Chicago Cubs reliever Daniel Palencia is back with the team after being activated from the 60-day injured list ahead of Friday’s matchup with the Seattle Mariners.
The hard-throwing right-hander announced his return on Instagram with a reference to his entrance song, “Gasolina,” before the Cubs officially reinstated him and optioned Javier Assad to Triple-A Iowa.
Palencia has dealt with multiple injuries this season, including a left oblique strain in April and a right elbow flexor strain in June.
After completing a five-game minor-league rehab assignment, the 26-year-old returned to the Cubs’ bullpen hoping to regain the dominant form that made him Chicago’s primary closer last season.
The righty made an immediate impact in his first game back, throwing a scoreless seventh inning in Chicago’s 6-5, 10-inning loss to Seattle.
He needed only 10 pitches to record a groundout and two strikeouts while averaging 98.9 mph on his fastball.
Before his injury issues, Palencia had posted a 2.70 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 16⅔ innings across 19 appearances this season.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell plans to ease Palencia back into regular action before returning him to high-leverage situations.
Jacob Webb currently holds the closer role, while Javier Assad was sent to Triple-A primarily for depth purposes despite his strong 2.24 ERA since May.
Palencia, who recorded 22 saves and a 2.91 ERA last season, said he is ready to accept whatever role Chicago gives him as he works toward becoming a trusted late-inning weapon again.
