Chicago Cubs Grapple with Bullpen Challenges Amid Palencia’s Injury

The Chicago Cubs are facing challenges in their bullpen following the news of closer Daniel Palencia’s mild flexor strain in his right arm, which will keep him from pitching for over a week. Manager Craig Counsell shared this update before the Cubs went up against the Toronto Blue Jays during a game at Wrigley Field. Later that day, the Cubs experienced firsthand the impact of losing Palencia as their bullpen failed to maintain a five-run lead, conceding eight runs in the seventh and eighth innings, leading to an 8-6 defeat.

A combination of pitchers, Trent Thornton, Caleb Thielbar, and Jacob Webb, contributed to the collapse by allowing eight runs over 1 2/3 innings. Counsell commented on the bullpen’s poor performance, stating, “We didn’t have a good day in the bullpen. (Starter) Colin (Rea) pitched great, definitely put us in a position to win. When you have three guys kind of have bad days, then we gave up a lot of runs because of it. We just didn’t get it done in the bullpen today.”

Palencia’s placement on the injured list on Tuesday due to right elbow inflammation adds to the list of injuries affecting the Cubs pitching staff. The bullpen has suffered significant setbacks, with many of its opening-day pitchers no longer in the rotation. The team has seen changes, such as Colin Rea and Ben Brown joining the rotation, and Hunter Harvey and Palencia added to the injured list.

Phil Maton, a recent offseason acquisition, has been experiencing difficulties. He carries a 5.92 ERA and wasn’t involved in the loss against the Blue Jays. As he navigates through his struggles, he hasn’t been deployed during high-pressure situations lately.

Despite earlier reliance on pitchers like Thornton, Ryan Rolison, and Webb, the team’s bullpen struggles continue. Webb’s performance exemplifies the difficulties being faced. After having a 0.64 ERA in May, Webb’s form has declined, recording an 8.22 ERA in June.

Counsell had planned for Thornton, Thielbar, and Webb to cover the final nine outs of the game after starter Rea retired the first 12 batters he faced. Left-hander Rolison managed an inning-ending double play on one pitch, setting the stage for the relief trio.

The loss highlighted the bullpen’s high ERA of 4.94 in June, coupled with five blown saves and 71 innings pitched. The league’s adjustment to the Cubs’ previously successful pitchers is evident, making the bullpen’s struggles more pronounced. Webb’s account of his performance mirrored the team’s challenges as he allowed three earned runs and two inherited from Thielbar.

Batter Kazuma Okamoto’s three-run homer in the eighth inning deepened the deficit from a tied game to an 8-5 disadvantage. Webb admitted to struggling with execution and emphasized the frustration in trying to correct his mistakes.

Despite the Palencia setback, the MRI results showed no major elbow injury. Additionally, left-hander Matthew Boyd was scheduled for a rehab outing. Counsell aims to work out their pitching dilemmas while relying on their resurgent offense. Pete Crow-Armstrong extended his on-base streak to 23 games with a two-run homer, while Matt Shaw contributed with a three-run homer and a robust .292 average since his return.

Webb emphasized the team’s desire for Palencia’s swift return, acknowledging the current situation. “I think we’d like Danny back as soon as possible, but for right now, we have to play without him until we can get him back,” Webb noted.