Chicago Cubs
fromBleacher Nation
1 day agoDaniel Palencia Named Cubs Closer, What About the Rest of the Bullpen?
Craig Counsell tapped Daniel Palencia as the Chicago Cubs' closer heading into 2026.
Relief pitcher Daniel Palencia will pitch for Team Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, his agency announced Tuesday. Palencia had an interesting year with the Cubs. He recorded 22 saves during the regular season, but his usage changed drastically in the playoffs. Instead of remaining in the bullpen until the ninth inning, Craig Counsell used him earlier in games.
The Cubs may be looking at going into the postseason without their closer. Daniel Palencia entered the ninth inning of Chicago's game against the Nationals earlier today, but surrendered five runs and was pulled without recording an out. The team termed Palencia's ailment "shoulder tightness" at the time of his removal, but manager Craig Counsell told reporters (including Bruce Levine of 670 The Score) following the game that, more specifically, Palencia was suffering from a posterior capsule strain in his right shoulder.