Cubs Closer Daniel Palencia Out with Flexor Strain

Chicago placed right-hand reliever Daniel Palencia on the 15-day injured list on June 16 after an MRI identified a mild flexor strain in his right forearm. The strain followed elbow inflammation noted after the Cubs’ June 15 victory over the Colorado Rockies. Manager Craig Counsell said Palencia will not throw during the team’s road trip, which ends June 28, and that a gradual ramp-up could start as early as June 29, with a possible July return.

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Palencia, 26, debuted for Chicago on July 4, 2023, becoming the first Cub pitcher to win his first MLB start in extra innings. In 2026 he has appeared in 19 games, posting a 2.70 ERA with 19 strikeouts over 16 2/3 innings and three saves. This follows an April oblique strain that placed him on the injured list earlier in the season.

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• ERA (2026): 2.70

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• Strikeouts: 19 in 16 2/3 innings (1.08 K/IP)

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• Fastball velocity: 99 mph (99th percentile)

Sports Illustrated

Counsell said Palencia “recovered great” after the initial inflammation but displayed atypical body language, prompting a precautionary rest. He added that the club’s medical staff confirmed the flexor strain and that the pitcher will be kept off the mound for the remainder of the road trip before a controlled ramp-up.

ESPN

The Cubs, third in the NL East at 40-36, now rely on a “closer-by-committee” approach. The bullpen will be without Palencia for a seven-game road stretch that includes a June 22 series at New York and a matchup with division rival Milwaukee later in the week. The loss of a 99-mph arm could affect late-inning stability as Chicago seeks to sustain its recent offensive surge.

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June 15 – Palencia’s last appearance (14 of 20 pitches were strikes, three strikeouts). June 16 – placed on the 15-day IL. June 22 – Cubs begin a seven-game road trip at Citi Field against the Mets. June 28 – road trip ends; Palencia remains on rest. June 29 – earliest date for a ramp-up. July – projected return to game action.

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Age is reported as 26 in most sources but appears as 48 in one article, suggesting a typographical error. Recovery timing differs: one outlet cites “a little over a week,” while another specifies June 29 as the earliest possible return. The IL placement date is given as June 15 in one account and June 16 in another. No statements from the medical staff are provided, leaving details of the rehabilitation protocol unclear.

ESPN

• “He's shut down from throwing through the road trip, then we'll start ramping back up,” — Craig Counsell, Cubs manager

ESPN

• “I was just concerned with the body language – kind of wasn’t normal.” — Craig Counsell, Cubs manager

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• “The manager shared that the closer was specifically diagnosed as a mild flexor strain.” — Elias Schuster, SI reporter

Sports Illustrated

• “It's been averaging out at 99 mph, giving him a fastball velo that sits in the 99th percentile.” — Elias Schuster, SI reporter

Sports Illustrated