Cubs Injury Update: Daniel Palencia return timeline, Porter Hodge surgery, Phil Maton and Hunter Harvey

Craig Counsell seemingly has settled on Caleb Thielbar serving as the Chicago Cubs' closer while Daniel Palencia remains sidelined. Thielbar has two saves over the past week and remains in Counsell's circle of trust. Palencia's return timeline was updated by Counsell earlier this week.

Palencia was initially diagnosed with an oblique strain, which carries a non-linear timeline in terms of recovery. The Cubs acted with immediate caution when Palencia reported discomfort after a bullpen session over the weekend, and the MRI confirmed it was a lat strain.

It would seem there is a chance that Palencia returns after his 15-day designation is up. The Cubs leave for the West Coast after Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. If Palencia is cleared for a bullpen session before they play the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night, there remains a chance that he can return without the need of a minor-league rehab assignment.

Considering the pitching staff has been decimated with injuries, the Cubs certainly need Palencia at the backend of the rotation. That being said, in April, caution will still be at the center of how the Cubs handle their current injuries.

Cubs Injury Update: Porter Hodge's recovery timeline revealed

While Cade Horton underwent Tommy John surgery, Porter Hodge needed UCL reconstruction surgery with an internal brace. It's similar to the surgery Justin Steele had last year, and the Cubs have estimated his return in 12-14 months.

Even before the injury, it appeared that Hodge had fallen out of favor with the organization. Hodge was once viewed as the future closer in the Cubs' bullpen, but struggled with a dip in velocity and command in recent years. The Cubs are never going to discard pitching depth, but it's hard to imagine Hodge being anything more than an up-and-down arm for the organization upon his return.

Cubs Injury Update: Phil Maton and Hunter Harvey nearing a return

The Cubs extended beyond their comfort zone during the offseason with respective deals for Phil Maton and Hunter Harvey. Neither deal reset the market for free-agent relievers, but the Cubs were willing to give Maton a multi-year deal and hand over $6 million to an oft-injured Harvey.

Both veterans landed on the IL within the first three weeks of the season and are now making their way back. Maton has been facing live hitters in recent bullpen sessions, and it would seem that a minor-league rehab assignment could be the next step. Not only to ensure his health, but for the Cubs and Maton to confirm his mechanics are in sync.

Harvey is a step behind Maton and will resume his throwing program on Friday. Between the need for live bullpen sessions and a minor-league rehab assignment, it would seem like the 31-year-old is still a few weeks away from returning.

Thanks to the starting rotation, the Cubs' pitching staff has found stability, but the bullpen will need to get healthy for the team to truly be functioning as the season progresses.

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