Overview
- The Cubs placed closer Daniel Palencia on the 15-day injured list Friday after tightness followed a bullpen session, with Craig Counsell open to imaging if symptoms persist.
- Chicago filled the active roster spot by calling up right-hander Corbin Martin and opened a 40-man slot by moving starter Cade Horton to the 60-day injured list.
- Counsell has not named a single replacement for the ninth inning, and internal options under consideration include Ben Brown, Caleb Thielbar, Hoby Milner and Jacob Webb.
- The move deepens a pitching crunch that already includes Hunter Harvey and Phil Maton on the IL and Porter Hodge out for the season, with top prospect Jaxon Wiggins sidelined by elbow inflammation.
- Palencia’s loss stings because he broke out as closer in 2025 with 22 saves and a 2.91 ERA, starred for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, and had not allowed a run yet this season.