Daniel Palencia nearing return from IL, but Cubs will be ‘flexible’ while Jacob Webb shines as go-to reliever
<p><b>Daniel Palencia</b> is nearing a return from the injured list.</p><p>But that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be stepping right back into his role as the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs" >Cubs</a>’ closer.</p><p>Righty <b>Jacob Webb</b> has been terrific as the team’s closer/go-to reliever in games’ biggest moments. He has a 2.49 ERA and has been on a roll lately, without a run allowed in his last 18 appearances, including back-to-back 1-2-3 ninths in wins over the juggernaut Dodgers on Tuesday and Wednesday.</p><p>But perhaps independent of Webb’s success, whether the fireballing Palencia is destined to retake his place in the ninth inning or not, the Cubs aren’t planning to hand the keys back to someone whose season has been limited to just a handful of games by two IL stays.</p><p>“Initially, when Daniel comes back, we certainly should be flexible with where he pitches and just get him into some appearances,” manager <b>Craig Counsell</b> said Wednesday.
Reported by 1 outlet — Chicago Sun-Times. See all sources ↓
<p><b>Daniel Palencia</b> is nearing a return from the injured list.</p><p>But that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be stepping right back into his role as the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs" >Cubs</a>’ closer.</p><p>Righty <b>Jacob Webb</b> has been terrific as the team’s closer/go-to reliever in games’ biggest moments. He has a 2.49 ERA and has been on a roll lately, without a run allowed in his last 18 appearances, including back-to-back 1-2-3 ninths in wins over the juggernaut Dodgers on Tuesday and Wednesday.</p><p>But perhaps independent of Webb’s success, whether the fireballing Palencia is destined to retake his place in the ninth inning or not, the Cubs aren’t planning to hand the keys back to someone whose season has been limited to just a handful of games by two IL stays.</p><p>“Initially, when Daniel comes back, we certainly should be flexible with where he pitches and just get him into some appearances,” manager <b>Craig Counsell</b> said Wednesday. “If we get to a place where we’re getting a little bit more defined [with roles], great. But certainly, when he comes back, we’re going to be flexible.”</p><p>Palencia has logged only 16 2/3 innings, much of his summer wiped out by elbow inflammation that’s sidelined him since mid June.</p><p>Palencia’s return is near, though not exactly imminent.
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- What's the story?
- <p><b>Daniel Palencia</b> is nearing a return from the injured list.</p><p>But that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be stepping right back into his role as the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs" >Cubs</a>’ closer.</p><p>Righty <b>Jacob Webb</b> has been terrific as the team’s closer/go-to reliever in games’ biggest moments. He has a 2.49 ERA and has been on a roll lately, without a run allowed in his last 18 appearances, including back-to-back 1-2-3 ninths in wins over the juggernaut Dodgers on Tuesday and Wednesday.</p><p>But perhaps independent of Webb’s success, whether the fireballing Palencia is destined to retake his place in the ninth inning or not, the Cubs aren’t planning to hand the keys back to someone whose season has been limited to just a handful of games by two IL stays.</p><p>“Initially, when Daniel comes back, we certainly should be flexible with where he pitches and just get him into some appearances,” manager <b>Craig Counsell</b> said Wednesday.
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- 1 outlet, average source rating 6.0/10.
- When was it last updated?
- 10m ago.
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Daniel Palencia nearing return from IL, but Cubs will be ‘flexible’ while Jacob Webb shines as go-to reliever
Sources1TypeCoverageChicago Sun-Times