Craig Counsell delivers mixed Cubs injury update on Edward Cabrera and Daniel Palencia

The impression from Edward Cabrera's recent minor-league rehab start was that he was ready to rejoin the Chicago Cubs' pitching staff. While having too much pitching is never a bad thing, short of another injury, Cabrera's return likely will lead to the Cubs making a difficult roster decision.

After the trade deadline, roster gymnastics were inevitable for the Cubs. Between the arrivals of Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes, and the potential return of up to seven pitchers from injury before October, Craig Counsell and Co. are going to make some uncomfortable decisions in the coming weeks, if not, days.

Counsell did confirm that a decision is close to being needed for Cabrera, but considering he pitched on Tuesday night, the Cubs can push it out another day or two. As for Daniel Palencia, the results during his minor-league rehab assignment have been mixed, and the impression is he will have a few more appearances before returning to the Cubs.

Edward Cabrera could give the Cubs the postseason weapon they lacked last year

With how the front office operated at the deadline, it's clear that last year's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers during the NLDS was an important moment. Not only were the Cubs unable to lineup their starting rotation to their preference, they lacked options in the bullpen. Sure, the Cubs had healthy arms available, but nothing like what the Brewers had at their disposal.

That is why, despite his previous struggles this season, Cabrera could still have an important role for the Cubs moving forward. He may not have a concrete role in the starting rotation, but he provides the Cubs with the type of weapon they didn't have available to the pitching staff last October.

Cabrera has pitched nine scoreless innings over his last two minor-league rehab starts, striking out 15 while only giving up one hit. His fastball returned to the upper-90s, and it was a reminder of the the pitcher the Cubs fell in love with while he was with the Miami Marlins. If that is the version of Cabrera the Cubs have coming back, that becomes a huge development for the postseason pitching staff.

The story for Palencia is little more concerning. In tick over 2 innings of work across three appearances, Palencia has walked six while giving up five runs. Nothing about his outings have suggested that he's particularly close to being ready.

Fortunately, the wealth of options the Cubs should have in the coming weeks does allow for a cautious approach with Palencia. The goal should be making sure he's ready by October, considering that is when he will be needed most.

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