting a 2.63 ERA and 0.99 WHIP across 22 appearances. No Cubs pitcher has recorded more than three saves this season, leaving the ninth inning very much up for grabs. Thornton's recent performances have made him a strong candidate to claim the role outright. Fantasy managers looking for saves should consider adding Thornton now before he establishes himself as Chicago's primary closer.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jacob Webb Sharp in Two-Out Save, Emerging as Reliable Short-Term Saves Source?
Chicago Cubs reliever Jacob Webb was sharp on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals, where he worked two innings, allowing one hit, zero runs, one walk, and one strikeout. Over his last five appearances, he hasn't allowed a run and has racked up two wins and one save during that stretch. On the season, Webb carries a 3.29 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and a 46:14 K:BB ratio over 38 appearances. Although those numbers look good on the surface, he has only converted three out of his seven save opportunities. It's likely the Cubs look into relief help at the trade deadline, as they sit at 50-40 and six games back in the NL Central and currently own the top spot in the NL Wild Card standings. Daniel Palencia (elbow) landed on the 15-day Injured List, which is why the Cubs have been relying on Webb and others to close games out. In the short term, Webb has emerged as the likely reliever to close games out, and has value in deeper formats for teams struggling to get saves in the short-term.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Javier Assad to Start on Sunday Against Cardinals
Chicago Cubs right-hander Javier Assad will rejoin the team's starting rotation on Sunday in the series finale against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals, according to Jared Wyllys of CHGO Sports. Assad has been a valuable swing man for Chicago's banged-up starting rotation this year, going 6-1 with a 4.53 ERA (5.24 FIP) and 1.12 WHIP with 31 strikeouts and 13 walks in 51 2/3 innings pitched across 13 appearances (six starts). The 28-year-old Mexican native has been slightly better in a starting role with a 4.18 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 20:7 K:BB in 32 1/3 frames. Assad was hit around a bit in his last outing on June 30 against the San Diego Padres, allowing four earned runs on five hits while walking two and striking out just one in 2 2/3 innings out of the 'pen. And in his last three outings, he has given up nine earned runs on 15 hits (six homers) while walking four and fanning seven in 13 1/3 innings. Assad could continue to make starts for the Cubbies going into the second half, but once the rotation gets healthier, he's likely ticketed for more of a long-relief role in Chicago.
Source: CHGO Sports - Jared Wyllys
Source: CHGO Sports - Jared Wyllys
Jacob Webb a Short-Term Source of Saves in Chicago
With Chicago Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) on the injured list for the foreseeable future, right-handed reliever Jacob Webb has emerged as a candidate for saves in Chicago's bullpen alongside the likes of Caleb Thielbar, Trent Thornton, Ryan Rolison, and Jordan Wicks. The 32-year-old veteran has blown two of his save chances in June, but since his last blown save on June 20 against the Toronto Blue Jays, he has thrown four scoreless innings with one hit allowed, four walks, six strikeouts, and two wins. Overall, the former 18th-round selection by the Atlanta Braves in the 2014 MLB draft out of Tabor College has gone 3-2 with a 3.47 ERA (3.93 FIP), 1.35 WHIP, two saves, 45 strikeouts, and 14 walks in 36 1/3 innings pitched out of the bullpen in his seventh year in the big leagues. Sporting a career-best 28.5% strikeout rate this year, Webb, along with Thielbar, should be considered a favorite for saves with the Cubs as long as Palencia remains sidelined. Fantasy managers desperate for saves should consider Webb off the waiver wire, and he's rostered in only 3% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
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
Daniel Palencia Diagnosed with Flexor Strain
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Daniel Palencia (elbow) was diagnosed with a mild flexor strain on Saturday, providing some clarity regarding the injury that has sidelined him for nearly a week. Manager Craig Counsell said that the 26-year-old recently underwent an MRI, which revealed the strain, though it was determined to be minor. The Cubs' closer will be shut down through the team's upcoming road trip, which begins on Monday and concludes next Sunday. At that point, he will be re-evaluated, and a clearer course of action can be determined. In his absence, the Cubs could turn to a committee approach, with Phil Maton, Caleb Thielbar, and Jacob Webb all potentially emerging as options to handle save opportunities and close out games for Chicago.
Source: Jesse Rogers
Source: Jesse Rogers
Cubs Turn to Jacob Webb for Save, is he the Short-Term Name to Roster?
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Jacob Webb entered the ninth inning of a three-run game against the Rockies on Wednesday night and was able to secure his second save of the season. Webb allowed a solo home run to Kyle Karros, and he has given up a run in three of his last four starts, but he still could have some fantasy value if he continues to be one of the primary options to fill in for the injured Danny Palencia (elbow), who is on the 15-day injured list. Webb is expected to share the closer role with lefty Caleb Thielbar, who got two outs in the eighth inning on Wednesday before Webb entered. Webb now has a 3.13 ERA, 3.76 FIP, and 1.29 WHIP in his 32 games, with 37 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings. It looks like he'll get the first chance to pick up saves for Chicago while Palencia is out, so he's worth a short-term pickup if you need saves for the next few weeks. Thielbar could also get the call if lefties are in the mix, so he's also worth considering as a speculative pickup for saves in deep leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Phil Maton a Worthy Stash Candidate With Clear Path to Save Opportunities?
Chicago Cubs right-hander Phil Maton has largely struggled so far in 2026, recording a 5.92 ERA and 1.77 WHIP with 27 strikeouts across 24 1/3 innings pitched (28 games). However, he may now have a chance to earn save chances in Chicago following the news that Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) is hitting the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation. Maton put together an excellent season in 2025, recording a 2.79 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 81 strikeouts and five saves across 61 1/3 innings split between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. He missed roughly three weeks earlier this season with knee tendinitis, which could explain some of his issues in 2026. Maton has been better in recent appearances, allowing just two earned runs over his last 12 outings. In deeper leagues, he could be worth targeting on the waiver wire as a source of saves.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
