Cubs forced to weigh desperate options after Daniel Palencia’s bullpen scare

The Chicago Cubs appeared to dodge a serious injury to closer Daniel Palencia. Palencia was forced to leave his outing against the Washington Nationals on Sunday with what appeared to be a concerning shoulder injury. While Craig Counsell didn't expect the 25-year-old flamethrower to land on the IL initially, that was indeed the move the Cubs made on Monday.

As dominant as Palencia was during the first half of the season, the other shoe appears to be dropping as the Cubs inch closer to the end of the season. Palencia had an ERA of 1.51 through his first 34 and 1/3 innings pitched this season, but his last 16 innings pitched have told a different story. Palencia is carrying an ERA of 5.94 during the second half, and before the injury on Sunday, it seemed that Craig Counsell was getting ready to give the first-year closer some days off as a way to reset.

Cubs bullpen could get a shocking shakeup after Palencia scare

The circumstances with Palencia have led to some second-guessing over the Cubs not being involved in the frenzy that was high-leverage relief pitchers on the move at the trade deadline, and it has led to an even more important question: Who takes over as the team's closer?

Brad Keller

The first man up would likely be Brad Keller. Keller has been the unsung hero of the Cubs' bullpen this season, posting an ERA of 2.17 in 60 appearances. Given the added velocity and ability to miss bats that Keller has demonstrated this season, Keller is a natural fit to take over for Palencia as the team's closer.

Porter Hodge

In his return to the Cubs' bullpen, Porter Hodge has flashed signs of being the reliever many Cubs fans wanted to be closer at the start of the season. Hodge has only allowed 1 run in his first 4 appearances since being recalled on August 31, and his struck out 6 of the 16 batters he has faced.

Andrew Kittredge

Andrew Kittredge feels like the "in case of an emergency, break glass" option for the Cubs and their closer problem. Inconsistency has defined Kittredge's time with the Cubs since the trade deadline, and it feels like he is better served in middle relief.

Michael Soroka

If there were a way for Michael Soroka to provide some validation of Jed Hoyer's questionable decision to trade for him, it would be to emerge as a lockdown option in the bullpen. It's an idea that shouldn't be scoffed at. Soroka posted an ERA of 2.75 in 36 innings pitched last season out of the bullpen, striking out 39 percent of the hitters he faced.

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