The Chicago Cubs have encountered a setback with their closer, Daniel Palencia, diagnosed with a mild flexor strain in his right arm. He will not throw for over a week, as confirmed by manager Craig Counsell before the Cubs faced the Toronto Blue Jays at Wrigley Field.
The absence of Palencia was felt sharply when the Cubs’ bullpen squandered a five-run advantage. They conceded eight runs in the seventh and eighth innings during an 8-6 defeat to the Blue Jays. Pitchers Trent Thornton, Caleb Thielbar, and Jacob Webb combined to allow these runs in just 1 2/3 innings. Counsell remarked, “We didn’t have a good day in the bullpen.” He acknowledged that starter Colin Rea’s strong performance had positioned the team well, but the bullpen’s struggles negated that advantage.
Palencia’s injury compounds the challenges facing the Cubs’ pitching staff. Previously, half of their opening-day bullpen was no longer available. Rea and Ben Brown are in the rotation, while Hunter Harvey and Palencia remain on the injured list. Additionally, Phil Maton, who holds a 5.92 ERA, hasn’t been relied upon recently due to ongoing difficulties.
The bullpen, previously supported by names like Thornton, Ryan Rolison, and Webb, had earlier instilled confidence in Counsell. However, in this game, Rea retired the first 12 batters, but with runners reaching base in the sixth inning, Counsell introduced Rolison. A double play followed, ending the inning neatly. Counsell planned for Thornton, Thielbar, and Webb to secure the remaining outs.
Despite gaining a three-run lead and 11 outs to cover, the bullpen faltered. Counsell’s strategy didn’t materialize in this matchup. Addressing the performance, he stated, “We’re going to try to get in that same spot tomorrow,” regardless if leading 5-0 or holding a 5-3 advantage.
“I didn’t execute today,” Webb admitted. “The last few outings, I’ve just made mistake after mistake.”
Amid these challenges, the bullpen has been underperforming in June, carrying a 4.94 ERA and having blown five saves. The league appears to have adjusted to their earlier successful pitchers, as evidenced by Webb’s transition from a 0.64 ERA in May to an 8.22 ERA in June.
On Saturday, Webb allowed three earned runs in the eighth inning. Kazuma Okamoto’s three-run home run against him turned a tie into an 8-5 deficit for the Cubs. Despite positive MRI results for Palencia, the Cubs face urgency to resolve their pitching issues, even as their offense shows promise.
Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw delivered home runs, showcasing offensive potential. Crow-Armstrong extended his on-base streak to 23 games, while Shaw maintains a .292 average post-injury.
“Every outing I have, I’m trying to go out there and do my best,” Webb voiced his frustration and the team’s desire for Palencia’s return. Until then, the Cubs must adapt and manage with those available.
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