Cubs' bullpen continues to answer the call in Daniel Palencia's absence

When Chicago Cubs closer Daniel Palencia went down with an injury last weekend, the rest of the bullpen knew it was time for an "all hands on deck" situation. So far, so good in that respect.

The Cubs opened the week with questions about how the bullpen would hold up without its closer. In the series against the Atlanta Braves, that group stepped up big time, being especially dominant in Chicago's final two wins of the series.

In Friday's opener against Tampa Bay at Wrigley, it was more of the same. After an uncharacteristically 'meh' start from Matthew Boyd (5 IP, 4 ER), Porter Hodge, Drew Pomeranz, Brad Keller and Andrew Kittredge slammed the door to give the Cubs a series-opening win over the Rays.

Chicago Cubs keep leaning heavily on their relievers late in the year

That effort came on the heels of Wednesday's series-clinching win, when the pen had to step up in Jameson Taillon's return to the rotation after the starter couldn't get through the fifth inning. When Cubs manager Craig Counsell turned to his relievers, they answered the call in spades, throwing 4 2/3 innings, allowing only one hit and no runs. After the game, Counsell made sure to give them their props.

"That’s 15 hitters and 14 outs. Man, that’s just a heck of a job by everybody."

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Cubs relievers combined for 7 1/3 innings pitched while allowing just one hit, no walks, no runs, and striking out a whopping 12 batters. Aaron Civale wasn't nearly as locked in on Monday afternoon. Still, he was solid enough, throwing a pair of innings and allowing two hits and an earned run.

In total, the Chicago Cubs bullpen has allowed just one run, three hits, hasn't walked a soul, and struck out 15 batters in 13 1/3 innings pitched so far this week. It's been a heavy workload for a group that doesn't yet have an established plan to take over for Palencia. So far, the rest of the pen has definitely answered the call.