Chicago Cubs Minor League Recap: Kevin Alcantara isn't the only top prospect mashing

Pitcher of the Week

Daniel Palencia 

RHP (Triple-A Iowa Cubs)

2 G, 4.2 IP, 1.93 ERA, 3 H, 0BB, 7 K

Not only is Palencia’s stat line good, but it’s also intriguing. Last season, the Cubs fast-tracked Palencia through the minors to get him to the majors as soon as possible to help a mightily struggling bullpen. 

Prior to last season, Palencia had only been a starter, so the move was a little short-sighted but he pitched well out of the bullpen and looked like a potential late-inning player with a little more seasoning. 

He was sent down to Triple-A Iowa last week and we didn’t expect that demotion to last too long, but considering he started the game in one of his two appearances this week, there’s reason to believe that the Cubs may not have fully let the idea of him as a starter go. 

He pitched very well in his start. He only allowed two hits and no walks over 2.2 innings pitched while striking out six. Unfortunately for him, one of those two hits was a solo homer, so he did allow a run, but if the Cubs can add another valuable starter to their system by stretching Palencia back out that wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.