Chicago Cubs Face Bullpen Challenges Amid Palencia Injury

The Chicago Cubs learned on Saturday morning that Daniel Palencia, their closer, has a mild flexor strain in his right arm. He won’t throw for more than a week. Manager Craig Counsell indicated that they plan to evaluate the situation after the team’s road trip. This development was especially felt later that day when the Cubs bullpen failed to hold a five-run lead, allowing eight runs in the seventh and eighth innings in an 8-6 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays at Wrigley Field.

Three bullpen pitchers, Trent Thornton, Caleb Thielbar, and Jacob Webb, allowed these eight runs in just 1 2/3 innings. Counsell noted their poor bullpen performance and praised starter Colin Rea, who pitched well and positioned the team to win. He emphasized that with multiple pitchers having an off day, they couldn’t secure the victory.

Palencia’s absence due to right elbow inflammation adds to the list of injuries plaguing the Cubs pitching staff. Half of the opening-day bullpen has been disrupted by injuries, altering the pitching dynamics. Rea and Ben Brown have moved into the starting rotation, while Hunter Harvey, also on the injured list, struggles with right triceps inflammation. Additionally, Phil Maton holds a 5.92 ERA and has not been utilized recently in high-leverage situations as he addresses his own struggles.

Despite the challenges, Counsell expressed comfort in the bullpen mix earlier in the season. He felt confident handing a lead over to them. However, recent performances have shaken this trust. The bullpen carries a 4.94 ERA in June, ranking second in most blown saves with five, and has the sixth-highest innings pitched with 71. Jacob Webb, who had success earlier in the season, exemplifies this trend, possessing an 8.22 ERA across eight games in June.

In Saturday’s game, Webb allowed three earned runs and inherited two from Thielbar in the costly eighth inning. A three-run home run by Kazuma Okamoto of the Blue Jays in the eighth turned a tied score into a decisive 8-5 deficit. Webb acknowledged his recent struggles and the need to re-evaluate his approach.

Despite these challenges, there were positive developments for the Cubs. The MRI results for Palencia were promising, showing no significant elbow injury. Further, left-hander Matthew Boyd was set to make a rehab appearance in High A South Bend. On the offensive side, Pete Crow-Armstrong hit his 16th home run of the season, extending his on-base streak to 23 games. Matt Shaw’s performance also stood out, hitting a three-run homer.

Cubs relief pitcher Webb emphasized the importance of playing without Palencia for the time being and expressed hope for his swift return. With the offense gaining momentum, resolving pitching issues is increasingly urgent for the team.

Andy Martinez, a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune, provided coverage for this game.