The Chicago Cubs learned that their closer, Daniel Palencia, has a mild flexor strain in his right arm. He will not throw for more than a week, affecting the team’s bullpen strategy.
“We’re looking through the road trip and then we’ll start ramping it up a little bit,” said manager Craig Counsell before Saturday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Wrigley Field.
The absence of Palencia was felt as the Cubs bullpen faltered, squandering a five-run lead and allowing eight runs in the seventh and eighth innings, leading to an 8-6 loss. In a disastrous sequence, Trent Thornton, Caleb Thielbar, and Jacob Webb allowed eight runs in just 1 2/3 innings.
“We didn’t have a good day in the bullpen,” Counsell stated. “Colin Rea pitched great, definitely put us in a position to win. But three guys had bad days, resulting in a loss due to bullpen struggles.”
Palencia, on the injured list since Tuesday due to right elbow inflammation, adds to the injury concerns affecting the Cubs pitching staff. Half of the opening-day bullpen is unavailable by late June. Rea and Ben Brown are now in the rotation, while Hunter Harvey (right triceps inflammation) and Palencia remain sidelined.
Phil Maton, signed in the offseason, carries a 5.92 ERA and did not pitch Saturday. Challenges in bullpen management have emerged, with Webb’s earlier success declining as the season progresses.
Counsell had strategically planned assignments for Thornton, Thielbar, and Webb after left-hander Ryan Rolison induced an inning-ending double play.
“We’re going to try to get in that same spot tomorrow,” Counsell said. “Whether it’s a 5-0 lead in the sixth or a 5-3 lead in the eighth, we aim to recreate those circumstances.”
The Cubs bullpen has been inconsistent, carrying a 4.94 ERA in June, blowing five saves, and pitching 71 innings. Adjustments are necessary as Webb demonstrates struggles, with an ERA of 8.22 in June compared to 0.64 in May.
Webb explained, “I didn’t execute. Mistakes have been frequent, and it’s frustrating. Back to the drawing board to figure things out.”
The MRI results for Palencia were encouraging, showing no major injury. Left-hander Matthew Boyd prepared for a rehab outing, trying to recover and assist the bullpen.
The Cubs’ urgency persists due to their offensive potential. Pete Crow-Armstrong, hitting his 16th home run, extended his streak to 23 games. Matt Shaw, fresh from the injured list, exhibits a .292 batting average and a .954 OPS.
Counsell and the team await Palencia’s return, aiming to overcome current bullpen challenges.
Andy Martinez contributes as a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.