"That was Palencia's seventh strikeout over his four innings in the WBC, having allowed zero runs, zero hits, and just one walk. I'm not sure if Palencia will be eligible to pitch in tonight's final (7pm CT on FOX), but I do believe the only limitation on back-to-backs for relievers is if the pitcher goes over 30 pitches."
"Ultimately, after health, it's exactly what you hope for when these guys go to the WBC. For Palencia, you hope it's an opportunity to face some of the best in the world, and then head into the MLB regular season having confirmed all the more to himself that he can pitch against anyone."
Daniel Palencia, a closer for the Chicago Cubs, has had the opportunity to close games for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, a significant achievement given that rosters are loaded with multiple closer-type pitchers who often pitch earlier innings. Palencia delivered an impressive performance with seven strikeouts over four innings, allowing zero runs and zero hits with just one walk, helping Venezuela reach the WBC Final for the first time. Relief pitchers can pitch on consecutive days if they throw fewer than 30 pitches, making it possible Palencia could appear in the final. Such international competition provides valuable experience facing elite hitters and builds confidence heading into the MLB regular season.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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