Cubs bullpen now facing a scary reality after sudden Daniel Palencia injury

For the second time this season, Daniel Palencia is headed to the IL. Ahead of their game against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, the Cubs have placed Palencia on the IL with right elbow inflammation.

It's been an odd season for Palencia, considering he's looked impressive, but has only been limited to three saves. While Palencia did suffer an oblique injury earlier this season, his previous stint on the IL was minimal. Still, given the nature of the Cubs' season, he's only made 19 appearances through the first two and half months of the season.

Even when Palencia has been healthy, the Cubs have been cautious with his usage. There's been instances where it's seemed like Palencia should have been used for a multi-inning appearances, and yet, he's never pitched more than an inning this season.

Elbow inflammation can often be a catch-all diagnosis before there's further imaging done. Of course, the Cubs haven't had the best of luck with elbow injuries this year, considering Cade Horton will likely be sidelined through most of the 2027 season and Justin Steele is just now resuming his throwing program after a previous setback.

Cubs don't have a clear Daniel Palencia replacement

Adding to the concern of Palencia's injury is the fact that the Cubs don't have a clear replacement to serve as the team's closer. Entering the season, Phil Maton likely would have been at the top of that list, but he's sporting an ERA of 6.08. Given how Maton has struggled in high-leverage opportunities this season, it's hard to imagine he will get the first opportunity to serve as the Cubs' closer in Palencia's absence.

Hunter Harvey does have closer experience but remains sidelined with a triceps injury. The veteran is at the team's spring training complex in Arizona, but there's been no update on when he will restart his throwing program.

Even Caleb Thielbar shouldn't be viewed as an obvious choice. Chances are that Craig Counsell will play the matchup game. With how the Cubs' bullpen is constructed, and Ben Brown now thriving in the starting rotation, a revolving door for the ninth is the unfortunate reality the Cubs will be living for the next couple of weeks.

Gavin Hollowell has been an up-and-down arm for the Cubs in recent years, flashing signs of being an effective swing-and-miss arm out of the bullpen. The issue has been his command. Even with Iowa Cubs this season, he's striking out 36% of the hitters he's faced, but walking over 18%.

Not ideal times for the Cubs' bullpen as the team, as a whole, tries to get their season back on track.

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