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Is Caleb Thielbar Primed to See Save Opportunities for Cubs?
Across 19 innings (21 games) so far in 2026, Chicago Cubs left-hander Caleb Thielbar has pitched to a 4.26 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 22 strikeouts and two saves. Despite his modest numbers, Thielbar could be poised to see save opportunities in Chicago with the news that Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) is being placed on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation. Thielbar was one of Chicago's best relievers in 2025, recording a 2.64 ERA and 0.88 WHIP across 58 innings. While he's unlikely to immediately emerge as the team's primary ninth-inning option, he profiles as the top left-hander in the Cubs bullpen. If Chicago opts for a committee approach to the closer role, Thielbar could get the ball whenever opponents are sending a string of lefty hitters to the plate in the ninth inning. In deeper leagues, Thielbar could be worth targeting on the waiver wire for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Daniel Palencia Going on Injured List With Elbow Inflammation
Chicago Cubs right-handed closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) is heading to the 15-day injured list on Tuesday with right-elbow inflammation, according to Bruce Levine of the Marquee Sports Network. It's the second time that Palencia will head to the IL this year, with his previous time coming from a lat strain. The 26-year-old Venezuelan hurler apparently injured his elbow during his scoreless outing against the Colorado Rockies on Monday night in the series opener. Palencia has gone 2-1 this year with a 2.70 ERA (3.46 FIP), 1.38 WHIP, three saves, 19 strikeouts, and six walks in 16 2/3 innings over 19 appearances out of the bullpen. It's unclear what direction manager Craig Counsell will go for save opportunities going forward with Palencia on the IL again. If they use a closer-by-committee situation, all of Caleb Thielbar, Phil Maton, and Jacob Webb could be in line for ninth-inning work. Thielbar, Maton, and Webb are all currently rostered in under 3% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
Ben Brown Earns Another Start, Taking on Braves on Thursday
The Chicago Cubs have rewarded right-hander Ben Brown with another start, which will come on Thursday at Truist Park against the first-place Atlanta Braves and veteran lefty Chris Sale, per MLB.com. Brown, who is filling in for Chicago's banged-up starting rotation, earned a second start after tossing four shutout innings with no hits allowed, one walk, and three strikeouts in a no-decision against the Texas Rangers last Friday. On the year, the 26-year-old former 33rd-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2017 has been excellent for the Cubbies, recording a 1.82 ERA (2.65 FIP), 0.91 WHIP, one save, 27 strikeouts, and nine walks in 29 2/3 frames across 13 appearances (one start). Because Brown could stick around for the long term in Chicago's rotation, he's certainly worth a look off the waiver wire -- he's rostered in just 9% of Yahoo leagues. However, we wouldn't recommend starting him this week against a Braves team with the best OPS (.784) in the big leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
