Daniel Palencia had a lot to smile about on Sunday. After spending eight weeks on the injured list, the Chicago Cubs reliever made a remarkable comeback in Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. He consistently reached triple-digit velocities and displayed the dominance expected of him from the bullpen last year. During Saturday’s victory, Palencia pitched two flawless innings, striking out three of the six batters he faced. This performance marked a significant and timely improvement, building on his previous 10 appearances since returning from the injury list on August 21.
His fastball averaged 99.5 mph, peaking at 100.6 mph against the Reds. “I’m feeling confident right now,” Palencia expressed on Sunday. “I wasn’t trying to throw hard on Saturday. When I saw the velocity, I thought, ‘OK, I’m feeling good.’ It’s about confidence and executing pitches. I’m being myself.”
With six games left in the regular season, Manager Craig Counsell’s primary focus is on the bullpen. The Cubs can secure a wild-card spot by winning against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday or if the Arizona Diamondbacks lose to the Colorado Rockies. Palencia’s performance plays a crucial role in this effort.
Counsell emphasized the importance of evaluating the bullpen in the last week of the season. “We need to see what we have in our bullpen,” he noted. “It’s a priority to understand our capabilities.” The Cubs’ bullpen ranked 28th in fWAR at minus-0.8 and held a 3.91 ERA, putting them 14th in MLB. Injuries necessitated a shift in roles, with offseason relief signings not meeting expectations.
Challenges included Hunter Harvey, who was sidelined in April due to a triceps issue, and Phil Maton, who underwent surgery for a patellar tendon injury. Signed under a two-year agreement, Maton looks to recover from his 6.18 ERA over 31 appearances by 2027. Hoby Milner’s emergency appendectomy led to him being overlooked, as the Cubs preferred left-handed pitchers Caleb Thielbar and Ryan Rolison.
Jacob Webb, signed to a two-year deal for $1.5 million this year, leads the team with nine saves. If Webb does not secure another save, the Cubs will join a select group of teams since 1969 that made the playoffs without a pitcher having double-digit saves, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
Palencia’s comeback is vital for the Cubs, especially after his early-season oblique injury and flexor strain sidelined him for months. Catcher Carson Kelly acknowledged how crucial Palencia’s performance was. “That’s the Danny Palencia we know,” Kelly said. “After an extended absence, he’s regaining form. The balance of his fastball, breaking balls, everything was sharp.”
Palencia’s confidence was evident in his use of a splitter against Reds star Elly De La Cruz, striking him out without hesitation. Despite only a 6% usage rate this year, Palencia deployed the splitter in a critical moment. Kelly recognized the maturity shown by Palencia. “He’s 26, still young,” Kelly remarked. “Every year, if you make strides, you develop the full package.”
Palencia’s dependable performance is crucial for the Cubs’ high-stakes bullpen scenarios. Counsell emphasized the need to evaluate multiple outings: “Decisions shouldn’t be based on one outing. Recent performances matter, but overall consistency is key. We have players with strong track records and skilled individuals you trust.”
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