Cubs have no plans of changing how they deploy their struggling closer

While the Chicago Cubs look to be near-locks for the postseason at this point, that doesn't mean everything is going swimmingly. Chief among the things that are more than a little concerning is the way that Daniel Palencia has pitched of late.

One issue that has seemingly raised its ugly head is that the Cubs' closer is having some real problems when he comes into a game that is tied in the ninth inning. The last two times he's done it, his team has lost. And that's led some to question whether manager Craig Counsell continues sending in the closer in non-save situations. There's an old-school feeling that closers don't lock in as much when they're not going for the save. Counsell made it clear after Sunday's loss to the Colorado Rockies that he doesn't buy into that.

Craig Counsell explains why Daniel Palencia will keep getting the ninth inning for the Chicago Cubs

Instead, Counsell believes that if adrenaline plays a part in how a closer pitches, there's no reason why keeping the team off the scoreboard in the ninth shouldn't generate plenty of excitement.

"Well, I mean, it's a pretty big spot when the game's tied in the ninth inning," the Chicago Cubs manager explained. "So, you know, he's going to continue to get the ball in those innings. So, yeah, I mean, that's a big spot."

There's still the problem with how Palencia has pitched in "big spots" overall. In 10 1/3 innings pitched in August, the Cubs closer allowed 15 hits, four walks and six earned runs, posting a 5.23 ERA. He's also 1-3 with a blown save.

On the year, his numbers are still, by far, the best he's put up in his short big-league career: a 2.20 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 49 appearances, including 22 saves. But there's no question that the Cubs need him to iron out his recent issues before the end of the season because he's a key piece for a team with hopes of making a postseason run.

Without any real alternatives to close games out the rest of the way, Counsell and the Cubs will have to hope that Palencia can hit the reset button now that September is here. His manager isn't changing the way he's used anytime soon.