Cubs finally close to ending bullpen shuffle as veteran DFA clears way for Daniel Palencia

The game of musical chairs that is the Chicago Cubs' bullpen may be close to an end. Ahead of Sunday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Cubs have activated closer Daniel Palencia off the 15-day IL and designated Yacksel Ríos for assignment.

It was close to the minimum stint for Palencia on the IL. Palencia was eligible to be activated last Wednesday, but the Cubs opted to give him an appearance with Triple-A Iowa on Friday. The young closer touched triple digits in the only outing of his minor-league rehab assignment, and clearly was ready for a return to the bullpen.

Daniel Palencia's return to the Cubs arrives at a key moment

The Cubs have been forced to explore different ninth-inning options in Palencia's absence. Caleb Thielbar initially seemed like the go-to for Craig Counsell, but he's currently on the IL with a hamstring strain. Palencia's injury also came at a time when Phil Maton was struggling to find his footing as a high-leverage option for the Cubs, and Hunter Harvey was also on the IL—Ditto for Riley Martin, who had been emerging as a potential high-leverage option before his flexor strain.

Ben Brown recorded a two-inning save on Saturday against the Diamondbacks, so there may have been a question of who would be the closer today in a save situation had Palencia not been activated.

Palencia's return does arrive just ahead of the Cubs' four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds this week. It's an early litmus test for the two teams, considering each team has been near the top of the National League Central in recent weeks. The Cubs play a total of 14 games against division opponents this month, and while it's early, there is some added weight if the North Siders struggle. Highlighting the importance of Palencia's return, as it's a step toward the pitching staff getting healthy.

Yacksel Ríos was out of minor-league options, forcing the Cubs to DFA him instead of simply optioning him. The hope, of course, is that he stays within the organization, but with teams across baseball taking endless gambles on available pitchers, that may not be likely. Ríos had a lone outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers last weekend, pitching a perfect 1 and 2/3 innings while striking out two of the five batters he faced.

With Jed Hoyer recently confirming that the Cubs remain in search of external solutions for their thinning pitching depth, the team now has an open spot on the 40-man roster.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow